6 criteria for choosing the perfect child car seat

All drivers should remember that they are responsible for the safety of passengers. The responsibility is doubled if a child rides behind. Therefore, the question of how to choose a child car seat is really relevant. It is important to understand that the choice and purchase of a special seat for children is not due to fear of traffic police officers, but to the desire to protect the child in the event of an emergency or with a banal sharp braking.

Today you can buy a child seat for every taste and wallet. It remains only to figure out what are the requirements for the safety and appearance of the product today and how to choose the right car seat for a child.

Reasonable car seat selection - basic criteria

The question of whether to purchase a child restraint is generally not on the agenda, since there is simply no other equally effective way to protect a child in the event of an emergency.

And if domestic parents not so long ago faced the obligation to purchase and install a seat, then foreign motorists have a long experience of handling this protective device. But even foreign counterparts, and of the highest rank, often find themselves in an awkward position.

Interesting fact! In 2008, the paparazzi filmed Hollywood movie star Nicole Kidman with a baby in her arms while driving in the back seat of a car. Many fans were outraged by such unreasonable behavior and even called to bring her to criminal responsibility.

But little by little, the culture of transporting children is taking root in our country. This is also facilitated by statistics data: in case of an accident at a speed of 50 km / h, the holding device reduces the risk of injury to the baby by exactly half. This is why the desire of parents to purchase the best car seat for transporting a child is quite natural.

However, experts who conduct numerous tests of such devices are convinced that the ideal car seat does not exist, but the most suitable one for a particular small passenger can be found.

In order to understand how to choose the right car seat for your baby, you should take into account the main indicators and criteria for a safe and convenient transportation device, view reviews from other parents and videos from crash tests of popular models.

Fastening type: standard belts or ISOFIX

When choosing a child seat in a car, you need to decide in advance whether it is worth purchasing a device with the ISOFIX system (Isofix) or using standard machine straps.

What is ISOFIX? This is a specially designed rigid attachment system. This connection is essentially a pair of brackets (found at the bottom of the car seat) that fit into the anchor brackets of the car body.

Numerous crash tests of car seats demonstrate that ISOFIX-equipped child devices are safer than fastening with standard seat belts.

Quite often, child restraints for the smallest travelers are additionally equipped with other attachment points. As the manufacturers assure, such chairs provide the child with even more protection.

Models with retractable thrust piece... This telescopic "limb" ensures the immobility of the car seat during frontal impacts. However, user reviews speak of certain inconveniences during operation.
Modifications with anchor straps... These chairs have additional fixing points using a special strap with a carabiner. The belt buckle is located either behind the seat headrest or on the luggage floor.

Cars from the USA are often equipped with a system LATCH... In this case, the car seat is attached to the car body not with brackets, but with special straps with locks or hooks.

Before purchasing a seat with the Isofix system, you should find out if there are such mounts in the car. Modern vehicles are equipped with safety latches without fail.

Seat belts

A small child needs to be fastened not with a standard seat belt, but with the anchorages of the car seat itself. They are different: one-, three- or five-point, and the fastening can be done using safety table.

Of course, it is better to choose models equipped with a belt with 5 points of attachment to the chair, since in an emergency the load will be distributed throughout the child's body, which guarantees a lower probability of injury to the child.

Before purchasing, you should make sure that all locks work and open comfortably. In an accident, situations occur when it is necessary to instantly release the baby from the "captivity" of the belts. At the same time, you should make sure that the baby cannot unbutton them on its own.

Product frame

The child car seat has either a plastic or aluminum frame. The second option is more durable and, therefore, safer, but it also costs significantly higher.

However, modern industry allows the production of such high-quality plastic that products made from it are not much inferior to their metal counterparts. This is evidenced by numerous crash tests.

Another option for a child restraint is frameless car seat... Such a seat cover is compact and cheap, but in the event of an emergency it practically does not protect the child from injury.

A chair with a frame (it does not matter, plastic or aluminum) is much safer for a child: it has a support for the spinal column, takes on the main load in an accident or sudden braking of the car.

Backrest and headrest

Another important parameter is the anatomy of the back. This means that this part of the chair must completely follow all the curves and bulges of the child's spinal column. This criterion is especially important if the child will spend significant time in the car.

