Car seats for newborns: ranking of the top 10 best child seats for children from 0 years old

Nowadays, we should remember about road safety, the safety of both adults and very tiny passengers. We are presented with a huge range of products, but how to choose the right option?

How to make traveling in a car with newborns as safe as possible? How to choose the right car seat (car seat) for a newborn baby? You can find out what groups of car seats are by age and weight here.

Why do you need a car seat (car seat)?

According to the law (Part 3 of Article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), for neglecting the requirements of traffic rules when transporting children, the amount of the administrative fine in 2020 is 3,000 rubles.

You need to use a car seat from birth until your child is six months old. Afterwards, parents who are concerned about the safety of the child need to purchase a car seat.

5 benefits of using infant carriers and car seats

This is the most reliable protection for a child when driving in a car from a sharp impact.
It will not move during an accident.
The child feels comfortable in it.
Staying in it is absolutely harmless to health.
The device has the function: “Car seat for newborns”

Which car seat is best for a newborn?

A baby cradle, no matter where it is - at home or installed in a car, parents always think about which one is better to choose, comparing different options. They review car seats, compare prices for children's products, crash test results, etc.

When considering a choice between groups 0 and 0+, the following information should be examined.

Advantages of group 0:

the child is in a horizontal position;
ideal for transporting weakened or premature babies;
there is no pressure on the fragile spine.

Disadvantages of group 0:

dimensions in which the car seat takes up two places at once in the rear seat;
in the event of a frontal impact, it is not able to maximally protect the child from injury.

Advantages of group 0+:

the cradle for newborns in a car of this category is smaller in size;
installed facing the rear according to all safety standards;
for convenience, designs in the form of carriers have been thought out so that children can be comfortably fed, played with, and entertained;
intended for babies up to one year;
internal five-point or three-point seat belts are provided;
There is an option for mounting on an Isofix base or with standard seat belts;
can be placed in the front seat by turning off the airbags;
lightweight design.

Disadvantages of group 0+:

there is no horizontal position of the back, so up to 5 months it is better not to carry children in such restraints over long distances, as there is a large load on the fragile spine;
Car seats with a carry function are narrower than regular stationary seats.

Important! Parents choose the best car seat from the presented groups themselves, assessing all the pros and cons, as well as the individual characteristics of the child.

Harmful car seats - a myth or not?

The widespread belief that it is harmful for a newborn to be in a car seat due to the possibility of spinal deformation is unfounded.

Being in a semi-lying position has absolutely no effect on the spine.

If you have already purchased a seat, you can adjust the angle of inclination using a special insert for a car seat designed for a newborn.

Only a specialized insert for a newborn can be placed in a car seat. It is strictly forbidden to use additional inserts purchased separately from the chair.

Try to limit the time a newborn is in the car seat to no more than an hour and a half, then there will be no reason for concern.

Features of choosing car seats for newborns

Car seats for newborns are car restraint devices in which children can be transported from the moment of birth. Externally, they look like a cradle for newborns, which can also be used as a rocking chair, and some models are installed on the chassis of strollers.

There are certain features of choosing car seats from 0 months:

according to all standards and rules, including European ones, a car seat can be carried into a car only backwards forward in both the back seat and the front seat;
if parents want to use a car seat for newborns also in the front seat, then products only with the Isofix fastening system will not be suitable, since there are no special locks on the front seat;
you need to decide in advance up to what age the child will ride in a car seat from birth in order to correctly determine the group (0 or 0+, for example);
carefully study the composition of the cover, which should be “breathable” and not retain moisture inside, so that children do not have irritations and rashes on their skin due to excessive sweating;
many models can be used as a rocking chair for quickly falling asleep, and also as a carrier, easily removed from the car;
a child seat for a car must correspond to the height and weight of the child for his own convenience, as well as safety during the trip;
the frame materials from which child seats from 0 to 10 (13) kg are made must be as strong as possible in order to withstand impacts in accidents;
Side impact protection must be considered to protect the child’s head and other vital organs;
For the safety and comfort of a newborn, head support must be thought out in the infant carrier.

Now, before the birth of the child, parents can already know in advance how to choose the right car seat for newborns.

How to choose a car seat?

Today, the practice of transporting children in a car seat is very slowly but surely taking root in Russia. And in Europe, even on the way from the maternity hospital, newborns are transported only in a car equipped with a car seat.

