The lightest car seats of group 0/0+

Are you planning to pick up your long-awaited baby from the maternity hospital by car? In this regard, it is worth making sure that the very first road in the little man’s life is safe for him.

The children's goods market offers many models of infant carriers for transporting infants. Recommendations for choosing a much-needed product will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing and save time.

How to choose the right car seat for newborns?

A car seat is a special car seat for transporting infants who cannot sit up independently. Design features of the product: orthopedic shape of the inner surface; durable body; seat belts.

All the huge number of models are divided into two groups according to the way the child is positioned:

Group 0. In this type of bassinet, the baby is placed in a lying position.
Group 0+. In them, the baby is placed reclining: the legs are slightly raised, bolsters are placed under the back and neck. This category refers to car seats, differing from them in the carrying handle and the ability to fix them on the stroller chassis.

Manufacturers set a child weight limit of up to 13 kg (sometimes 10) and an upper age limit of 1 – 1.3 years for both categories. In practice, children outgrow the classic cradle by 6 months.

Car seat or car seat for newborns: which is better?

Before comparing the two devices, we should remember the unique proportions of the body and skeleton of infants:

insufficient bone stiffness;
predominance of cartilaginous tissue in the skeleton;
the weight of the head makes up a fifth of the total mass - this, with a thin neck with poorly developed muscles, creates a danger of injury even with a sharp shake in the arms;
respiratory processes in infants are imperfect, they depend on the position of the body.

Based on the above, it is easier to assess the risks and benefits of transporting a newborn in two different safety devices.

Body position during the trip

The cradle is designed for the horizontal position of the baby: it is the most physiological until the age of six months. When the child lies down, breathing is not obstructed due to the lowered chin, and there is no pressure on the weak spine. In a car seat, a baby up to 6 months is reclining, at an angle of 30 - 45° to the horizontal. Comfort for a newborn is somewhat reduced, but it is quite sufficient.

Age limits

A car seat is only applicable during the first six months of life if the child’s weight does not exceed 9 kg and height is 70 cm (although there are options for larger children). A baby up to 15 months with a body weight of 13 kg and a height of 75 cm feels comfortable in the “0 + 1” car seat.

Placement in the cabin and fixation

The cradle is positioned perpendicular to the movement of the car and secured to the rear seat with a standard belt. The child is secured in the car seat with its internal straps. A similar fixation is provided by the design of the car seat, but it is positioned against the movement. Disadvantage of a car seat: it takes up more space in the cabin.

Safety

Considering the orientation of the cradle perpendicular to the movement of the car, it should be noted that in the event of a frontal impact this is more dangerous for the head (even though it is not fixed in any way) and neck. These injuries are typical for 70% of accidents.

A newborn sitting in a chair is better protected from emergency braking: if the chair is optimally tilted, the child’s head will not fall down and there will be no neck fracture. To adjust the angle of inclination, special rollers or strands of towels are placed under the car seat. On the sides of the back of the device there are side stops to hold the head.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that a car seat provides a higher level of safety for a newborn, and a short stay in a semi-sitting position is not harmful to the spine. If the mother still doubts the comfort of the chair, or there are medical restrictions, then it is better to buy a car seat.

How to choose a good and safe baby carrier? Is an electronic swing necessary for newborn babies? How to choose them?

Techniques and options for wide swaddling of newborns - https://klubmama.ru/sovety-roditelyam/uxod-za-novorozhdennymi/shirokoe-pelenanie-detej.html. Read the link.

Types of infant carriers for newborns

There are both classic models designed to transport children up to 6 months, and universal car seats that can be used to transport older passengers.

In addition, cradles are classified according to the method of fixation:

Fastening in the direction of travel of the vehicle.
Fixation in the opposite direction. It is considered the safest way to transport young children.
Combined fixation. The type of attachment changes as the child grows. This method of fixation is convenient, but most parents purchase 2 separate chairs.
Fixation with a seat belt. The cradle is installed sideways and can carry passengers under 6 months of age.

Standard models

This option is suitable for children weighing up to 10 kg. The classic car seat is not intended for transporting children older than 6 months. The backrest is always in a horizontal position, which is convenient for newborns who can only ride while lying down.