For the smallest passengers who need constant rest, it is important that the device is equipped with a tilt adjuster, which allows the car seat to be turned into a sleeping place.

Since the baby must be protected from the dangers that threaten from all directions, special attention should be paid to safety in case of side impacts. That is why you should purchase models equipped with a comfortable large headrest and deep side elements.

Case

This indicator does not affect the safety of transportation, but it is important for the passenger himself, since the slightest inconvenience makes the child worry about the uncomfortable lining or the qualities of the material itself.

It is important to ensure that the cover is made of quality material that repels dirt and can be removed for cleaning (washing). Usually the chair cover is made of synthetic fabrics with elements of natural fibers.

But what if the summer is hot and the child is constantly sweating? Some models also have covers made of cotton fabric, which increases comfort for the young passenger during the summer months.

Safety standard and labeling

If we talk about the reliability of devices in general, then we can draw one important conclusion: those car seats are the safest, which are certified by international organizations and are equipped with a special mark, for example, ECE R 44/04.

This mark means that these restraints have successfully passed crash tests and comply with the strict requirements of the European Single Standard, 4th Edition.

Therefore, a certified car seat must carry the ECE R 44/04 conformity mark. Such a sign may look different, but it consists of several required marks:

European standard compliance code;
device type (universal, semi-universal, special);
weight group;
country code number;
certificate number;
serial number of the device;
manufacturer's name.

Good to know! The letter “E” and the number in the circle represent the country in which the device was certified. For example, E1 is Germany, E2 is France, E4 is Holland, E17 is Finland, and E22 is Russia.

In addition, for a quality product, the year of production must be marked directly on the plastic case itself. Such markings can be printed or stamped.

Also, manufacturers place the following important information on the restraint itself:

if the chair is fastened using standard car belts, then a drawing of the correct algorithm for fastening the straps is attached to it;
if the product is installed with its back to the direction of movement, then a warning sign is placed in the headboard area;
if the device is installed both in the direction of and against the direction of movement of the machine, then an icon is attached indicating the age or weight of the child when it is necessary to turn the car seat to face the movement.

Before buying, it is important to make sure that the markings on the child car seat match the required marks described above. Also, parents should demand the necessary documents from the seller - including a certificate of conformity.

How do you know if a car seat is suitable for your car?

In order to choose the right child restraint for a child and a specific car, you need to look again at the type of seat indicated in the certificate. As noted above, there are three types of certification.

Universal... The device can be easily installed in all cars that comply with ECE R14 and R16 regulations (regulate the requirements for installing a seat in a car).
Semi-universal... Since, in addition to standard safety measures, manufacturers additionally equip chairs with various supports (telescopic "limb"), it is necessary to check whether a particular machine is included in the list of compatible models.
Special... In this case, the holding devices, due to their special design and functionality, are certified for use only in strictly limited machine models. Your vehicle must be on the list of compatible models.

But even if the car seat you choose is universal, you should definitely check that it is suitable for your particular car. After the device passport has been studied, it is recommended to perform the following actions:

determine the length of the standard straps in order to understand whether they are enough for fastening the child;
see how tightly and well the device attaches to the back sofa. For this, the car seat must be "tried on";
try to put the baby in the installed device.

How to choose the right child restraint and understand how well it fits the car? Entrust this process to a little passenger. The child must try on the chosen accessory. If the baby likes the car seat, it means that on the road he will not harm and distract the driver from the road.

What are crash tests?

To assess the safety of a car seat, not only certification documents are important, but also the results of officially conducted so-called crash tests.

Be sure to read the article by our specialist, which lists the rating of child car seats 2017 - 2018. in terms of security.

This concept itself, which came to us from the English language (сrash - accident, crash, test - test, check), means testing a car for the safety of passengers.

To this end, in laboratory conditions, experts simulate an accident and analyze the harm caused to the driver and car passengers, which in such cases are specially designed mannequins with sensors and sensors.

Practically the same test is waiting for child car seats. In Western Europe and the USA, several independent organizations - auto clubs, research institutes and magazines - are currently involved in checking the safety of child car seats.