Types of car seats

Group	Child's weight in kg	Child's age
0	0-10 kg	From 0 to 9 months
0+	0-13 kg	From 0 to 12-15 months
0+/1	0-18 kg	From 0 to 4 years
1	9-18 kg	9 months-4 years
1/2	9-25 kg	9 months-6 years
1/2/3	9-36 kg	9 months-11 years (or up to 150 cm)
2/3	15-36 kg	From 4 to 12 years (or up to 150 cm)

These parameters are very individual. When purchasing a structure, it is necessary to take your child with you. When a child is sitting in a car seat, it is allowed that his head extends only 1/3 beyond the edge of the structure, and the seat belts start above the shoulders.

Experts recommend choosing car seats that belong to one or two groups. Research shows that universal chairs do not have adequate quality seats .

8 tips for choosing

Rating (based on crash test). The higher the rating of a model, the better the quality of the item.
The presence of a base for the chair. It is a base that is attached to the seat and separately to the chair.
Availability of anchors and belts. They simplify the scheme for attaching a car seat in a car.
Fastening system with five security points. There are two points on the shoulders and hips and between the legs.
Special system for protecting the head and chest from side impacts.
The presence of adjustable straps allows you to ensure a comfortable stay for the child as he grows up. Check that the belt connectors are of good quality (they should not take much time to connect).
Comfort, which includes the softness of the seat and back.
Possibility of easy maintenance (through wet cleaning).

Car seat installation location

Car seats include designs designed for children from 9 months . They are installed in the direction of travel of the car. Universal seats of group 1/2/3 can be installed near the driver or behind.

The best and safest place is considered to be behind the driver, and next to him is the most dangerous.

Manufacturers rating

When choosing a car seat manufacturer, the price criterion should be in last place. Remember that the life and health of your child is at stake! Check out the models from the following manufacturers, which are considered the best in their category.

BeSafe

BeSafe products are very popular in Russia, as they fully comply with all modern standards and quality requirements.

Based on the results of six crash tests carried out in 2016, the BeSafe iZi Go Modular model, designed for children weighing up to 10 kg, received a “good” rating. The device has an ovoid, streamlined shape, so drivers note the comfortable position of the small passenger.

Pros of the model:

An anatomical pillow is included, which can be used when transporting infants from the first days of life;
the presence of five-point internal pockets;
thanks to the adapter it is possible to install it on a stroller;
There is a convenient carrying handle and an awning from the sun and wind.

In addition, the model has a removable cover, so it can be washed periodically. But there is also a drawback to such a car seat - soft pads on the belts are combined with an insert for newborns. You can purchase the device at a price of 19 to 20 thousand rubles.

Maxi-Cosi

Car seats from Maxi-Cosi occupy leading positions in several crash tests. In Russia, the “Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix” model in the “0” category is quite popular, has good reviews and ratings. Car owners note the comfort, safety, ergonomics of the device, as well as pleasant bonuses in the form of soft belt pads, an awning that protects from the sun, a removable cover, and a pocket for small items. In addition, among the advantages it is worth mentioning:

high quality materials;
easy installation;
interesting design;
insert for a newborn.

Among the disadvantages of the model, car owners point out the inconvenient buttons for folding the handle. The average cost of equipment is also high - 15-16 thousand rubles.

Heyner

Despite the fairly high-quality products, Heyner models have quite affordable prices. The manufacturer is especially popular in Europe, where they know a lot about the quality of automotive protective structures. A common model in Russia is “Heyner SuperProtect Comfort”. The device has the following advantages:

monolithic design made of thick but soft plastic ensures convenient operation;
chair weight – only 2.5 kg;
sun visor and foot cover included;
four handle positions;
affordable price.

In reviews of the model, users also point out disadvantages. It is noted that the cradle is narrow for babies in down jackets and winter overalls, and if the child remains in the chair for a long time, the child becomes hot. The chair costs about 5 thousand rubles.

When releasing products, the German company Cybex focuses on both safety and ease of use, that is, it adjusts the design to the child’s comfortable position. Cybex has many awards for good test results.

One of the popular models in Russia is the Cybex Aton Basic carrycot, designed for transporting children weighing up to 13 kg. Buyers are also attracted by the variety of colors - you can easily choose a device that will appeal to both boys and girls in design. Pros of the model:

the presence of elastic three-point belts with soft internal linings;
frame resistant to mechanical damage;
a light weight;
removable cover made of wear-resistant fabric and removable visor.

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Some car owners still note that the model is not particularly suitable for transporting newborns several months old, since you have to put something under the baby so as not to create a semi-sitting position. You can buy a chair for 8-10 thousand rubles.

