Child safety in the car is a priority for any sane parent. To do this, you need to install a car seat, and for a grown-up child - a booster. But the smallest passengers require a baby carriage for newborns, which will protect the baby, make his movement in the car comfortable and convenient to carry home or to the store. In order for the acquisition to please its characteristics and successfully fulfill its role, the choice of a baby carrier should be taken seriously. This will help an overview of the most popular models, knowledge of selection criteria and owner reviews.
The validity of the purchase
Buying a baby carrier for newborns seems like a waste of money to many. This point of view is substantiated by the rapid growth of the baby and the need to purchase a new model. However, this position is fundamentally wrong. Car seat is not a whim of traffic police inspectors. It is designed to preserve the health and life of a crumb during unforeseen situations on the road.
A minor accident, which may not affect an adult in any way, will bring big troubles to a small child. In newborns, bones are still very fragile, cartilaginous tissue is undeveloped and, compared with the body, has a very large head. Therefore, the risk of damage is too great to save on children's health.
In addition to responsibility for the health of the baby, the mandatory movement of the crumbs in the cradle is prescribed in the rules of the road. For non-compliance with this paragraph, a fine and administrative liability are provided.
Varieties of car seats
Car seat in a car for newborns differs in technical parameters. To choose the necessary option, it is necessary to consider the weight of the baby, his age and time of use.
- Category 0. The model is intended for babies from birth to 6 months. As a rule, it has a carrying handle and only a horizontal position. Often a similar option comes with 3 in 1 strollers.
- Category 0+. The product must be installed against the direction of travel of the machine. For fastening, stationary seat belts will be required. The model is effective in head-on collisions and sudden braking. Car seat suitable for children up to 1.5 years, but the weight of the child should not exceed 13 kg.
- Category 1. If the child has already learned to sit, models from category 1 are suitable for him. The maximum age of the child can reach up to 4. The cradle is equipped with soft five-point seat belts. For the convenience of the baby, the backrest is adjustable.
Terms of use
In order for the baby carriage for babies to benefit and protect the baby in time from the dangers that await during the trip, it is necessary to follow the operating rules.
- The cradle should be fastened using a special Isofix base or stationary seat belts.
- It is important to correctly install the chair. Models from category 0 carry perpendicularly, and 0+ against movement.
- To avoid injuries during a side collision, it is recommended that the cradle be installed in the middle of the rear seat.
- If the mother needs to place the child next to her, in the front seat, then the airbag should be turned off.
- No objects should be left near the baby. Even a handbag can cause significant damage in a collision.
- A newborn should not spend more than 2 hours in an infant car seat without a break.
- The wheelchair version of the cradles can be used if it is possible to fasten them with seat belts.
It should be understood that the infant carrier is able to save the life of the baby only if the rules for its installation are followed and the child is securely fixed in it.
Attention to the back
Car cradle does not have a strictly horizontal surface. Models are slightly rounded. The angle of inclination was calculated taking into account the physiology of the baby and ranges from 30 to 45 degrees. If this indicator is lower, then the child is not only uncomfortable to lie, but also creates a dangerous load on the spine, normal breathing function is disturbed.
At a higher rate, the risk of injury to the baby during a head-on collision or sudden braking increases. The optimal angle of inclination should be selected, focusing on the age of the baby and the design features of the rear seat back of the car.
Attachment Rules
You should know how to mount a baby carrier for babies, so that it is comfortable for the baby and guarantees its safety. Different models may have their own characteristics. Therefore, before buying, you must study the instructions and see the technical specifications. The attached diagram and photos will help to understand the basics of mounting and position it correctly. Usually the product is fixed with stationary seat belts, but there are options where a special base is provided.
Models with straps
The car seat with seat belts is universal. This model is especially convenient if the family has two cars. There are seats equipped with auto-tensioning system. This design allows you to simplify the installation process and reliably fixes the cradle, preventing it from moving when braking or side impacts.
Products with mounting base
Car seat for newborns in a supine position is convenient if it comes with a special base. It is fixed in the required place and remains there until you need to change the chair. At the same time, the carrying itself is easily removable and can be carried home. This opportunity pleases parents, because there is no need to wake a child.
Seat belts are not required in this case. Models with the base are a complete set and guarantee a high level of security.
Isofix mounts
The most reliable type of fastening is the Isofix system. She successfully passed all the crash tests and showed improved results. The system is an attachment in the form of loops, but not all vehicles have this option.
How to choose a baby carrier for newborns
Before buying, you should clarify the weight of the baby and its height. The cradle selection is based on the following criteria:
- The availability of ECE R44 / 03 (04) marking must be clarified. These figures indicate the passage of crash tests and their successful completion.