Among the most authoritative are the following organizations:

ADAC (auto club from Germany);
IIHS (American Insurance Institute);
ÖAMTC (car club from Austria);
Autoliitto (auto club from Finland);
ANWB (Dutch Automobile Association);
TCS (Swiss Automobile Club);
RACC (Spanish Automobile Club);
EuroNCAP (European Union).

In Russia, a popular publication for motorists "Auto Review" is testing child restraints.

Perhaps the most trusted by European consumers is the German club ADAC, which has developed its own extremely strict method of checking the safety of car seats for children.

The experts assess the restraining devices according to the following important parameters:

protection - how well the device protects the child from damage in an accident;
reliability - how securely the car seat holds the little passenger and is attached to the car body;
comfort - how comfortable the child feels while in the restraint;
service - how convenient it is to use and maintain this device;
environmental friendliness - study of the chemical composition of the fabric and the body of the product.

According to the results of the test, experts draw up plates in which the most reliable models are marked with 2 plus signs, and the most unreliable ones with a minus. An even more intuitive option is to use color schemes in which bright green means very good and red means not satisfactory.

What kinds of car seats are there?

Specialized stores offer a wide variety of different models of child car seats. This abundance can be confusing for any parent.

Experts advise paying attention to several important parameters:

the age of the child;
body weight;
height.

To choose the right car seat for your child, all of the above characteristics should be taken into account. However, the most important parameter is the weight category, since body weight does not always correspond to age indicators.

Currently, it is customary to distinguish 5 main groups of car seats and 3 additional ones. Each major category differs in age, starting from the newborn period and ending with the 12th birthday.

Table 1. Main categories of child car seats

Category name	Child body weight	Approximate age standards	Installation features
Category "0"	Up to 10 kg	0 to 9 months	Along the back sofa and perpendicular to the direction of travel
Category "0+"	Up to 13 kg	0 to 15 (18) months	Back in the direction of travel
Category "1"	9 to 18 kg	From one to 4 years	Facing in the direction of travel
Category "2"	15 to 25 kg	3 to 6 (7) years old	Facing in the direction of travel
Category "3"	25 to 36 kg	6-12 years old	Facing in the direction of travel

Thus, if you follow the logic of manufacturers, parents will have to buy at least four car seats during the first 12 years of a child's life. Not every family can afford such expenses, since the prices for quality restraints "bite".

In this case, it is proposed to purchase car seats of an additional group, or universal devices that combine the qualities of devices of several age groups.

Table 2. Combined categories of child car seats

name of category	Child body weight	Approximate age standards	Installation features
Category "0 + / 1"	0 to 18 kg	From half a year to 3.5 years	Up to a year - against the direction of travel, after a year - in the direction of travel
Category "1-2-3"	9 to 36 kg	12 months to 12 years	Facing in the direction of travel
Category "2-3"	15 to 36 kg	3.5 to 12 years old	Facing in the direction of travel

Such a purchase will help save money. However, versatility does not always guarantee convenience or a high level of product safety.

Choosing a car seat from the main categories

It is among the restraint devices of the main categories that motorists can choose the most suitable seat for a small traveler, corresponding to his age and weight characteristics.

Group "0": for the little ones

Carriage for newborns is very similar to an ordinary cradle, which is why its second name is "infant car seat". Such a device is mounted on the rear sofa of the vehicle sideways. Sometimes the carrier is placed with the back of the head first.

Car seats are purchased for children under 9 months old, whose body weight does not exceed 10 kilograms, and whose height is 75 centimeters. However, experts do not recommend getting too close to these boundaries; it is better to take care of buying a model that is more suitable for the physical parameters in advance.

The advantages of car seats in this category include:

reliable fixation and protection of the baby's head;
finding the crumbs in a supine position, which corresponds to the physiological norms of the age of a newborn;
quite comfortable strap around the child;
the possibility of installing the cradle on a stroller.

The restraining device also has certain disadvantages, among which they are especially distinguished:

not entirely safe orientation of the holding device;
the quick growth of the baby from this car seat.

It is the last flaw that is especially disliked by many vehicle owners. That is why parents prefer to purchase the next category of car seats, which will be discussed a little later.

