Buying a child car seat is a responsible business. Special attention should be paid not to colors and stylish design, but to criteria such as reliability, safety and ease of use. Preference should be given to trusted manufacturers whose products have passed crash tests and received appropriate quality certificates.
What it is?
It is widely believed among parents that the most comfortable and safe place for a child in a car is in the hands of the parents. This is fundamentally wrong, since in a collision at high speed there is a very high risk of a child getting craniocerebral trauma, bruises or a fracture of the spine. In the event that the parent holding the child in his arms falls on him, it is highly likely that the child will not survive.
One of the main tasks of moms and dads is to make the life of their child as safe as possible.
Some parents neglect car seats, believing that they will rarely carry a child in a car, and the service life of an expensive accessory is still short, which cannot be said about the price. How to choose a quality car seat for babies from the range of models that are abundantly presented on the world market? Which one will provide the greatest safety for your baby and minimize the likelihood of injury?
The most expensive car seat is not always the best, the price is not a guarantee of the highest quality. To show the quality of their products, manufacturers, along with independent experts, carry out serious comprehensive checks - crash tests. They clearly show the quality of a particular model, help to choose the best option among other models, and encourage manufacturers to strictly monitor the quality of their products.
When choosing a car seat, you can take into account information from the following expert organizations.
- ADAC Is a car club from Lanberg, Germany. Representatives of the club annually test children's car seats for various characteristics.
- ANWB - the Dutch motorists' union testing seats for children.
- TCS Is a car club from Switzerland. The organization tests chairs on two criteria: reliability and usability.
- WARENTEST Is a German magazine that regularly tests restraints with ADAC. The main aspects of the check are safety and comfort.
- RACC - a car club from Spain, testing the reliability of child car seats in accordance with the parameters of the ADAC organization.
Similar organizations exist in Finland, Spain, Italy and other countries. Each organization has its own assessment parameters, but there are also constant ones, which are followed by all motorist clubs. This, of course, is the safety of the little passenger. When conducting a crash test, the most important indicator is taken into account - the distance by which the car seat will move in a frontal impact at a speed of 50 km / h. The maximum allowable indicator is 55 cm.
Safety standards
According to European regulations, since 2009, car seats must comply with the unified ECE R44 / 04 standard. There are a number of parameters that determine the safety of child seats. The safety standards adopted in Europe are the most demanding and stringent in the world. For example, according to this standard, the vehicle speed for testing should be 50 km / h, the width of the seat belts for categories "0+" and "1" should be more than 25 mm, and for categories "2" and "3" - more than 38 mm ... It is noted in the rules that the presence of metal and other sharp parts in the immediate vicinity of the child is unacceptable.
True, these rules have not yet regulated the safety of the chair in case of side impacts. At the same time, most manufacturers began to install reinforced side inserts in the seats to protect children in emergency situations. Quality seats always bear the ECE R44 / 04 round conformity mark. It is orange in color with the letter E and the index of the country where the tests were carried out. At the bottom of the character there should be a six-digit number that begins with 04 or 03, as this is the number of the last two revisions of this Standard.
In addition to the operating instructions, the car seat must have an instruction with illustrations, which is applied to the side of the seat. If an Isofix mount is installed in a child seat, a list of vehicles in which this device is allowed to be installed must also be indicated. This certificate confirms that the product:
- equipped with belt clips and a special tensioning mechanism;
- resistant to corrosion, temperature and dirt.
Manufacturers often affix the ADAC test badge to their seats, but only ECE R44 is mandatory. In Europe, it is forbidden to transport children without an ECE R44 / 04 certified seat.
Testing methods
The child seat is designed to ensure the safety of the child while moving in the car. To determine the level of safety, a test drive of the seats is carried out, it is also called a crash test. For testing, products of well-known companies are selected and placed in the body of a car, which is installed on an accelerating catapult. A dummy is installed in a chair in a natural position, which is equipped with special sensors. It is they who measure the parameters, and the video camera records the whole process. Similarly, the load on the child in the event of an accident is determined.
