Choose a child car seat from 0 kg, group 0 or 0+ (for newborns)

As soon as they leave the maternity hospital, parents get into the car to go home. Often the baby is held in the mother's arms, but it is much safer to put him in the car seat. This device is designed to transport a child in a horizontal position. It is installed in the rear seat perpendicular to the movement of the car and secured with seat belts. At the same time, the cradle itself also has straps that fasten the baby.

Advantages:

1. Reducing the load on the musculoskeletal system . In the first months of life, the baby cannot hold his head up, sit or crawl on his own. The best and safest position for him is lying down. The cradle ensures this, and its perpendicular position to the direction of travel of the car and the presence of special anatomical inserts mean that any shocks are not felt by the child and cannot harm him.
2. Only in the lying position can the baby breathe deeply . Even a slight tilting of the head can disrupt this process. The design of the car seat implies an ideal position for the baby, ensuring full breathing.
3. The first months of life, the activities of newborns are limited to eating and sleeping . Even if you have to spend several hours in the car, the child will be able to sleep peacefully, since the horizontal position of the cradle and the movement of the car help to lull him to sleep. Moreover, if it is necessary to move the child into the house, this can be done directly with the device, he will not notice anything.

Disadvantages of the infant carrier:

• Even taking into account the ergonomics of the cradle, it is not recommended to keep your baby in it for more than 2 hours at a time .
• The device is quite large and takes up 2 seats in the back seat of the car.
• The cradle is designed for the smallest children under 6 months and weighing up to 13 kg . Taking into account the rather high price tag, many may think that purchasing it is not advisable, since in the first months weight gain occurs too quickly and soon the cradle will have to be replaced with a chair.
• Models of infant carriers that are sold complete with a stroller and are often purchased by parents in order to save money are an order of magnitude worse in performance and level of safety than specialized models for cars. At the same time, the models included with the stroller are positioned specifically for cars, which misleads young parents. If you are going to buy, then choose from specialized cradles sold separately from the stroller.

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.

Rules for transporting a child in a car seat

To ensure the main requirement for the safety of transporting a baby in a car, you must correctly install the cradle/chair in the car. If you have any difficulties in this action, please contact the sellers.

The law allows the device to be installed in the back and front seats of a car. However, safety experts recommend installing a child seat in the rear seat behind the driver or in the middle.

If you need to install a seat in the front seat of a car, then turn off the airbags, since the impact force is designed for an adult and can cause injury to a child.

Never use a child car seat that is damaged or defective. Strictly follow the instructions for use and care of the product.

Happy motherhood and safe roads!

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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.

Is transportation allowed in any vehicles?

Modern parents are ready to travel long distances from the first days after discharge. Today, service in roadside hotels, trains and planes only contributes to this. Almost every gas station located along the highways has a full-fledged mother and child room where you can carry out hygiene procedures, change clothes and swaddle the baby.

The train is convenient when the whole family buys a compartment and travels alone

When purchasing a ticket, it is important to consider whether the carriage has air conditioning when the trip is planned in the summer. For medical reasons, there are no age restrictions for traveling by car or train

You can travel with your newborn on this transport without fear for his condition.

Airplanes are contraindicated for children under 14 days of age. The danger lies in the imperfection of the child’s body. The rapidly changing pressure during takeoff and landing can be very dangerous for a newborn. It is safest to fly after your baby is one month old.

Attention! The danger of traveling by public transport also lies in the fact that a newborn ends up in a small enclosed space with strangers who can be carriers of contagious infectious diseases for which the baby has not yet been vaccinated

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.

Devices for transporting babies

According to traffic regulations, transporting children in a car without special devices is prohibited. Such accessories are designed to protect the baby from injury in emergency situations. Infants under one month of age are the most vulnerable category of passengers. Their bones are flexible and soft; their structure is dominated by cartilage tissue. The muscles and ligaments of babies are poorly developed, the neck is thin, and the head is large. Its mass in relation to body weight is 25% (in adults this figure is 6%).

There are several devices for transporting babies in vehicles; the most popular are the car seat and the car seat. What is the best way to transport a baby? Each of these accessories has its own characteristics.

Car seat

This device can be used from the first days of a baby’s life until six months of age. It is installed in the back seat of the car and secured with standard seat belts. Additionally, the device has brackets for fastening. It is forbidden to place the baby in the cradle with its head towards the door.

A car seat is the best option for transporting a baby from the maternity hospital. Among the disadvantages are:

• significant dimensions of the device;
• low reliability indicators compared to a chair;
• short service life (no more than 6 months).

Car seat

This device can be called the most optimal option. There are models that are suitable for transporting babies from the first days of life until the age of 1–2 years. Then, as you grow older, the device will have to be changed.

You need to clearly know how to carry your baby in a chair correctly. When using the device, do not place the child in it vertically; the baby should be reclining in it; for this, the tilt of the back of the chair should be 35–40 degrees.

The main advantage of these devices is the proper level of safety; they reliably hold the baby’s head during emergency braking or an accident. The disadvantages include:

• lack of a protective frame, like a cradle;
• low level of comfort for the baby.