How to choose the right car seat for your newborn? For example, read the review of the safest car seats of 2018 based on crash tests. Below is a brief description of one of the most popular infant car seat models.

Britax Römer Baby-Safe Sleeper

The first "vehicle" for the smallest crumbs, made in Germany. The results of numerous crash tests (including the well-deserved German club ADAC), as well as the ECE R44 / 04 certificate, guarantee the complete safety of the baby.

The main advantages of this model are as follows:

thoughtful design allows to provide all-round protection of the child's body, absorbing the energy of both frontal and side impacts;
the carrycot can be attached to almost any modern stroller;
the frame of the product is made of high quality shockproof plastic;
the child is securely fixed with two three-point safety belts - central and outer;
there is a carrying handle, a removable visor that protects from wind and sunlight;
The infant car seat is equipped with an anti-twist system in place.

However, the reviews of motorists indicate that this model has certain disadvantages:

rather large weight of the product - about 5.8 kilograms, which makes it difficult to move a baby weighing more than 5 kg;
high cost (about 25,000 rubles), and the crumb will grow out of the holding device by 6 months.

Prices for the Britax Römer Baby-Safe Sleeper:

Despite the rather high price, the model enjoys a fairly stable demand from buyers. Prices for Baby-Safe Sleeper in Russian online stores range from 13,000 to 20,000 rubles.

~~Britax Römer Baby-Safe Sleeper~~

Group "0+"

If you are thinking about the question of which child car seat to choose for a baby from birth to 15 months, then it is better to choose models of the "0+" category. They are designed to carry small passengers weighing less than 13 kg and up to 75 centimeters tall.

Restraint devices of this modification have clear advantages over car seats of the previous category, since they are purchased for both newborns and older children.

A child in such a device is seated with the back of the head in the direction of the car. This orientation is important because babies under 1.5 years old have a large head and a very fragile neck that can be damaged by a frontal impact or emergency braking.

The choice of a 0+ category child car seat is due to a number of advantages, including:

the ability to change the lying position of the child to a semi-sitting position;
reliable fixation of the baby with three- or five-point safety straps;
clear attachment of car seats to the car seat using either standard car belts or the ISOFIX system.

Just like the models of the previous category, the car seats of the "0+" group are equipped with special brackets for fixing on a wheelchair chassis instead of blocks for walking or sitting and a special handle for carrying a sleeping baby from the car home.

Most of these modifications are also used as a rocking chair, but one should not forget that, despite the maximum comfort, the time a child can stay in such a car seat continuously should be limited to a couple of hours.

There are many options for such devices. Below is one of the most popular car seat models for the smallest passengers.

Kiddy Evo-Luna i-Size

Another car seat from Germany with the highest safety standards - including the new ECE R129 (I-Size) regulation. This marking means that the restraints are additionally protected against side impacts.

Experts attribute the following characteristics to the advantages of this model:

high orthopedic qualities of the back and headrest, which allows the Kiddy Evo-Luna I-Size to be used for transportation, including premature babies;
the slatted bottom contributes not only to shock absorption when driving on uneven surfaces, but also to comfortable thermoregulation, which prevents the child's backrest from sweating;
the straps have a soft padding, a three-point system in the form of suspenders, which makes it easy to adjust the tension force and the degree of adherence of the clips to the child's body;
the Side-Shelter system allows you to absorb a much larger amount of energy, which additionally protects the child in the event of an emergency;
Thanks to a simple transition system, the car seat can be easily installed on a variety of wheelchair models. In addition, the bassinet is also used as a rocking chair or deck chair.

This model, perhaps, has only one drawback - a rather high cost, approaching 35,000 rubles.

~~Kiddy Evo-Luna i-Size~~

Group "1"

From the age of one, a child can order and purchase category “1” car seats. Such models differ in the following boundaries for use:

age indicators - up to 4 years;
body weight - up to 18 kilograms;
growth - up to 98 centimeters.

Most often, a child in such car seats is seated facing the movement of the car, additionally fixing it with internal 5-point safety straps.

