How to choose a car seat for a child from 6 months old?

The car seat significantly improves the safety of the child in the car. The legislation obliges parents to use them, and every day more and more people realize the need to use restraints for children. The choice of such devices today is quite large; a huge variety of their modifications is presented on the market. A child at 6 months is still very small, his height is about 68-72 cm. Therefore, finding a suitable car seat is not easy.

Classification

The European Safety Standard (ECE R44 / 03 from the Universal series) defines the classification of car seats for children from 5 groups. They differ depending on the age limit and the value of the child's weight, and help to choose the right model for each child. The standard sets certain parameters of the chair depending on the group.

Group 0... Passenger weight from 0 to 10 kg, age 0-1 years.
Group 0+... Passenger weight from 0 to 13 kg, age from 0 to one and a half years.
Group 1. Passenger weight from 9 to 18 kg, age 1-4 years.
Group 2. Passenger weight from 15 to 25 kg, age 3-7 years. Car seat with booster. In such a car seat, it is already possible to fasten a child's car with an outer belt after 4-5 years. The backrest can be removed, leaving the seat. These seats are called booster seats. The device is fastened with belts on the rear seat facing in the direction of travel.
Group 3. Passenger weight from 22 to 36 kg, age 6-10 years.

By the type of device, car seats are of several types.

Infant car seat. Assumes a lying position of the child and fixation with a belt. Protective head pad, soft and reliable fastening system make these car seats comfortable from birth.

Carrying chair. In the car, such chairs are placed backwards, which is a prerequisite for the safety of children under one year old. In them it is possible to take both a reclining and a sitting position.

Frame car seat. Plastic seat with a soft cover, with several adjustable backrest positions. Some models assume horizontal expansion for sleeping on the road. Usually car seats in this category are placed on the rear sofa of the car, facing forward.

Seat pad. Use is possible only for children of the older age group, for which transportation in a child car seat is provided by law.

But there are also convertible car seats. Suitable from the age of 1 year and are suitable until the older age.

Basic parameters of car seats

Child car seats differ in different ways.

age and weight group;
fastening in the car - regular seat belts, special fastening systems;
comfort for the child and parents - the presence of a carrying handle, an adjustable backrest, a headrest, reinforced armrests, five-point seat belts;
appearance and durability - the material of the cover is preferable from a dense, pleasant fabric, and the cover should also be easily removed for washing.

Selection recommendations

A car seat of category 0+ is well suited for a child from six months. It is portable and can be used for both a month old baby and a one year old passenger. These carriers are designed for a weight of 13 kg.

Car seats of this type can be recommended for purchase for children whose muscle frame is poorly developed.

For children who are already sitting confidently at 6 months, you can pick up a seat from group 1, in which you can travel up to 3 years and older. And you can also consider a transforming chair, which, with careful use, will be enough for a child under 12 years old.

The car seat must correspond to the age and weight group of use. It is desirable that the car seat bears the ECE R44 / 03 or ECE R44 / 04 mark.

The convenience of the child's position is also important. An improper back position, a high footrest, or a narrow seat can be painful and challenging for the whole family.

A child car seat up to 3-5 years old must be equipped with built-in fastening devices. The seat belt buckle must be protected with a soft pad.

Car seat certification, safety and crash tests

The most important factor in assessing the safety of a car seat is the result of crash tests. In the laboratory, an emergency is simulated and the damage to the dummies inside the vehicle is assessed.

In Europe, the most popular rating is the German club ADAC. They have developed a whole classification for assessing the safety of car seats for children. It includes protection in the event of an accident, the reliability of holding the child and installation in the car, convenience, environmental friendliness.

If you cannot decide which child seat is better - video and expert assessment from crash tests will help you make a choice.

In Russia, the certification of child car seats is optional, so many purchase restraints that do not meet safety standards. At the same time, parents should understand that the requirements for these standards protect the child from possible harm. The consequences of such an acquisition can be tragic.

Rating of manufacturers

The rating of the best car seat models is constantly updated, manufacturers of high-quality car seats are improving their developments.

Kiddy Evo-Luna i-Size (Isofix)

Comfortable and safe category 0+ infant car seat. The disadvantages of this model are the high cost of the cover and the large size of the installation space. The price is about 35,000 rubles.

Romer Baby-Safe

More budget option in the same group. Of the minuses, they note the difficulty in the correct installation of the chair. The price is about 9500 rubles.

Joie i-Gemm (i-Size)

Comfortable infant car seat category 0+. Has the option of installing on a wheelchair base of the same company. The price is around 17,000 rubles.

Cybex Sirona

Group 0-1. A good model for children weighing up to 18 kg, age category from 0 to 3-4 years. Has enhanced protection. The price is about 37,000 rubles.

Concord Reverso PLUS (i-Size + Isofix)

Group 0-1. When installed backwards, the car seat can be put into a sleeping position. After one and a half years, the car seat can be installed facing forward, the tilt adjustment remains. The big disadvantage is the heavy weight and bulkiness of the structure. The price is around 25,000 rubles.