Concord

The Concord company is also one of the leaders in the production of children's goods. The products meet all quality standards; one of the advantages is the environmental friendliness of the materials. The most preferred model by Russian car owners is “Concord Air Safe”. The car seat is designed for children weighing up to 13 kg and has the following advantages:

the frame headrest can be secured in three different height positions with one button; when adjusted, the internal seat belts also rise;
a soft insert for newborns flattens the inner surface of the chair and the child finds himself in a more supine position;
light weight of the car seat – 2.9 kg.

According to reviews from parent drivers, the range of colors is very limited, and they are also not particularly happy with the price of the device - 12-15 thousand rubles.

In the production of Nania seats, car owners are most attracted by the price. But this is not the only advantage - Nania infant carriers are quite reliable and comfortable devices that can compete with some expensive models.

Most often, drivers choose the “Nania BeOne SP Luxe” model - this is a functional carrycot of category “0”. Advantages of the model:

the chair bowl is well expanded in the headboard area, which provides the child with reliable protection without compromising freedom of movement;
double-layer panels on the sides with plastic inserts reflect energy during a side impact;
the presence of a folding awning;
four positions of the carrying handle.

Among the shortcomings are the following:

inconvenience of use in winter - the sleeves of warm overalls are difficult to fasten;
great depth, due to which it is better not to use the chair in the first six months of the baby.

The cost of the chair is about 3 thousand rubles.

Zlatek

Zlatek infant carriers are the choice of patriots. The production of Zlatek infant carriers is carried out in Russia in the Ryazan region. Thanks to a three-level control system, the company can also boast of high quality products. The chairs are tested at the Scientific Center of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NAMI and comply with the European safety standard ECE-R44/04.

Car owners choose the “Zlatek Kolibri” model of category “0”. In addition to the very affordable cost, the following advantages stand out:

soft internal lining on three-point belts;
reliable frame made of low-density polyethylene with increased side protection;
a deep headrest provides protection from impacts in the event of an accident;
presence of a removable cover.

According to buyers, the fabric of this model is not of very high quality, and the handle is flimsy, but most of the shortcomings are still justified by the affordable price - 2-3 thousand rubles.

When choosing a car seat for a newborn, pay attention to the following criteria:

Find out if the manufacturer has certificates for passing tests and crash tests, study the results. The product label must bear the ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04 mark, if the product is manufactured in Russia - a mark indicating compliance with the requirements of GOST 41.44.
Check how comfortable the seat will be for a small passenger. Not only his comfort, but also a calm atmosphere during the trip depends on this.
Choose chairs with removable covers made from natural materials. They can be washed, which is very appreciated by mothers, because energetic children sweat a lot.

For very young children, it will be safer to install the cradle so that the baby faces rearward, so it is better to choose an option that allows installation in both directions.
If you lead an active life and your child becomes your constant companion, then buy baby carriers and pay attention to the weight of the structure - appreciate the lightness.
Check the car seat body for flimsiness - the child’s safety depends on this.
Pay attention to the depth of the product and keep in mind that in winter the baby will be transported in warm, bulky clothes.
Look how tightly the chosen device fits to the seat - it should hardly move.

Check whether there are enough standard seat belts in the cabin of your car to secure the infant carrier.
Seat belts must be resistant to cold, heat, abrasion and light.
Choose chairs with the ability to adjust the backrest angle.
It will be convenient if you can connect an audio system to the product - in this case, the baby can play children's songs or fairy tales.
Remember that modern designs differ in color: blue cradles are installed facing backwards, that is, against the direction of travel, red car seats are installed facing forward, in the direction of travel.

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Another important tip when buying a car seat - do not save money and do not buy the device second-hand. Disadvantages of buying a used car seat:

the design may be missing some important details, you won’t even notice it;
the structure of the chair may be damaged, such defects are usually invisible to the eye;
In such cases, installation instructions are most often absent.

Before choosing a car seat for newborns, it is important to know what exactly to look for. Having determined what requirements the product must meet, you will understand what from the store assortment will suit you and what will not.

This toddler device has a durable plastic frame that can withstand impacts. Inside the cradle there are fastening belts with soft linings that allow you to secure the child well. When the car is moving, the baby will not fidget or sway too much. In addition, inside the cradle there are soft pads for the head. They fix it, preventing it from swaying too much. This is important for a baby whose vertebrae are not yet fully strengthened.

In such a car crib, a small child can be transported over long distances. He will be comfortable and safe.

The infant carrier is always placed in such a way that the child lies with his head towards the front seats. It is important. Thus, even in the event of an accident, the baby’s head will not swing sharply forward, which means that nothing will be damaged.

So, you need the best baby bassinet for your car. In this section you will see product ratings.

In such a car crib the baby will have a good rest. Its flatness is quite significant. This product provides a high level of protection for the baby from the dangers that are possible on the road.