Separate restraints are equipped with a special padded table, which is not only used by the baby for games and entertainment while traveling, but also provides additional protection in case of a head-on collision or sudden braking.

The main difference between the models from the previous categories of car seats is the ability to adjust the degree of backrest tilt, which allows you to transfer the child from wakefulness to rest and sleep.

We offer a brief description of one of the most popular and reliable restraint models for children over one year old.

Recaro OptiaFix isofix

Which child seat should be preferred by parents? For example, Recaro offers a stylish car seat that will impress even the strictest parents and little travelers from 1 year old.

The high popularity of this restraint is ensured by ADAC's highest rating for reliability, ease of use and practicality.

The advantages of this car seat include the following characteristics:

the frame is made of metal and high-quality impact-resistant plastic material;
the headrest can be adjusted in height, which is very important for tall children;
side protection technology has been greatly improved;
internal five-point straps have a soft lining and securely hold the child in the chair;
high-quality materials create an optimal microclimate, which allows the baby to feel good both in winter and summer months.

Reviews show that this car seat has practically no flaws. The only drawback is the rather high cost, which, however, is more than offset by high quality.

~~Recaro OptiaFix~~

Check out the review of yet another category 1 chair - the Britax Römer Trifix models - with a description of the pros and cons.

Group "2"

Child restraints of the second category differ in the following limits for use:

age parameters - from 3 to 7 years;
body weight - from 15 to 25 kilograms;
growth - up to 120 centimeters.

The child is seated in the restraint device, facing in the direction of movement of the car, which allows the young passenger to carefully study the surrounding space.

The main difference from the models of previous categories is holding the baby with the help of standard car safety straps. This is why parents need to properly tighten the belt to prevent it from passing through the neck.

Restraining devices of this category are practically impossible to meet in their pure form. Most often, car seat manufacturers group models in the "2 - 3" category.

Group "3"

Restraint devices in this category can be called a car seat with a huge stretch. This is not a design familiar to everyone, but a kind of pillow - a lining called "booster".

This car seat is designed for children with the following physiological characteristics:

age standards - from 5 to 12 years old;
body weight - from 22 to 36 kilograms;
growth - up to 135 centimeters.

Such a seat is used to lift a small passenger, fasten him with a standard car belt, which will not pass through the neck and abdomen, but over the shoulder, chest and hips.

It should be understood that a seat in this category is a conventional seat without a backrest. Despite their fairly solid structure, it is undesirable to use them, since they do not provide protection at all in side impacts.

Precisely for reasons of unpopularity (for group "2") and low reliability (for group "3"), we will not provide a description of the representatives of the last two categories of car seats, since it would be more correct to characterize their hybrid.

Universal categories of car seats

In order not to select and purchase several restraints for a growing child, you can order or buy a model from the so-called additional, or universal, groups. They combine the features of several categories at once, as a result of which it is possible to save money.

Category "0 + / 1"

Models of this auxiliary group are intended for babies aged from six months to 4 years and weighing no more than 18 kilograms. You cannot buy them for newborns!

A child under 6 months of age is still unable to sit independently, and a predominantly vertical orientation of the back will lead to an increased load on the fragile spine.

Such car seats are mounted against the direction of movement of the car until the baby is one year old, and in the direction of travel when the child reaches one year of age.

Car seats in this category are stationary, that is, they cannot be removed from the car in order to move a sleeping child home.

Below is a description of the features of one of the most prominent representatives of this hybrid car seat category.

RECARO Zero.1

This model is designed according to the updated I-Size standards, therefore, the device is additionally equipped with a side impact protection system. The safety of the seat is also confirmed by the crash test results from ADAC.

The main advantages of this car seat include the following design features:

a special rotation mechanism that makes it easier to get the child in and out of the seat;
the body is made of high quality plastic material, additionally reinforced with a metal frame;
sheathing material allows you to absorb the energy coming from frontal and side impacts;
internal five-point straps are soft lined and securely fix the baby in the chair;
an additional support on the floor further enhances the safety of the device.

~~RECARO Zero~~

Category "2 - 3"

As follows from the category designation, these car seats are a hybrid of the second and third group models. These restraints are used when transporting children with the following physiological parameters:

age standards - 3 - 12 years;
body weight - 15 - 36 kilograms;
growth - up to 130 centimeters.