Universal

Such models are used from birth to 1.5 years. The chair can support children weighing up to 20 kg. The backrest tilt is adjustable from completely horizontal to vertical.

How to choose the best car seat for a newborn?

There are a number of requirements for a protective device for a newborn.

Reliability of the design and strength of the housing. The car seat will withstand the load in an accident if the body is made of impact-resistant plastic. To avoid injuring the child, all fasteners, handles and other removable elements must be well secured.
Internal straps. The safest are five-point harnesses that hold the baby by the shoulders, waist and crotch. It is better if the belts are equipped with soft pads.
Ergonomics. The baby's body should occupy the most physiological position in the cradle so that there is no harm to the spine. The best models have safety certificates - they confirm that the design of the product has been approved by orthopedists.
Mounting method in the car. There are two options: fixing the car seat with seat belts (directly or through a special base); through the Isofix system (using bases with locks). The first method is more universal.
Comfort. In addition to a comfortable position, this concept includes environmentally friendly finishing material, the presence of headrests, bolsters under the neck and head, and a protective visor.
European certificate of conformity ECE R44/04 or GOST R41.44-2005. A product certified according to European standards must undergo crash tests and meet all safety standards.

Important to remember! To ensure the authenticity of the certificate, you can consult the crash test tables. The most famous expert is the ADAC car club, which annually tests car seats entering the market and publishes the test results on its website. The ECE label must include complete information about the infant carrier: name, type of fastening, presence of 5-point harnesses (designation Y), child weight, certification country code.

Popular models of infant carriers

Car seat ROMERBaby-SafeSLEEPER (Germany). It belongs to group 0 and is used to transport a child weighing up to 13 kg in the range from 0 to 15 months. This is possible thanks to the increased internal dimensions: 90 x 43 x 62 cm (height indicated with the top up). Product weight – 7 kg. The car seat is used for walking if you install it using a special adapter on the chassis of Britax-Romer strollers.

The device is attached to the car with two standard three-point belts. The baby's immobility in the car seat is ensured using internal three-point belts with fabric pads.

Pros of the model:

the strength of the frame and internal upholstery ensures maximum absorption of kinetic energy in a collision;
handle - additional protective arc during a side impact;
horizontal position of the backrest – it is adjustable and controlled;
removable inner liner - it plays the role of support for the child’s body;
the upholstery and liner are made of breathable hypoallergenic material, easy to machine wash on a delicate cycle;
compliance with ECE-R44/04 standard

The price of the car seat is 19,000 - 20,000 rubles.

Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix baby carrier. It can be used if the child is not older than one year and weighs no more than 13 kg. The model is installed according to the type of car seat - rear-facing, in the back or front seat. Mounting options in the car: with three-point standard belts or installation on the EasyFix base using the EasyBase belt system (the second option is more reliable).

Pros of carrying:

spacious;
easy to attach;
lightweight - weighs only 3.25 kg;
has increased sides for head support and side impact protection;
handle - protection against frontal impact;
there is a centralized system for tensioning internal belts;
complies with ECE-R44/04 standard.

Maxi-Cosi Pebble Baby Carrier. This is a more universal modification of the previous model. Its special feature is the ability to install not only on the EasyFix base, but also on FamilyFix. The second option is used for attachment to vehicles equipped with the IsoFix system.

The price of an improved carrier is from 16 to 20 thousand rubles.

If you purchase the FamilyFix base (price 15 – 19 thousand rubles), it will also be useful for installing chairs for the next age cycle (from 9 to 18 kg). The device not only connects to the IsoFix system, but is also equipped with a support leg that rests on the floor of the car. With FamilyFix, the infant carrier is installed in a few seconds using a button, while ensuring high reliability of fastening and correct position. The base parameters are in accordance with the ECE-R44/04 standard.

Carrycot for newborns BOB (USA). It is intended for infants up to 9 months of age. Internal dimensions: 74 x 32 x 20 cm. Weight 3.5 kg. This universal product is installed on the chassis of strollers. The model is switched to car seat mode using built-in adapters inserted into adapters for the BOB car seat (they are purchased separately).

The price of the BOB cradle is 7,750 rubles.

Important to remember! By buying a stroller with a car seat, you will save a lot of money. But pay special attention to the compliance of the removable cradle with safety criteria: this is often neglected. Most of these infant carrier products do not pass crash tests.