The car seat is tested in a frontal collision at 64 km / h and a side impact at 50 km / h. When testing, dummies are used that have the minimum and maximum height and weight recommended by the manufacturers. During the experiment, the following criteria are assessed: compliance with the specified dimensions, the ability to adjust the fastening straps, the reliability of the chair fixation, the strength of the headrest.
Thanks to such tests, the shortcomings of the car seat are revealed, and the manufacturers indicate the weaknesses of the models. Over time, methods of verification have also improved. For example, since 2007, they began to closely evaluate the acceleration of the head in a head-on collision, and improved mannequins that more accurately imitate the physique of a child.
Rating of the best models
We present to your attention a list of the safest car seats for children.
Peg-Perego Viaggio 0 + / 1 Switchable
Car seat from Italian manufacturers - an excellent combination of quality and price. It rightfully occupies the top places in the ratings of car seats. It can be used from birth to 4 years old. The adjustable backrest makes it possible to lower the child to a semi-horizontal position. This is great for long journeys. It is possible to install the chair in the direction of travel or against it.
The presence of five-point belts with soft pads allows you to securely fix a small passenger. The straps are adjustable in length. The armchair is equipped with reinforced side panels. The model received high marks in the ADAC test results in the categories of environmental friendliness, care, ergonomics, operation. No flaws were found in this model.
Concord Reverso Plus
One of the safest chairs in its group. During the crash tests, the model showed itself from the best side, the experts gave the highest marks. The 10.9 kg model is made of a lightweight aluminum triangle-shaped frame. This form is the most durable. There is an indicator of correct installation and 2 ergonomic liners, reinforced side walls. The removable cover is made of materials that ensure good air circulation.
The comfort level is positively affected by the presence of an adjustable headrest and footrest.
Maxi-Cosi MiloFix
Comfortable, wide seat that easily fits even in a compact car. The anchoring structure functions as a counterweight. This model has an adjustable backrest, a comfortable headrest. Responsible for safety: reliable protection on the sides, belts with five attachment points with anti-slip pads. Disadvantages include poor ventilation.
Maxi-Cosi 2wayPearl
One of the best seats in this group based on the results of third-party expert organizations. Made by a Dutch company, very convenient adjustment. Weighs only 7.2 kg. Very comfortable model thanks to the anatomical shape of the seat, adjustable backrest. Sturdy head and neck protection and five-point anchorage straps enhance safety. Installation is possible only against the movement of the vehicle. Of the shortcomings, we can note the lack of a base for fastening, you will have to buy it separately.
Cybex Juno 2-Fix
This model is highly regarded in the test results. Comfortable chair weighing 6.7 kg. Equipped with adjustable straps, comfortable play table. High safety performance is ensured by reliable protection on the sides of the chair and an excellent frame made of impact-resistant plastic. Good ventilation is maintained. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that the backrest is inconvenient for sleeping.
Nania Beline SP Luxe
Car seat from France - good quality at an affordable price. Made from quality plastic. Installed in the direction of travel. Anatomical cushion increases comfort. Adjustable back and headrest. True, the inner straps are not long enough.
Recaro Monza Nova IS
The model is made in Germany, has high performance according to the ADAC test results. Great attention is paid to safety - there are additional durable pads that reduce the load on the head and shoulders by up to 30%. The chair can be used for up to 12 years.
Kiddy guardianfix 3
The modern German car seat Kiddy Guardianfix 3 is at the top of the ADAC test ranking. The robust case provides a high level of security, while the soft, breathable cover provides a comfortable feeling. There is a protective table and an adjustable footrest.
This chair can be used from one year to 12 years.
Cybex Solution M-Fix
Quality armchair from German manufacturers. Quality confirmed by ADAC tests. Not only safe, but also very comfortable. Ideal for children of all sizes, as the headrest can be adjusted in 12 positions. The backrest easily adjusts to the tilt of the car seat. Equipped with special side protectors.
Concord Transformer XT
The chair impresses with the level of safety and comfort. The model is equipped with an adjustable anatomical cushion. Seat width, backrest angle and headrest can also be changed. During testing, this model scored very high points. But the cost is slightly overpriced.