Child seats are fixed to the car body either by means of standard belts or by means of a special fastening system. But such chairs do not have internal straps, so the parent needs to track the correct coverage of the child's body with a standard retainer.

In addition, such devices place high demands on the growth of the child. The minimum values of this indicator are 95 centimeters. If a young passenger falls short of this mark, the car seat will not ensure that the strap runs correctly over his torso.

The main advantage of category 2 - 3 armchairs lies in the low cost of most models, with sufficiently high reliability indicators.

Below is a description of one of the popular models of this group of devices. A more detailed overview is presented in the rating of car seats 2017 - 2018.

BRITAX RÖMER Discovery SL

Low cost, practicality, functionality and high safety standards, confirmed by ADAC and ECE R 44/04 certificates, make this car seat popular with parents and young passengers.

The restraint “grows” with the children, which eliminates the need to acquire new adaptations as the child grows up.

The main advantages of this model include the following design features:

recessed seat, soft sidewalls reliably protect the child in the event of a frontal or side impact;
deep headrest can be adjusted depending on the angle of inclination of the car sofa;
the fixation system is versatile - the seat can be attached using LATCH technology or standard car belts;
the holding device is compact and lightweight - about 4.3 kilograms;
the model is equipped with a removable cover made of a soft, resistant material that is breathable and easy to machine washable.

~~BRITAX RÖMER Discovery SL~~

Category "1 - 2 - 3"

If parents want to save even more money, experts advise purchasing restraints in this category. The range of use of such "hybrids" is quite wide:

age standards - from 12 months to 12 years;
body weight - 9 - 36 kilograms.

Despite the fact that it is the versatility and cheapness that distinguish these child car seats, the question of what disadvantages they have is really relevant.

It should be understood that hybrid devices will almost always be inferior to narrow-age car seats.This is due to the fact that the physiological development of a child in a year and 5 years old differs significantly. Therefore, one adaptation is simply not able to take into account all the features of a growing child's body.

Reviews of experts and parents demonstrate that such models are more suitable for short-term trips, but it is better to refuse long-term trips, since there is a high probability of children's whims after a few kilometers due to an uncomfortable position.

It is still possible to find a restraint in this category that meets the stringent requirements of European standards. Below is a description of such a model.

JOIE Transcend

One of the more popular hybrid car seats is the JOIE Transcend. In the latest ADAC crash tests, this particular device demonstrates the best balance of comfort and safety.

Among the main advantages are the following design features:

the ability to adjust important parameters of the seat - height, width;
introduction of special systems that allow you to protect the child from all sides;
the presence of a table, which is intended not only for games, but also for additional protection;
the possibility of adjusting the ventilation system of the seat;
easy care of a removable cover made of high quality material.

~~JOIE Transcend~~

It should be understood that, despite the versatility of such a device, it is categorically not recommended to purchase it for a newborn child.

This article by a technician provides an overview of the Cybex Pallas M-Fix car seat, which is also categorized as 1 - 2 - 3.

The nuances of correct chair installation

Since the main task of the restraint is to ensure the safety of the little traveler, it is necessary to have an idea of how to properly install the car seat in the car. Below are the most important nuances of this process:

Do not install the restraint on a seat that is equipped with an airbag. If not, be sure to disable this additional protective function.
It is best to mount the device to the rear seat of the car, which is safer than the front seat.
It is important to follow all manufacturer's instructions and to install the restraint according to regulations.
A child under 12 months old must necessarily move with the back of the head in the direction of travel. This is due to the anatomical features of the baby.
It is necessary to fasten the car seat as tightly as possible, while the swinging amplitude of the fastened device should not exceed 2 centimeters.
In infant seats (categories "0+", "0 + / 1"), which are installed against the direction of travel, the straps of the device must start slightly below the level of children's shoulders. At the same time, the baby's head should be below the edge of the car seat.
In category 1 devices and universal seats (if the child is secured in them using the seat straps), the inner straps should start just above the level of the child's shoulders.
In car seats of categories "2", "3" and universal devices (if the passenger is fastened only with a regular belt), the standard machine strap must pass through the middle of the child's shoulder.
The headrests should be high so that the child's head does not rise above the top edge of the restraint back.