This model has a convenient handle on top. It makes it easy to lift the device with your child. In addition, if necessary, rattles can be attached to this handle.

The material with which the cradle is lined is hypoallergenic. It does not cause allergic reactions. In addition, it is non-flammable. These are additional advantages.

Choosing a car seat

How to choose a car seat for newborns and not go wrong? When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the angle of the backrest. The tilt angle should be 30-43 degrees so that the child feels comfortable.

A smaller tilt than expected causes difficulty breathing. A greater tilt may cause injury upon impact.

4 types of infant carriers

Car seats for newborns differ depending on the mounting method:

Fastened in the direction of movement;
Against the direction of movement;
In both directions;
Parallel to the seat.

Rules for installing a car seat

Car seats are considered to be designs that are designed for use from birth to 1-4 years. These include types of cradles 0, 0+, 0+/1.

Car seats 0 and 0+ must be installed with their backs facing the direction of travel.
Designs 0+/1 can be installed both forward and backward.

It is not recommended to transport children under 9 kilograms in the direction of travel of the car. Until this time, there is a high risk of injury from emergency braking.

Can infant carriers be used with a stroller?

We are all familiar with strollers with infant carriers. Many people use these bassinets to transport children. It is not safe.

They are not designed to ensure safe movement, even if they are attached to the seat (this happens very rarely). Such cradles do not pass the required crash test.
In addition to all this, stroller bassinets are not made of impact-resistant material and, if something happens, they will not be able to protect the child. Even if there is no insert for the newborn in the car seat.

Rating of infant carriers

It is recommended that you review crash tests and customer reviews before purchasing a structure.
Statistics confirm that the risk of death and serious injury is significantly reduced due to the use of car seats .

There is no best car seat for newborns. But there are certain leaders. There is a rating by which you can evaluate the quality of an item.

The car seat for a newborn is divided into:

by age group;
by fastening methods;
universal car seats.

The rating of car seats for newborns follows a similar plan.

In terms of safety, one of the leading places is occupied by the Romer Baby Safe Plus model.

It is installed backwards, has an isofix mount, can be used as a rocking chair, has an anatomical pillow and handles for carrying.

You can see ADAC crash tests May 2020 in the video:

Second place went to Romer Baby Safe Plus 2, 3rd stage - Recaro Young Profi Plus.

Pros: high level of safety, convenience, high level of ventilation. Minus: high price (about 12,000 rubles), heavy weight (about 4 kg).

A cheaper model: Bebe Confort Creatis showed a good test result. According to buyers, the Bebe Confort chair is one of the few that protects against side impacts .

It has an adjustable headrest, so the chair is comfortable to use from birth. The average price is about 8000-9000 rubles.

The best car seats for newborns in the premium segment

More than 60% of parents do not spare any money for their children and even choose infant carriers from the premium segment. Such products are distinguished by natural materials, a durable frame and the presence of additional functions. Our experts in the world of children's products have selected three of the most popular luxury models of car seats for newborns.

SimpleParenting Doona+

Rating: 4.9

The design of this car seat for a newborn includes not only a portable handle, a sun cap and a foot cover, but also retractable wheels. They have good cross-country ability and can even cope with a walk in winter with little precipitation.

Our experts checked how the wheel system folds and whether it interferes with attachment to the platform - they are removed neatly, so the safety of movement in a car in such a car seat for a child remains at a high level.

Advantages

Combining a car seat and a stroller;
Availability of an orthopedic insert for a newborn;
High level of security;

Flaws

The wheelbase is not designed for off-road conditions and snowdrifts.

Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix

Rating: 4.8

This premium car seat model for a newborn has a unique hood with a high level of protection from ultraviolet rays. So, even in the summer heat, your baby will not be hot in your car.

Additionally, there is a pillow for a newborn, with which you can adjust the position of the child. On a flat surface, the car seat turns into a rocking cradle, which is convenient for all parents.

Advantages

Every detail of the car seat has been worked out;
There is a built-in wheelbase, so it can be used as a stroller;
High safety indicators;
Can be used as a cradle on a flat surface;

Flaws

High price.

Recaro Privia

Rating: 4.8

One of the best variations of a car seat for newborns with a weight of only 3.7 kg. It is mounted in the car on the Isofix platform, recognized as the most reliable and safe. According to parents, the carrying handle is very convenient.

Among the distinctive features is the highest crash test rating among other new products in the world of infant carriers. There is an orthopedic insert, a pillow for a newborn and soft but strong three-point harnesses.

Advantages

Highest crash test rating;
Convenient carrying handle and folding sun canopy;
Pleasant fabric base that does not cause allergies in the child;

Which is better: a car seat or a car seat?