How to choose a car seat for a newborn? | Feature overview | Criterias of choice

Parents who are choosing their child's first car seat are often overwhelmed by the abundance of information. Is this feature really important? What should you pay attention to first? This situation occurs in many areas - from purchasing household appliances to building a house. Only by studying each question in detail can you buy something the first time that really suits all parameters and will delight you for many years of use.

In this article we will try to describe the main features and differences of Cybex child car seats for newborns, what functions you should pay attention to, what each of them affects and how to choose the optimal model specifically for your needs. In the line of Cybex and CBX car seats for newborns, there are up to 8 models at a time, with different functions and different prices - from the simplest and most affordable to the top-end folding models. Let us highlight the main functions and points that distinguish one infant carrier from another.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a chair for a newborn?

— assessment in crash tests — position of the child in the car seat — fastening the seat in the car — possibility of installation on an Isofix base — installation on the chassis of a stroller — appearance and materials used — weight of the car seat — lateral protection of the child — unique functions

Crash test rating

One of the most important arguments when choosing a child car seat. Every year, independent testing organizations conduct safety tests. comfort, ease of use and content of harmful substances in child car seats. The most famous and authoritative are the crash tests of child car seats from the German organization ADAC. Twice a year, experts test new popular models in several tests and with dummies of different weight categories. Of all the Cybex carriers, the majority participated in these tests and received excellent results.

Position of the child in the car seat

With baby carriers, there is always a compromise in terms of the position of the child inside. On the one hand, the more “sedentary” the child is seated, the better for safety, since the baby in these chairs travels backwards and it is the tilt of the seat back that keeps the child in the chair in critical situations. On the other hand, the more recumbent the child’s position in the chair, the more comfortable the baby is and the calmer the parents are, because many worry that a newborn child is in a semi-sitting position for a long time. But the more horizontal the child is in the seat, the more difficult it is to make the seat safe, and this is precisely the difference between high-quality car seats and cheaper ones - to ensure both safety and a comfortable position at the same time.

When choosing Cybex bassinets, you should pay attention to the size and design of the insert for newborns. Now all chairs of group 0+ (from birth to about one year) from Cybex are made with an insert; it is present in all models, but differs slightly in size, shape and the angle created inside the car seat. Some models have a function for completely horizontal position of the child, but it can not be used while moving. We'll tell you more about this in the Unique Features section below.

It would not be amiss to say that some manufacturers continue to produce seats without an internal liner that smoothes the inner corner of the car seat, and such car seats are extremely difficult to use for newborn children, since the internal angle between the seat and the backrest reaches 45 degrees.

Securing the seat in the car

We decided to make this point separately, since not everyone who chooses a car seat for the first time understands how it is attached to the car. There are two ways to install the seat - using a standard car seat belt and using a special base, which is purchased separately, placed on the car seat and the car seat is attached on top of it. All bases for Cybex car seats produced today are installed on the Isofix system, which is discussed in more detail in the next paragraph.

Having purchased any child car seat for newborns from Cybex, you can simply secure it using a standard seat belt, threading it through three special guides on the body of the seat.

Possibility of installation on an Isofix base

You can install the seat in a car not only using a seat belt, but also using the Isofix system - a rigid metal mount directly to the car body. For this purpose, special Isofix bases are used, which are sold both separately and as a set with car seats for newborns. These bases are installed in the car and are constantly on the seat.

Using an Isofix base provides several advantages: - when installing a seat in a car, you do not need to fiddle with the seat belt, you just need to put the seat on the base, it’s very quick and simple - the risk of incorrectly installing the seat is reduced, since the Isofix fastening is more difficult to secure with an error - the seat, installed on Isofix is more stable - on some Isofix bases you can install a car seat of the next age group 0+1

The disadvantages of Isofix bases include their rather high cost.

Installation on a stroller chassis

For active parents, it will be useful if the car seat can be installed on the chassis of the stroller - this is very convenient and practical, since an older child together with the car seat weighs quite a lot and it is much easier to put the chair on a stroller, turning it into the so-called Travel System.