Knowledge of such nuances of installing a car seat will help prevent injury to a small passenger during an emergency situation.

"Price" of child safety

The range of prices for child restraints is quite large, first of all, and the brand that produces such a protective device plays an important role here.

European models, equipped with all quality certificates, will cost parents a pretty decent amount - from 6,000 to 30,000 rubles. Car seats from China can be purchased for a much lower amount - about 2-5 thousand rubles. But their quality will also be lower.

Another important question: where is the best place to buy a child car seat? There are several options here:

Large supermarket of goods for children. Among the pluses is a small risk of buying a "pig in a poke", because you can always familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the product on the spot, get a full package of necessary documentation and touch the goods "live". However, parental reviews show that consultants do not always understand the features of car seats.
Specialized stores. They are distinguished by a large selection of products, moreover, of high quality, professionalism of consultants and an individual approach to the client. A big plus is the possibility of "fitting". Among the disadvantages is the high cost of goods.
Internet shops. Have the advantages and disadvantages of the organizations listed above. However, you should not be afraid of buying via the Internet, since a poor-quality product can either be returned or changed. The undoubted advantages are the purchase of goods from home and a wide selection of restraints. Minus - the child cannot "try on" the chair.

You should not chase cheapness and purchase protective equipment in markets and unreliable stores. There is a high probability of buying a fake or poor quality restraint, and this is a threat to children's life.

We recommend trusting the well-known Yandex.Market service, which can only be accessed by reliable online stores.

~~Car seat~~

A useful article from an expert, where you can find out which online store in Germany with delivery to Russia is best for buying a car seat.

In addition, great care should be taken with used car seats. Some of them have already been in road traffic accidents, therefore, their protective performance leaves much to be desired.

Popular car seat manufacturers

To date, high-quality child restraints are produced by at least several dozen companies. It is very easy to get confused in such a variety, therefore, companies that have vast experience in the production of car seats are listed below.

Some of the most popular and trusted brands include:

Kiddy - a German company with more than 50 years of history in the production of car seats;
Recaro - another German manufacturer constantly improving the characteristics of restraints;
BeSafe - a Norwegian company engaged in the production of child seats since 1984;
Bebe Confort - a company from France, operating in the children's goods market since 1875;
Britax-Romer - a German-English company, one of the leading manufacturers of child car seats;
Maxi cosi - Dutch company producing high quality restraints;
Cybex - German manufacturer of modern and comfortable seats for young passengers;
Nania - a French company with 30 years of experience, is one of the leading manufacturers of car seats for babies;
Aprica - a manufacturer of children's products from Japan, creates innovative restraints;
Coletto - a company from Poland, producing high-quality child restraints.

A popular brand can of course mean the quality and reliability of a child car seat. However, experts recommend that first of all pay attention not to big names, but to the results of crash tests. This is much more important!

Main conclusions

Quite often on the forums, you can find parental requests that sound like this: "Help me choose a car seat for my baby." If we summarize all the information presented above, then we can draw several important conclusions:

To determine the most suitable car seat, the child should be weighed and measured for height.
A universal (combined) child restraint will save you money, since it combines the characteristics of several car seats at once. However, seats in the basic categories are considered safer.
It is best to choose several models. Check all information about them, for example, view and read the details of crash tests, parent reviews.
Separately, it is necessary to clarify the features of fastening the seat to the car body. This depends, among other things, on the compatibility of the device and the car.
It is important to take into account several criteria of the device: the material of the frame, the features of the backrest, headrest and belts, the presence of removable covers and additional accessories.
You can buy a child seat in a large network or specialized store, or an Internet resource. But it is better to refrain from used devices.
When purchasing a product, you must carefully study its labeling, check the certificate of conformity. You should also make sure that all accompanying documents are filled out correctly - for example, a warranty card.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the question of which car seat is better must be decided by the parent himself, focusing on the characteristics of his child and the family budget. It is only important to understand that this restraint device must necessarily be in your car to preserve the life and health of a young passenger.