How to choose a baby car seat: safety tips
You do it without even thinking about it. It is an automatic gesture. When we all got into the car, we fastened our seat belts. The same goes for child restraint systems (CRS), what we commonly know as the car seat for the little ones, which for some years now we have also integrated into our road trips.
When should you use the car seat?
Children with a height equal to or less than 135 centimeters must ALWAYS use an approved restraint system adapted to their weight and height. Whatever the duration of the journey!
Not using a suitable car seat means putting the safety of children at risk and is considered a serious offence, which means a fine of 200 euros and the loss of 3 points on the driving licence.
Why is it so important to use the car seat correctly?
The data speak for themselves:
· Traveling without restraint multiplies by 5 the chances that the child will suffer fatal or serious injuries.
·Properly use child restraint systemsreduces injuries by up to 75% in the event of an accident.
In addition to protecting our children on the trips we make when they are young, using the car seat now helps them to become aware and create a habit, so that tomorrow it is easier for them to use their seat belt or motorcycle helmet properly.
Where to install the car seat?
Minors using child restraint systems (for having a height equal to or less than 135 cm) They must always occupy the back seats of the car. This regulation displeases some families, who would prefer to have the child close to the driver, but it should be known that they can only do so in case of the following exceptions:
· If it is a two-seater vehicle, without seats in the back.
· If the rear seats are already occupied by other minors.
· If it is not possible to install all child restraint systems in the rear seats.
Different car seats, depending on the child’s weight and height
Child restraint devices are classified into groups:
·GROUP 0: up to 10 kg. It includes carrycots or cuckoos (the baby is in a horizontal position) and car seats with integral harness. In the case of these car seats, the baby travels in a rear-facing position and should never be installed in seats that have a front airbag (or must be deactivated beforehand).
·GROUP 0+: up to 13 kg. These are the car seats mentioned above (popularly known as ‘egg’) and which guarantee safety for children up to 3 kg more than the previous group.
·GROUP 1: from 9 to 18 kg. These are car seats where the child is more seated, usually attached to the seat with an integral safety harness. The use can be in both directions (facing forward and rear-facing).
·GROUP 2: from 15 to 25 kg. Also known as “booster seats”, as it is a cushion with a backrest that allows the child to correctly adjust the car’s seat belt.
·GROUP 3: from 22 to 36 kg. They can be a “booster seat” (with a backrest) or simply a “booster cushion” that, in the same way, allows the vehicle’s seat belt to pass through the areas of greatest resistance of the child’s body (hips, sternum and collarbone).
5 groups of car seats, do I have to buy 5 car seats?
Don’t panic because fortunately there are combined car seats that can be used for several groups:
· Group 0+ and 1 car seats
· Group 1 and 2 car seats
· Group 2 and 3 car seats
· Group 1, 2 and 3 car seats
· Group 0+/1/2/3 car seats
In addition to car seats exclusively in group 0+, for example, which are often included in the purchase of the stroller (which has a carrycot, stroller and group 0+). From here, you should assess which purchase will be most practical and profitable for you in the long term.
Tips for choosing the best car seat
Although it is a complex choice, we point out some aspects to consider so that beyond looking for “the best car seat” (which there will hardly be just one), you find the one that best suits your needs and you can all travel safely and comfortably:
1. What type of child restraint device do you need? We must be clear about which group(s) we are looking for.
2. The quality of the car seat. For our little ones we always want the best, but in terms of safety it is clear that we must bet on reliable brands, with experience in the sector. Look at the shell and structure of the car seat, which are the parts that absorb the impact and will hold the little one.
3. The price. Taking into account, of course, how many groups the chair covers and their quality (safety).
4. Usability. You have to make sure that the handling of the seat is practical: when holding and unfastening the child, when installing it (especially if we have to move it frequently from one car to another)… Confirm that the car seat comes with an instruction manual and store it in an accessible place.
5. Compatibility with our vehicle, because not all seats can be installed in all cars. It may be helpful to try installing it before confirming your purchase.
6. Comfort. Sienta el pequeño en la silla de coche para ver realmente cómo irá y asegúrate que tiene suficiente espacio y queda bien sentado.
Last but not least, whatever model of car seat you buy…
·Make sure you install it correctly so that it is really effective in the event of an accident.
· When you place the child, don’t forget to adjust the straps so that the little one is well supported.
·Set an example and remember to always wear your seat belt yourself.