For frequent trips and long distances, it is better to choose a car seat for a newborn. The advantage
of a car seat is its relative convenience for a small passenger. It lies in a horizontal position, which promotes normal breathing.

But there is also a minus. The safety level is slightly lower compared to a car seat .

In addition, the inconvenience is that the cradle and car seat for newborns takes up a lot of free space in the back of the car and creates discomfort for other passengers.

As for car seats, they are also used from the birth of the baby. In the car seat, the baby is in a reclining position.

Car seats for newborns: features and benefits

Already at the exit from the maternity hospital, parents of a newborn baby are faced with the need to transport the baby in a car. This must be done according to all the rules, otherwise even the first trip can result in serious problems. When it comes to traveling with a baby, the first thing that comes to mind is transportation in a car seat. It is installed perpendicular to the movement of the car in the rear seat and is firmly fixed using seat belts. The baby is transported in a horizontal position in the car seat and is securely fastened with built-in seat belts.

Advantages of using a car seat:

Reducing the load on the musculoskeletal system. The horizontal position of the baby is the safest for its development, especially in the first months of life. The baby in the cradle lies perpendicular to the direction of movement, therefore, when using special anatomical inserts, small jolts when the machine moves cannot harm the baby’s fragile body.
Freedom to breathe. Lying in the cradle, the baby gets the opportunity to breathe fully. After all, even a slight tilting of the head can lead to a decrease in the amount of air consumed by the baby.
Possibility of habitual sleep. The baby sleeps a lot during the first months of life. The measured movements of the car will help lull you to sleep, and the baby will have a great rest during the trip.

Therefore, to the question: is a car seat needed for newborns, you can definitely answer that it is needed, especially if long trips are planned. They are considered to be travel when the baby is continuously in the car for more than 1 hour without breaks. But the infant carrier also has its drawbacks:

Short period of use. You can carry your baby in a car seat up to a maximum of six months of age. Then you will have to buy a car seat for the next age category.
Limited security features. They primarily refer to cradles that “migrated” to the car from the stroller. Although many manufacturers claim that they can be used for travel, in reality the quality of plastic and impact-resistant characteristics of such devices are in many ways inferior to real infant carriers.
Takes up a lot of space. If the first child car seat takes up only one place in the back seat, then the car seat takes up two. Therefore, if you have a large family, you should think about whether you need a car seat with its dimensions.

Car seats of the first age category do not have many of the disadvantages of infant carriers.

Precautionary measures

Before using the infant carrier (car seat), be sure to read the instructions, which describe all safety precautions. Otherwise, incorrect actions may cause injury and death.

Never leave a child alone in a car under any circumstances.
Under no circumstances should you use a damaged car seat.
Damaged seat belts must not be used.
You cannot modify the car seat yourself.

Every time before a trip, you should check the structure for reliable fastening and integrity.

Is it possible to buy used

You can’t say unequivocally “no” to a used chair. If you buy from friends and know exactly the reason for the sale, then why not buy such an item much cheaper.

However, you should not take from strangers. It is unknown, it could have already been involved in an accident and cannot serve as a guarantee of safety. So the question “How to choose a car seat for newborns” is quite difficult.

How to install a car seat: instructions

To correctly install a standard infant carrier without using Isofix, you should follow fairly simple instructions.

Move the front passenger seat forward as far as possible.
Place the seat facing the direction of the car, i.e. with your back to the front seat.
Check the seat belt and adjust it to the lower position.
Pass the belt that secures the torso through the hooks on the sides of the chair, after which it must be fastened.
The belt, which normally goes over the shoulder, should be passed from behind and threaded through the hook on the back, tightened - this will securely fix the device in the car.
The final point is to check everything and make sure the design is reliable.

Reviews from parents

Marina, 33 years old, Orsk

I have been using a babyton car seat for six months, the reviews are the best. My husband and I are happy. I especially like that it can be easily removed, so I can take my daughter with me to the store and to the pharmacy. Just great!

Oksana, 26 years old, Nizhny Novgorod

Two months ago I bought a leader kids car seat, the reviews are excellent. Sometimes I often have to travel around the city on business, there is no one to leave the baby with, the chair is just a lifesaver. Convenient to wash and easy to attach. And not heavy in weight.

Camilla, 41 years old, Cheboksary

For the rant car seat, the reviews were quite good. We took it a long time ago and it has never let us down. We carry it like a bag with our son when we go shopping, and before I used it at home as a cradle. It’s convenient in the car, it’s not bulky, it can be removed quickly, and it’s also easy to attach.