Appearance and materials used

Everything here is simple and natural - the more expensive the chair, the more modern and aesthetically pleasing it looks. But this does not apply to the quality of the materials used. All Cybex car seats successfully pass certification and independent tests for the content of harmful substances. Depending on the line, Platinum, Gold or Silver, in which the chair is produced, different materials, fabrics and design techniques will be used in it. For example, the Platinum series uses brushed aluminum inserts, and you can also choose colors from the Plus series - denser and similar to denim.

Car seat weight

Any infant carrier will need to be carried with the child to the car. The dead weight of the chair differs slightly from model to model, but there are still differences. Typically, more expensive models with many features weigh more, while simple, basic chairs weigh less.

Lateral child protection

Here it is worth paying attention to the additional side protection of the car seat. All models of Cybex car seats use the LSP System side protection system, thanks to which the energy of a side impact is evenly distributed throughout the entire bowl. In some models this protection is more pronounced, with external, retractable elements.

Unique Features

In addition to the most important and common functions, car seats contain unusual, unique ones that distinguish them from all other models. As a rule, such functionality is present in the newest models - in the Smybex Platinum line. For example, the Cybex Cloud Z i Size car seat, a detailed review of which is on the blog, is distinguished by the ability to choose the fabric from which the seat cover will be made (Plus series fabric), the unique function of rotating the car seat on an isofix base, as well as the ability to recline the seat almost horizontally position while walking or stopping.

You can buy Cybex car seats and strollers, as well as compare all types of fabrics and colors live in our retail store of Cybex children's car seats in Moscow or order with free delivery in Moscow or Russia. Any questions you may have can be asked to our consultants by calling 8-495-668-12-02 and 8-800-333-26-67

Baby car seat for newborns: instructions for use

The main function of the car seat is to make the trip completely safe for the child. In order to avoid injury in the event of an accident, during a sudden stop or during a sharp turn, the cradle should be properly attached to the car seat, and the child should be buckled up. Typically, retaining devices are provided with instructions or stickers with visual information about the method of fastening.

General rules for the practical use of infant carriers are formulated below.

Models for a recumbent position are placed only in the back seat, sideways to the movement of the car, fastening is carried out with adapter belts - they are connected to car seat belts.
The baby carrier is placed facing the direction of travel, preferably in the back seat. The carrier is secured using adapter belts to the standard belts or using clamps to the base stand (it can be in the car all the time). In this case, an incorrect installation is indicated by a light indicator.

Read how we treated rotavirus infection in a child here. Effective treatment of conjunctivitis in a newborn.

At what age does a child begin to hold his head up independently? https://klubmama.ru/razvitie-rebenka-po-meyacam/razvitie-rebenka-s-0-3-mesyacev/rebenok-nachinaet-derzhat-golovku.html

Precautions when using an infant carrier

A classic car seat is rotated in the back seat so that the child's head is away from the door - this will prevent head injury in a side impact.
There should be no foreign objects on the seat with the infant carrier installed (they should be placed in the trunk).
If the standard belts are shorter than necessary, they should be replaced at a service center.
Installation of a carrier on the front seat is only allowed with the airbag disabled.
The infant carrier must not be secured with a two-point or faulty seat belt.
It is not allowed to use a baby carrier that has been in an accident.
If the child's weight exceeds the standard value, the car seat must be replaced.

Car seat for newborns: reviews

Tatyana Shashkova (Moscow). My son is 10 months old, all this time we take him in the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix: a very comfortable model, spacious. I chose it based on crash tests. The length of the straps is suitable for older children. We quickly grew out of the insert for a newborn, and only now began to rest our heads on the visor. The EasyFix base is not cheap, but even without it the fastening is reliable (belt + handle stop). You just have to put a cushion under the cradle to prevent it from falling forward. Irina Baeva (Mytishchi). We managed to save money by purchasing the Maxi-Cosi Pebble with the FamilyFix base. We ordered this set in Germany: it turned out to be half the price than in Russia. A very cool chair, roomy, my hero (81 cm at 9 months) fits perfectly in it.

Anastasia Bryantseva (Moscow). We bought a Maxi Cosi CabrioFix baby carrier for our daughter. All its characteristics are wonderful: a comfortable insert for babies, depth adjustment, and a handle. But the price of the model is a bit expensive. But the main drawback is that my daughter feels uncomfortable in the car seat (she sweats and immediately starts screaming).