- It is better to choose a model that can be located opposite and in the direction of travel. The first option is the safest, but often there are situations when the cradle needs to be turned over.
- If the family has two cars or there is a need to constantly carry the cradle, then it is better to choose simple but reliable mounts. The use of the base is optimal, but stationary belts can be used.
- Pay attention to the upholstery material. Preference is best given to the natural.
Having figured out how to choose a baby carrier for newborns, you need to pay attention to additional characteristics.
Cradle insert
An insert into the infant car seat for newborns is a necessary thing that fixes the baby's head and neck in the correct position. It has the correct orthopedic shape, taking into account the physiological characteristics of the baby’s body. An insert into the infant carriage can be purchased in the kit, if it is not, then it is recommended to buy it additionally. Some craftswomen strive to make this accessory on their own. From the point of view of orthopedics, this is fundamentally wrong. Only the original insert developed by the manufacturer of this model guarantees a comfortable location for the baby and its safety in emergency situations.
The best baby carriages for newborns
When choosing a cradle, it is important to pay attention to quality certificates. The technical and design features of the model should be studied. An important criterion is clear, accessible and detailed instructions. It is also worth reading reviews about the options you like, because many parents are happy to leave them.
Car seat Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix
The model comes with a base - FamilyFix. The sample is suitable for the smallest passengers. The greatest canopy differs this infant carrier for newborns. In the supine position, the baby is completely protected from vicissitudes on the road, he is comfortable and cozy.
For the convenience of parents, a pen is provided. Users note that the cradle is easy to carry, and for the amusement of the baby, rattles can be attached.
It is important that the base for mounting the cradle is mounted on the floor, which guarantees full grip and immobility, even with strong shocks.
The reviews mention hypoallergenic material that sheats the interior. It not only guarantees protection against rashes, but does not ignite in an accident.
Romer Baby-safe plus II Isofix
For the full protection of the child and his comfortable movement, this car seat for newborns was developed. How to properly lay the child so that he does not suffer is fully described in the attached instructions. The tilt angle here is about 40 degrees, but can be adjusted. To the baby was securely fixed, it is fastened with straps.
According to user reviews, the frame is very durable. At the same time, the side walls have enhanced protection and soft inserts. For protection from the sun a visor is provided. Internal materials are hypoallergenic and breathable.
Concord intense
The model is spacious for the baby. The cradle is deep enough and recommended for long journeys. The child feels comfortable, not crowded, even in winter clothes.
Car seat for newborns reviews is very positive. There is a strong frame, reliable soft sidewalls that protect against shock. The child is fixed with straps that are equipped with cozy pads.
Cybex aton
The model is durable. The cradle has successfully passed many crash tests. The frame is very powerful, the sides are high, soft and reliably protect in case of side impacts. Testimonials from parents indicate that the baby’s head and neck are firmly fixed.
However, among the minuses indicates the impossibility of installing a horizontal position in the car.
Bebe Confort Creatis Fix
The product has a rich and vibrant color. The red tint is suitable for both the girl and the boy. A robust cradle frame, which provides a recumbent and reclining position, is noted.
Parents like the model for its comfortable handle and a large visor that protects from the sun. Also pleased with the installation of the cradle. The kit comes with a special platform to which the belts are attached. This mount is very reliable and firmly fixes the seat in the car.
Safety comes first
When choosing a model, the main criterion is the safety of a small passenger. To do this, the following conditions must be met:
- Use liner for car cradle.
- Correctly install the product according to the attached instructions. In this case, the position against the movement is considered optimal.
- Fixing the baby with the straps offered.
- The correct position of the baby, given the optimal angle of inclination of the back.
The safety level of car seats and car seats is detected using crash tests. When they pass the product, they give ratings from 2 to 5. After that, they are put in the rating of safe models or at risk to the baby’s health.
However, it is worth considering that not all, especially budget, cradles are tested. Therefore, when choosing, you must always look at the presence of the ECE R44 / 04 marking, which guarantees safety.
conclusions
Carriage for babies is a must-have and rewarding purchase. It is selected taking into account the design features of the car and the weight of the baby. To fix the head and protect it from side impacts, it is necessary to select a model with fixation.
For reasons of economy, some buy used cradles. It’s better not to do this. Complete safety is guaranteed only by a new product that has a warranty card and a certificate of quality.
The best contribution to the health of the child will be an infant carrier for newborns. Price depends on brand awareness, materials used, technical specifications and crash test results. You can choose a model from 5000 rubles, the main thing is that it has the appropriate markings on recognized safety. Save and make a useful but profitable purchase will help discounts and sales in stores. However, when choosing, you should pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer, the upholstery material and the serviceability of all fastening and fixing systems.