How to install

Choosing a car seat for a child according to certain criteria is part of the question. The baby seat, cradle or carrier still needs to be installed correctly.

The rules are as follows if there is an Isofix system:

it is necessary to find the joint between the back and the seat, and also find the Isofix mounting brackets;
metal brackets are removed from the car seat;
further, all components snap into place;
when the car seat has indicators of correct fastening, then if installation is successful, they go to the “green” position;
then the car seat structure itself is installed on the Isofix base and additionally secured with standard seat belts, which are tensioned to the required level;
the Isofix base should be moved as far as possible towards the back of the car seat;
if there is a stop on the floor, the telescopic structures are additionally adjusted to the desired position;
After placing the child in the car seat, he is secured with internal belts.

Important! Isofix is not used on the front seat.

Installation with standard belts is simpler and more convenient; it allows you to place the car seat in the front seat of the car. This is done like this:

find special marks on the body of the car seat for passing blue belts, since the seat is placed against the windshield;
pass the standard belts through them and secure them;
place the child in the seat and fasten the five-point or three-point seat belts;
When traveling in the front seat, be sure to turn off the airbag.

The automotive fastening method is considered not the most reliable compared to Isofix. In addition, car seat belts may not be long enough.

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.

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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 newborn

What types of car seats are there for newborns? Read the article about what to look for when purchasing, how to properly place your baby in a car seat, and what ensures the baby’s safety in the car.

Carrying a newborn in your arms means putting him at risk, even at low speeds! A car seat (car seat) is required for a newborn. Parents need to remember that you cannot use one car seat for a child of all ages.

Safe car seat: where is the guarantee?

The safety of the baby in the car is ensured by the following child car seat parameters:

protects against side impact. According to numerous studies, it is the side impact that is most dangerous for a small passenger.
securely attaches to the car. The child must remain secure, including during sudden braking.
easy operation. According to sad statistics, a significant portion of injuries occur due to improper installation of a child car seat in a car.

Manufacturers of child car seats came to these now obvious things about 30 years ago. Previously, the functions of car seats for newborns and older children were limited to keeping the child in one place while the car was in motion.

But the development of the global automotive industry as a whole, an increase in speeds, the number of cars and increased attention to passenger safety have led to the adoption of uniform European standards for the safety of child car seats. Since 2009, this has been the ECE R44/04 standard, which corresponds to the Russian GOST. Please note that the previous version ECE R44/03 is less stringent than the current one.

The first child car seat appeared in 1935 in America. But then the device did not serve to ensure the safety of the baby in the car, but to prevent the child from crawling around the cabin and interfering with driving.

Innovations for child car seats: ECE and i-size

In the summer of 2013, a new system of standards for child car seats appeared - i-size. The introduction of new markings does not mean that previously manufactured chairs are unsafe. It's all about developing road safety techniques.

i-Size takes into account the latest research, the gradation of car seats has changed relative to the weight and height of the child, and lateral protection has been strengthened. But, at least until 2020, the ECE 44/04 and i-Size standards operate in parallel, which means that car seats marked ECE 44/04, which have already become familiar, will not disappear from Russian stores.

The I-size standard requires that a child car seat be secured in a car exclusively using the isofix system. If your car does not require such special fasteners (this can be clarified in the car modification), then a seat marked i-size will not suit you, only ECE.

Do not confuse ECE R44/04 and Isofix

ECE R44/04 is a child car seat safety standard that includes several parameters regarding side protection, fastening systems, and the dependence of the seat model on height and weight. This marking must be on the car seat.

Isofix is just a fastening system, nothing more. There are two ways to secure a child car seat: using a standard car seat belt and using Isofix anchors.

Make sure that the car seat you choose to purchase has the European marking ECE R44/04. This marking fully complies with Russian GOST standards.

In some countries, for example, in the UK, Israel, Canada, the mother simply cannot be released from the maternity hospital until she guarantees that the newborn will go home in a car seat.

Myths about transporting newborns in a car

The most common belief is that it is supposedly possible to transport a newborn in the arms of an adult or in a regular cradle, especially if the journey is short. Those who claim this point to the fact that they have never heard of car seats for children before, and the driver will be extremely careful. But this is absolutely forbidden! Yes, before there were no car seats for newborns with such a strong and complex protection system as now, but think about how the traffic situation has become more complicated, how much the speed of movement has increased in recent years, and then it will become clear why a child car seat is now vitally important. In addition, a disaster can happen at a relatively low speed of 30-40-50 km/h. Therefore, remember: a newborn can only be transported in a special car seat, regardless of the distance, speed and duration of the trip!