Evgenia Ryzhova (Kostroma). We had a ROMER Baby-Safe SLEEPER car seat - we sold it yesterday (we quickly found buyers). My daughter rode in it until she was 5 months old; it’s quite big. We could have bought the seat right away, but we bought an envelope for discharge, so the option of a car seat remained. It is more suitable for premature babies who cannot be placed reclining.

Elena Bortsova (Moscow). I didn’t have time to order a Rover in Germany, but I didn’t want to overpay. After reading the crash test, I decided to buy an inexpensive Cybex Aton carrier chair (German company, Chinese assembly). The cradle is light and comfortable, there is an insert for the baby, a hood, a comfortable position for the child, the covers are easy to wash, the handle can be placed in three positions. Cons: Poor compatibility with strollers, as Cybex adapters are rare.

Yana Kirillova (Ekaterinburg). And we are very pleased with the ROMER Baby-Safe SLEEPER infant carrier. The child is so comfortable in it: he immediately falls asleep as soon as he lays him down. I gave birth in December, we were discharged in a winter envelope, and even now I am swaddling. Therefore, the cradle is the best option for me. The model is somewhat heavy, but it is one of the best in crash tests.

When choosing a car seat for a newborn, do not try to save money - this may affect the quality of the device. You can sell a good branded product and replace it with a new car seat.

08/12/2018 The lightest car seats of the 0/0+ group

The main criterion when choosing a car seat for a newborn is the weight and safety of the car seat. We have already written about safety separately (link to the safest car seats gr 0+).

Today we will look at the lightest car seats for newborns:

1. In first place in terms of weight we have the Happy Baby SKYLER V2 car seat. Its weight is only 2.5 kg. This comfortable and reliable car seat went on sale in 2021 and immediately won one of the leading places among inexpensive and comfortable seats from 0.

2. Second place went to the well-known company Maxi cosi with a wonderful chair City SPS. Its weight is 2.75 kg. A lightweight, safe, well-designed seat with very good results in European crash tests.

3. The German Heyner car seat took 3rd place with a weight of only 2.8 kg. Heyner Super Protect Aero features excellent breathable upholstery and a double-sided winter-summer mattress. Your baby will be comfortable in any weather. With the help of adapters, Maxi cosi can be installed on a large number of strollers.

4-5. The fourth and fifth places were shared by two German car seats with a car seat weight of 2.9 kg.

This is HEYNER Super Protect ERGO with foot cover and rain cover. Convenient, comfortable and safe car seat with good crash tests.

CBX by Cybex Aton Basic. Updated in 2021, a stylish and modern seat with a high degree of safety in the car. It is convenient to take with you and can be installed on a stroller. Attach using regular standard belts or, if desired, to an isofix base.

These were the top five lightest, most reliable car carriers weighing up to 3 kg.

The following chairs will be slightly heavier:

6. A popular car seat, one of the top sellers, and a very safe Maxi cosi Cabriofix seat. This chair has been on sale for many years and despite the fact that there are now newer, more modern models, it is still in good standing with parents. Its weight is 3.25 kg.

7. 3.5 kg in total for the German CBX Shima chair. New for 2018. A beautiful, well-thought-out seat with all the necessary functions for a child’s comfortable and safe stay in the car.

8. Recaro Privia Evo with a weight of 3.7 kg. The seat features the innovative HERO safety and comfort system: shoulder support, shoulder straps and headrest form a single unit that guarantees the highest possible levels of safety and comfort for the baby's neck, head and shoulders. The chair is safe and comfortable. Approved for use on aircraft

9. Nuna Pipa car seat with isofix base included. The Dutch car seat is perfect for premature and low birth weight babies. Excellent upholstery and a very large hood with mosquito net.

10. Maxi cosi Pebble – 4 kg. A chair with very good safety results. Your baby will be protected from all sides. Possibility of installation in any car using belts or an Isofix base and the ability to install a car seat on most European strollers.

We would also like to show you a car seat that weighs only 2.9 kg and can be installed on the chassis of a Recaro stroller. This is not just a cradle, it is one of the elements of the Recaro Zero 1 Elite modular system. This module includes an Isofix base, a car seat and a removable carrycot. This is the bottom of the safest chairs of group 0-1, that is, from birth to 4 years.