Britax Romer KidFix XP Sict
This model occupies one of the leading positions in the rating of the ADAC automobile club. High quality, modern security system. The seat frame evenly distributes the load in a frontal collision and effectively protects the child. Removable side airbags guarantee side impact safety. Removable covers of the product are made of high quality washable fabric. The seat is attached to the isofix system and seat belts.
By groups
The car seats are designed to ensure the safety of children while driving. The choice of a chair for babies should be approached very responsibly. For added convenience for parents, manufacturers have classified the seat models into groups.
There are both highly specialized groups provided for operation throughout the year, they have a small interval in the weight category, and universal options that can be used for 5-10 years, as the child grows up. This is possible due to the fact that the parameters of several groups are combined in adjacent groups.
The rating of car seats from adjacent groups is slightly higher due to the fact that such a seat can be used for much longer.
You will not need to purchase a new chair every one and a half to two years as your child grows up. Manufacturers offer car seats in the following groups:
- Group 0. Designed for children from birth to six months. The maximum weight of a child should not exceed 10 kg. Such a chair is installed sideways to the direction of travel. The product looks more like a cradle than a full-fledged chair.
- Group 0+. Designed for passengers from birth to one and a half years. The maximum weight of a child is 13 kg. Installed facing against car traffic.
- Group 1. Chairs of this group are designed for children from 9 months to 4 years old. Allowable child weight 9-18 kg. Installed in the direction of travel.
- Group 2. The recommended age for a child is 3-7 years. Permitted weight 15 - 25 kilograms. Installed in the direction of travel.
- Group 3. Recommended for children from 6-12 years old. The admissible weight of a child is 15-36 kg. The chair is installed facing in the direction of travel.
Also on the market are car seats of universal categories, for example, such as:
- Group 0-1. Designed for transportation of children from birth to 4 years old. Permitted weight from 0 to 18 kg. The seats of this category have a function of reclining the back to make the child's sleep more comfortable.
- Group 1-2-3. Universal chairs that can be used from 9 months to 12 years. The recommended load is from 9 to 36 kg.
- Group 2/3. In appearance, they resemble ordinary adult car seats, equipped with protective equipment. Chairs in this category are designed for a weight of 15 to 36 kg, respectively, for the age of 4-12 years.
It will help parents most quickly determine for what weight and age this or that category of chairs is provided, here is the following table:
Multifunctional child car seats are safe, practical and comfortable. This is especially true for models of group 1/2/3. Chairs of this type are the best sellers all over the world. This is not surprising, because such a versatile chair can be used from one year to 12 years. Reinforced framing is commonly used in related categories.
The backrest, seat belts and the position of the headrest can be adjusted depending on the child's height.
In addition, for additional comfort, the car seats are equipped with a soft liner, thanks to which the baby is lifted to the required level of the fixing straps. Multifunctional models are not as compact as highly specialized ones. They are longer and wider to reliably protect both very tiny passengers and grown-up ones.
Budget options
The cost of child seats for cars often depends on the promotion of the brand. Often, inexpensive chairs are not inferior to expensive models in terms of quality characteristics. Polish car seats have proven themselves well in the modern market. Their cost is lower than German or English, while they are quite high quality and look pretty.
It should be noted that many well-known companies, along with expensive ones, also produce budget options. Manufacturers reduce the cost through the simple appearance and inexpensive trim of the model. Thus, the price is reduced without sacrificing quality. Another option to purchase an inexpensive car seat is through sales. In the event that only a few units of a particular model remain in the store, prices for them are reduced.
If financial opportunities are limited, you should pay attention to frameless car seats.They are much lower than standard frame chairs. They are a dense fabric with seat belts sewn to it. True, frameless chairs have a number of disadvantages - they are not as safe as traditional ones, and experts do not recommend using them for children under two years old. The fact is that in such models, the child's back is not supported by anything. There is a possibility of spinal problems.
Another inexpensive option is the FEST holding device. This is an adapter for a stationary car seat belt. When using FEST, the belt supports the child's hips and abdomen. The disadvantages of this device are that the child is not protected from a side impact. For maximum child safety, car seats with a sturdy frame and quality seat belts are the best option. Remember, it is not worth saving on child safety.
For how the crash tests of child car seats take place, see the next video.