Another myth associated with transporting children in a car is that a car seat for newborns harms the baby’s fragile spine. If you use a car seat for older children to transport a baby, then yes, it is harmful. But special car seats are produced for newborns! They differ from others in that the child is not in a sitting position, but lying down, that is, without any harm to the newborn.

If you do not plan to regularly travel with a newborn in the car, then to move from the maternity hospital home, order a taxi, the fleet of which has not just a car seat for children, but specifically for infants.

Choosing a car seat for a newborn

As mentioned above, a car seat for a newborn differs from others at least in its design, which assumes a semi-lying position for the baby in it. Currently, manufacturers of child car seats use five age categories:

Category	Child's age	Child's weight (kg)
Newborns and up to six months or a year.
0+	From birth to 1.5 years
from 9 months to 3.5-4 years
3-7 years
from 6 years	from 22

What you need to know when choosing and using a car seat

The car seat is category 0. Externally, the car seat resembles an ordinary cradle. The child is positioned strictly horizontally in it, which corresponds to his physiological characteristics. There is no danger to the spine or other parts of the body. This position is familiar for the baby; he also sleeps in a crib.

The car seat is installed only in the back seat, perpendicular to the movement. The headboard should be turned away from the car door: this is safer in the event of a side impact. The car seat is secured with a standard seat belt. The baby in the car seat must also be secured with internal wide straps.

What to look for when choosing a car seat for a newborn:

Depth. When assessing this parameter, remember that the child will be in the infant carrier wearing clothes, including voluminous winter overalls.
The car seat should fit snugly to the car seat, practically without moving on it.
Before purchasing, check whether the standard seat belts in your car are sufficient to secure the infant carrier.
Check the car seat body for flimsiness. It is the body that mainly ensures the safety of the baby.

The disadvantages of an infant carrier are that usually by 6-9 months the child “outgrows” it. Therefore, it is better to consider the option of auto-carrying.

Car seat price: from 5,000 rubles.

Do not confuse the infant carrier with a car carrier, which is installed against the direction of travel.

What you need to know when choosing and using a car carrier

The car carrier (marked as 0+) is also intended for children from birth, but has a number of significant differences from the car seat. Externally, the car carrier looks more like a car seat for older children rather than a cradle. It is also convenient because it has a handle for transporting the car with the baby outside the car. Used for children up to one and a half years old or until the weight reaches 13 kg.

In a car carrier, the child is in a reclining position, because the back of the carrier is set at an angle of 30-45 degrees. For those who have not yet encountered a car carrier, it seems that the child is sitting in it. But in fact, the position of the baby with the backrest of the car carrier correctly adjusted is the same as if he is lying in your arms.

The car carrier is installed in the back seat, preferably behind the driver. Do not keep any objects in the back seat when the infant carrier is in place. You can also place the infant carrier on the front passenger seat, but then the airbag must be turned off! Unlike a car seat, a car carrier is placed like a car seat for older children, that is, not perpendicular to the movement. Please note that it is better to install a car carrier (or a car seat for newborns) against the direction of the car.

There are two options for attaching the carrier to your car. The first is using standard seat belts. The second is through special isofix fasteners. In the second case, such a system should be in your car. But basically all cars produced after 2003 have isofix mounts.

If you are buying a car seat, it does not matter whether your car is equipped with an isofix mounting system. If you are using a car carrier, check the compatibility of the machine and the car carrier in terms of fastenings.

What to look for when buying a car carrier:

Possibility to adjust the backrest tilt.
Reliability of fastenings.
Compatibility of car carrier mounts and your car.

If you bought a car carrier, it is better to supplement it with a special insert for a newborn, which will ensure a better position for the baby in the car carrier.

Car carrier price: from 5,000 rubles, car carrier insert for newborns – from 1,000 rubles.

There are strollers that, judging by the manufacturer’s description, have a removable infant carrier. Outwardly, it may look quite suitable for transporting a baby. But, unfortunately, crash tests show that a stroller car seat is unsafe.

Car seat: from birth to 3-4 years

This is an intermediate category designed to save the family budget. Such car seats are marked as 0-1 and are suitable for children weighing no more than 18 kg. The requirements for a car seat are the same as for a car carrier. However, it is highly recommended to use a newborn insert.

Price: from 8,000 rubles.

Even a minor accident can lead to deformation of the car seat that is invisible to the eye, which can subsequently affect the safety of the baby. Therefore, if you decide to buy a used child car seat, it is better to purchase it from friends.

