With the advent of the child in the family, the issue of safety takes on a whole new meaning. Particular attention is required to choose a car seat for a child.
Car seats as an integral part of ensuring the safe passage of the child
Each parent takes care of his child and wants to protect him as much as possible from various troubles. A car is already a means of increased danger and, unfortunately, the annual accident statistics confirm this.
Since January 2007, an amendment has been made to the
rules of the road , which obliges parents to transport children until they reach the age of 12 in special chairs. In this regard, the question of choosing a
child seat in the car has become a rather acute problem. After all, when choosing it, it is already worth paying attention not only to the colors or whether the chair will fit the car interior in style.
What to look for when choosing a car seat
Many parents rack their brains, which car seat is best for their child? Which of the many models that are presented on the modern market will provide the maximum level of safety when finding their child in the car?
Today on the market there are a lot of models of various brands around the world. We are used to the fact that the high price is primarily a guarantee of quality. But with car seats this does not always work. The best car seats are not the ones that cost more than the rest. There are many models that have already been tested by time and testing, occupying high places in the ratings of car seats and which at the same time cost a little less than the new 2014-2015 year.
When you choose a car seat, pay attention to quality certificates. If the chair is made in Europe, then it must comply with the ECE R44 / 03 or ECE R44 / 04 standard. If the car seat is of domestic production, then it should have a mark on compliance with the requirements of GOST 41.44.
Pay attention to the category of the chair and whether it is suitable for your child’s weight. It is also worth analyzing how easy the seat is in the car, whether it is heavy and whether there are additional safety features for your child.
Who will help you make a choice
In addition to parents, numerous companies testing these products work on the question of which is the best car seat.
It is worth noting that all the best child car seats that are presented on our market undergo special so-called crash tests, based on which ratings of their reliability, convenience and safety are compiled. There are several world-famous organizations that conduct crash tests on various assessment methods:
- German automobile club ADAC, which conducts testing every year to find the best car seats in terms of protection, ergonomics, economy and care;
- Dutch Automobile Association ANWB - the essence of testing is similar to ADAC;
- Swiss club TCS, evaluating the parameters of protection and use;
- Spanish automobile club RACC, which conducts tests on the same parameters as ADAC;
- "Autoreview" is one of the largest magazines for car lovers in the Russian Federation, which assesses the protection parameters of the child’s head, abdomen, legs and spine separately, as well as the convenience of using a chair.
What are the criteria for evaluating car seats?
Each organization has its own evaluation criteria. There are regulars that are rated by all car clubs. This criterion refers to the safety of the child. During the crash test, such an important indicator is taken into account as the distance by which the child car seat has shifted under the condition of a head-on collision at a vehicle speed of 50 km / h. By standard, the chair should not move more than 55 cm.
In addition to safety, the best car seats that were selected for testing are evaluated according to the following parameters:
- reliability;
- durability;
- ease of use and installation in the car;
- availability of additional protection;
- quality of upholstery, fixtures;
- cost.
Since manufacturers do not stand still and constantly improve their models, ratings are compiled often enough so that they do not lose their relevance.
Top car seat manufacturers
Over the past decade, the number of car seat manufacturers has been growing steadily. According to car club ratings and customer reviews, the best manufacturers of car seats for children are:
- Maxi-Cosi - country of Netherlands (Netherlands).
- Cybex - Germany.
- Romer - Germany.
- Nania - France.
- Cosatto - England.
- Coletto - Poland.
- 4baby - Poland.
Car Seats 0-13
This category of chairs is not quite a chair. Rather, it is a small cradle for newborns. The best car seat for a child in this category should have maximum ratings for all safety parameters, as it is intended for the smallest children: from 0 to 15 months.
According to the results of testing and customer reviews, the following models are the safest:
- Cyber Atom Basic.
- Happy Baby Madison.
- Maxi-Cosi Citi.