When choosing a chair for your child, do not save money; trust well-known manufacturers with a good reputation.

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.

Tips for use

The most important stage in the operation of a child seat is its installation. Both the safety of the little rider and his comfort depend on the correct approach to installation. When installing, remember these important rules:

• Install the seat exclusively according to the instructions: cradles of category “0” can only be attached perpendicularly to the rear seat; products of group “0+” can also be placed in the back seat, but so that the child is facing the traffic or in front, but only in the absence of an airbag.
• The safest position when installing a car seat is the middle of the rear seat. It is this area that will protect the child from both frontal and side impacts in the event of an accident.
• Once the seat is installed, lay the child down and check if he is comfortable. Assess its position from the driver’s side - many car owners prefer to see what the child is doing in the rearview mirror.

When using the infant carrier, follow some tips:

• When placing your child in a seat, carefully check how securely it is secured with belts and straps. All fastenings should fit as tightly as possible to the baby’s body.
• As the seasons change, please re-check that all straps are adjusted correctly. This is due to the fact that in winter the newborn is dressed warmly, therefore, with the arrival of spring, the holding devices are not sufficiently secured, since the child has less clothing.
• The baby must always be restrained, regardless of travel time or distance.
• Secure absolutely all items in the cabin. They can injure a young passenger in the event of an accident.
• Adjust the child's head protection. It should be located as close to the shoulders as possible.
• During a long trip, stop periodically and take your baby out. Play with him, feed him - let him rest from one position.

The choice of a car seat for a newborn should be approached with all responsibility.

In the next video you will find recommendations from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate on the use of child car seats with a clear demonstration of the rules for installing, securing and positioning a child.

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.

Mounting options

As already discussed, the car seat is attached to the rear seats of the car using standard seat belts. There are many more options for attaching car seats

It is very important to know the rules for installing such devices, since the convenience and safety of your children depends on it.

There are several options for attaching car seats:

• seat belts;
• Isofix;
• Latch and SuperLatch.

simple seat belts are used for almost all devices. There are only the following differences: chairs of the zero group are secured with a belt, and the child is directly fastened with the car seat belts. In groups above 0, the car belt secures the child, not the structure. Group 0 can often be seen in combination with 3-in-1 strollers, where the chair can be mounted on a chassis.

Note:

• the fastening with belts should be strong, the chair should not move from side to side;
• Before you buy a device for transporting a child, you need to make sure that it fits in the car, since some of them, due to their dimensions, may not fit a particular car or the belt may not be long enough;
• the belts should not squeeze the baby, but at the same time they cannot be too loose;
• when purchasing a car seat, it is better to immediately purchase brackets to secure the belt directly when the vehicle is moving;
• the belt should not pass through the child’s neck;
• If the car seat has a base, it must fit securely on the car seat.

Isofix

This type of fastening is very convenient, since installation errors are eliminated. With this type of fastening, the seat is attached directly to the body using brackets at the base of the device and brackets mounted in the rear seats.

The Isofix device is located at the base of the chair: a pair of brackets on a metal frame, located on both sides of the holding device. There are two- and three-point methods for fixing the chair. The third point can be represented by a telescopic support in the floor or an anchor strap at the top of the seat. There are models with an electronic warning system indicating that everything was done correctly during installation. Not all car seat models have Isofix. In such cases, you can purchase a platform for installing the chair that has adapters.

Before purchasing a car seat with this mounting system, be sure to read the important information

• When purchasing a car seat with Isofix mountings, check whether your car is compatible with this system. Locate the brackets in the seat gap: they should be located in the gap.
• The mounts in question are not suitable for transporting children in front. Fortunately, many car seats are universal and can, in addition to Isofix, be secured using standard seat belts.
• The Isofix system is not recommended for passengers under one year of age, as it transmits unwanted vibration through its brackets.
• Metal chassis may scratch the seat material. To avoid such troubles, it is better to purchase a protective mat.

Advantages of infant carriers equipped with Isofix:

• fastening is carried out very quickly;
• the chair does not move in one direction or another;
• Crash test approved.

Such children's devices also have their disadvantages:

• high price and greater weight compared to conventional models;
• will not fit many cars;
• transmits vibration to the child through metal parts;
• not suitable for children whose weight exceeds 18 kg;
• Can only be installed on the rear seat.

Latch

This fastening is the American analogue of Isofix. For the USA, this is an example of an ideal way to transport babies: this type of fastening does not use heavy metal structures. Fixation is carried out with staples of the same name Latch and belts. The brackets are located on the rear seats.

The described foreign models of fastenings are compatible, that is, if one type of fastening is present in the car, then another can also be installed without problems.

SuperLatch is reinforced with an automatic strap length adjuster.

The latch mount does not vibrate, is easy to install, and is quite lightweight due to the absence of heavy metal parts. Also, a chair with such a fastening can support a child up to 30 kg. There are also disadvantages: it is difficult to find such models, they are not universal, they are expensive and cannot be installed in the front seat.