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Car seat for newborns: reviews from doctors, photos

Car seats for newborns, photos of which can only give an idea of their design, are not always able to provide adequate safety for the child due to the use of an insufficiently strong frame. In particular, when choosing a car seat, you need to make sure that it is made of impact-resistant plastic. The device must also meet the following criteria:

Traditional car cradles are installed along the back seat of the car. In them, the baby is in a semi-horizontal position and feels exactly the same as when walking in a stroller. However, such models have a significant drawback - when used in a car, in addition to the driver, only one passenger can fit. The devices are secured using two seat belts that are in the car, and another one, belonging to the car seat, runs across the child’s chest. It is wide enough and does not cause any concern to the baby. Doctors completely agree with such assurances from manufacturers.

What is the difference between an infant carrier and a car seat?

The car seat is child safety. It is placed in the back seat and secured with standard seat belts. Often the cradle is confused with a car seat. And here it is important to understand that, despite the same functionality, these products are fundamentally different.

A car seat is a small-sized carrier designed to accommodate babies up to one year old. In it, the baby is in a reclining position, since this is the most physiological position at an early age. This is all connected with the same muscle weakness and skeletal imperfections. It is permissible to sit down a child from the age of six months, or even later - it is believed that only then is he ready for this. The car seat takes this feature into account, so the child lies in it.

If we consider a standard car seat, it is assumed that the child will ride in it while sitting. This option is absolutely not suitable for a baby. In addition, the car seat is larger in size, because it is designed for older children, and a baby newborn will literally drown in it.

The car seat is placed against the direction of travel or perpendicular to it. This allows the child not to experience overload and not get motion sickness. The car seat is usually placed in the direction of travel - this will make traveling more interesting for an older child.

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The car seat has more belts to secure the child. There are fewer of them in a car seat. In addition, there are special bolsters that will support the baby’s head, preventing it from swaying from side to side. Which is also extremely important. Children who have already learned to hold their heads can sit in the chair.

A car seat in a car is a must-have attribute, as it ensures the safety of the baby and also literally frees up the hands of the young mother. Firstly, she can drive and not worry about how the child is doing - after all, he is securely secured. Secondly, she can ride behind him, but do her own thing. If you wish and have some skill, you can even feed the baby without taking him out of the cradle.

In car seats, a newborn is transported reclining, at an inclination of 30-45 degrees, with his back in the direction of travel. The seat itself is secured either with the car's standard seat belts or with special ISOFix brackets. The child in the car seat is held in place by internal straps.

The first picture shows a universal chair that can be used for both infants and older children. The second picture shows a car seat that is used for children up to one and a half years old. In these seats, the child can be carried outside the car, thanks to a special handle.

The main advantage of car seats is that they provide better safety for the child than bassinets. The seats hold the baby's head well during a frontal impact, eliminating traumatic stress on the neck. And this, according to statistics, is about 70% of accidents.

It is very important that the tilt of the seat back is correct and is within 30-45 degrees. A flatter angle (more than 45 degrees) greatly reduces the safety of the car seat in frontal impacts. If the position is too high (angle less than 30 degrees), the child’s head will fall forward, which can lead to difficulty breathing, and, as a result, to insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood, and in very rare cases, to respiratory arrest.

The angle of the seat back should be within 30-35 degrees.
The optimal angle is 45°. The optimal back angle is 45°. This tilt ensures an optimal balance between safety and comfort during road trips.

As a rule, the angle of inclination of modern seats ensures the safe transportation of a child, but its value may vary depending on the shape of the seats of a particular car. It is permissible to use bolsters to correct the tilt of the car seat, for example from tightly wound towels that are placed under the front of the child seat.

To correct the angle of the car seat, you can use bolsters

For additional fixation of the child's head, it is allowed to use fabric rollers, which are placed on both sides of the newborn. It is prohibited to use various pillows or head pads that are not included with the chair, as this may cause the child’s head to fall forward.

For additional support of the child's head, it is allowed to use bolsters, for example, from rolled up towels.
There is a widespread opinion among parents that it is harmful for a newborn to sit in a car seat, as this can damage his spine. In fact, these fears are unfounded because the child does not sit upright in the car seat, but reclines. There are no dangerous loads on the spine. The weight is evenly distributed across the back.

a) Dangerous vertical loads on the newborn’s spine under the influence of his weight. b) In a half-sitting position, there are no vertical loads on the spine. The weight is distributed evenly over the entire back area.

If the chair is installed correctly and the time spent by the baby in it does not exceed an hour and a half, then there is no risk to the child’s health.

Summary: A car seat is a safe way to transport babies in a car from the first days of life. In it, the child is transported half-sitting with his back in the direction of travel. It is important that the tilt of the back of the chair is within 30-45 degrees. Car seats in which the child is transported lying down should be used only in case of special medical indications.