These models rightfully occupy a leading position in the ranking of "Best Baby Car Seats for Newborns." The first in the list of car seats - Cyber Atom Basic will not only provide the highest level of safety for the child, but also will not spoil the look of the car, as it has a good design. The seat cover is removable: it can be cleaned and washed.
Happy Baby Madison is also a good choice for your baby. The seat has a durable case, high-quality upholstery materials and fastenings that protect the child from damage.
All three models also have special side panels that protect against damage on the sides, sun visors, as well as adjustments that help you choose the best depth depending on the weight of the child. In addition, all the presented models can be put on the chassis to the strollers.
Car Seats 0-18
Category 0 / + 1 includes car seats that are suitable for carrying children from 0 to 18 kg.
The best car seats in this category:
- Maxi-Cosi MiloMix.
- Cyber Sirona.
Maxi-Cosi MiloMix not only got good grades on ADAC crash tests. It is the first anchor armchair. From the positive aspects it is worth highlighting that these chairs can be mounted both in the direction of the movement and against the direction of movement. There is also a backrest adjustment and good side protection. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting that in this chair there is no horizontal position for children.
The second in the ranking of "Best car seats 0-18 kg" is characterized by high rates of stability, which is ensured by additional fixation of the seat on the floor. This seat also received good marks on the results of ADAC testing, which allows us to safely call it one of the best in its category.
Car Seats 9-18
These chairs are more like adults. The title “Best Car Seat for a Child” in this category was received by the following models:
- Maxi-Cosi Pearl.
- Maxi-Cosi Tobi.
- Cyber Juno 2-Fix.
The first of them got its excellent results in six crash tests back in 2010. This chair is distinguished by a variety of positions (including a lying position), the presence of an orthopedic insert and additional protection for the head and neck.
The second seat on the list also received good grades in six independent tests, but a year earlier than Maxi-Cosi Pearl. It has five different backrest angles and good side protection.
Cyber Juno 2-Fix received its positive marks on the ADAC crash test in 2013. It differs significantly from previous representatives, primarily in the presence of a table. Although, according to the reviews of parents, it is not always convenient for the child. The chair is large enough and comfortable, but not enough tilt, because of which when the child falls asleep, his head falls forward.
Car Seats 9-36
Kiddy GuardianFix Pro2 and Cyber Pallas 2-Fix are the best car seats of 9-36 kg, according to parents who have already used these seats, as well as according to test results.
In the first chair, your child will always be comfortable sleeping, and his head will not fall forward. The chair is equipped with special protection, many adjustments for the length of the seat, height, backrest, side protection and internal volume. The disadvantage of this chair is the lack of belts that would be fastened between the legs of the child, preventing him from sliding.
Cyber Pallas 2-Fix received recognition and positive ratings earlier than the first seat in this category, but it is no less comfortable and safe. This chair has a removable table, many provisions for tilt and height, which will allow the child to comfortably carry even long journeys.
These two seats are not in vain received the title of "Best Car Seats 9-36 kg." They not only provide the maximum level of protection for the child while the car is moving, but also enable him to transfer the move as comfortably as possible.
Car Seats 15-36
For children from 4 years old, a car seat from 18 kg is suitable. What is the best chair in this category, suggest crash tests and customer reviews. According to them, the leading positions are occupied by such models:
- Romer Kidfix XP Sict.
- Concord Transformer T.
- CBX by Cyber Free Fix.
The first model in the list is distinguished by the presence of a special lining on the belt, which helps to reduce the load on the child’s neck during a frontal accident. In addition, with high safety indicators, this chair has a relatively low cost compared to other models. Although it is also worth noting that all these models will provide the child with reliable protection. They are made of high quality materials, have a good lateral protection system and a good selection of adjustments for the position of the back and tilt.
Since these car seats are designed for children of a sufficiently large range in age (from 4 to 12 years), they have many different back and tilt positions that help to adjust the most comfortable position depending on the volume of the child.
Choosing a car seat for a child is an incredibly important and responsible question, since it depends on it how much the child will be comfortable while traveling and how well he will be protected from damage while the car is moving.