How to choose a car seat
For any parent, the safety of their child comes first. It is for this purpose that child car seats serve. How to choose a car seat for your baby, what little things should you pay attention to? Let's talk about this topic today.
How to choose a car seat
Any car seats intended for children, according to international standards, are divided into five categories according to the weight of the baby. It is the mass that is considered the main parameter for the classification of car seats.
So, the main categories of classification are as follows:
- Group 0 is assigned to babies weighing 0-10 kg. In such a chair, the child lies, secured by a soft belt of sufficient width. As an extra, there is a protection for the child's head and comfortable fastening straps.
- Group 0+ is used for older babies weighing 0-13 kg. These seats are attached with your back to the driver. They can be adjusted to the inclination of the backrest and can be used as a carrycot or carrier.
- Group 1 is used for children weighing from 9 to 18 kg. It is customary to install such devices from the back facing the movement of the car. In them, several positions of the backrest tilt are possible, so that the child, if necessary, can sleep in such a car seat.
- Group 2 is intended for children weighing 15-25 kg. Such car seats provide for the gradual abandonment of the internal car seat belts and the transition to external ones. Over time, the backrest of such car seats is removed.
- Group 3 applies to children from 22 to 36 kg. These models are designed as a special seat, which makes it possible to use adult seat belts for fastening a child.
- If you want to save money, then buy a convertible car seat. It can be used for children of different weights and ages, starting from 1 year old.
Choosing a car seat: tips
A car seat is a very important element of the child's safety, therefore, when choosing it, we advise you to pay attention to the following important points:
- First, remember that the car seat must be appropriate for the child's age and weight. Therefore, you must know exactly the weight of your baby before purchasing this device.
- It is best to go to the store with your child. After all, you are purchasing a car seat for a baby and he should feel comfortable in it. In an uncomfortable car seat, the baby is coming soon capricious and the driver will be distracted from the road.
- A car seat designed for a small child should change the angle of the backrest so that he can comfortably sleep.
- Choose a car seat that has undergone the European test cycle. This is evidenced by the marking on the car seat in the form of ECE R44 / 03 or ECE R44 / 04.
- It is very important to carefully examine the seat belts. They must be five-point or Y-shaped. Such models of belts best protect the child from injury and all kinds of damage in the event of an accident.
- The fabric pad next to the buckle in the crotch area of the child must have sufficient elasticity and width.
- Before purchasing, study the results of crash tests and reviews on the Internet about various models of car seats.
Car seat for children: reviews
Every year more and more models of car seats for children appear on store shelves. Quite naturally, the question arises as to which model to give preference to. So, according to customer reviews, the top three were formed.
The third place was taken by the car seat of the Polish manufacturer Espiro, model Omega FX. This seat has a high degree of safety, which has been confirmed by crash tests, is attractive in design and is comfortable for the child. This model costs about 9,400 rubles.
The buyers gave the second place to the Aton Basic car seat from the German company Cybex. This model features a special headrest design that provides maximum protection for the child. Side protection is reinforced, there are comfortable armrests. In addition, the back of the car seat can be tilted in several positions. The upholstery of this model can be removed for cleaning and washing. This model costs about 7800 rubles.
In the first place among buyers was the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix chair made in the Netherlands. This model is designed for the smallest travelers and offers increased comfort and safety. The cost of this model is about 14,000 rubles.
