Baby carriers for newborns

Today, many cannot imagine life without a car, since this means of transportation has become firmly established in our everyday life, captivating us with its comfort and mobility. But with its acquisition, you should pay enough attention to the safety of movement. What if a child appears in the family? This question becomes even more relevant, because now is the time to think about buying a car seat for a newborn.

In addition, Russian legislation currently establishes a fine of 3,000 rubles for transporting children under 12 years of age without such a device. Let's figure out why you need a car seat and where to choose.

Why do newborns need a car seat?

The first year of life, the baby is vulnerable and helpless in many ways. What physiological features will tell us that a car seat for newborns is the right solution?

Firstly, let's not forget that the baby has fragile musculoskeletal tissue, which makes the skeleton flexible. Secondly, the head of an infant is literally heavy: it accounts for a quarter of the total body weight, while in an adult, in proportion, the head claims only 6% of the total weight. And finally, thirdly, the neck muscles are weak and fragile, they are not yet able to support the child’s head. For these reasons, it is recommended that the newborn be transported in a horizontal position. This is only possible in a category 0 car seat.

It’s convenient when you can put the infant carrier on the chassis and go to the supermarket

Anatomical features of young children

Newborns are fragile creatures that should be protected in every possible way. At the age of up to one year, the skeleton of an infant is flexible and soft, and its bones consist mainly of cartilaginous tissue. A quarter of a child’s body weight falls on his head, while in adults the head takes up only 6% of the total weight. At the same time, the neck in babies is a very vulnerable place, since the spine in this area of ​​the skeleton is almost not protected by muscles. This means that even mild shocks, from which no one is protected when traveling in a car, can lead to serious injuries.

Types and categories of infant carriers

Category 0 allows children from birth to 6 months to travel. Category 0+ is used from birth to one and a half years, more often found under the name “car seat”.

There are models in the form of a car seat. They are very convenient, as they are equipped with a handle that can be moved in different positions. By moving the handle, you can not only carry the cradle, but also use it as a rocking chair.

Many models have the ability to attach to the chassis. This means that you can put the chassis in the trunk and, if necessary, with one movement of the hand, so to speak, turn the infant carrier into a stylish modern stroller, without waking up your sleeping child.

The infant carrier usually weighs about 4 kg. There are models equipped with an awning that protects from drafts, sun and prying eyes.

Application

Baby carriers allow adults to transport children in public and private transport, and carry them in their hands to different distances. The child is dressed according to the weather, after which he is placed inside the cradle, fixing all available protective devices.

This product makes it possible to take your child on a visit, to a clinic, or out of town. In public transport, parents can place the carrier on their laps, which will ensure the baby restful sleep during the entire trip.

When at home, carrying often helps out, especially for those who have large apartments or houses. By placing the baby in a carrier, parents can easily move him to the veranda or to another room. Thanks to this, the child will always be under the supervision of his parents, without distracting them from household chores.

How is a car seat different from a car seat?

Although buyers often use these two concepts interchangeably, there is still a difference. Let's make a comparative analysis based on three parameters.

Car seat

1. Comfort. If we are talking about newborns, then this is the best option in terms of ease of transportation for the baby, since the cradle allows you to do this in a horizontal position, without putting stress on the spine and the musculoskeletal system as a whole, and also promoting the baby’s proper breathing.
2. Safety. There are a number of disadvantages here. The cradle is installed on the back seat of the car perpendicular to the movement and secured with car belts. The child himself is fastened with a wide belt across the stomach. Often the infant carrier is a transformed stroller cradle (you can learn more about them in this article). In this case, the level of safety decreases, since the manufacturers still placed the main emphasis not on a safe car ride, but on the physiological comfort of the baby.
3. Dimensions. The car cradle takes up a lot of space in the cabin, most of the back seat.

A car seat is the most comfortable transportation option, but not the safest.

Car seat

1. Comfort. If you take a responsible approach to choosing a car seat for your car, you can choose the most comfortable one from the 0+ group. This means that a child can be transported from birth to one and a half years (by weight - up to 13 kg). It is similar to a car seat for a newborn, only transportation takes place in a reclining position.
2. Safety. Manufacturers pay special attention to this point, because the car seat itself was invented and thought through to the smallest detail in order to protect the baby on the road. Fastening occurs either with standard car belts or with the help of special ISOFix brackets. In addition, the baby himself will be held in place by internal straps.
3. Dimensions. Takes the place of one seat, mounted in two positions: facing or with your back in relation to the direction of travel. Mounting it with your back, and even behind the driver’s seat, is considered the safest. The seat can also be secured in the front seat next to the driver, but then the airbag must be turned off.

Stroller with car seat: pros and cons

From most modern manufacturers you can find 3-in-1 strollers, where an infant cradle, a stroller unit and a car seat are installed on one chassis.
Such models are a real find for parents who value practicality and rationality.

As a rule, the chassis is equipped with large, all-terrain wheels with good shock absorption, which makes such vehicles very relevant in Russian conditions.

The set of universal strollers includes a car seat for newborns of group 0+ (suitable for children weighing up to 13 kg). When your baby grows up, you will have to buy a car seat for the next age group separately.

Such solutions have a number of advantages:

• The car seat can be installed on a wheelbase and used as a stroller. This is especially true for parents who lead an active lifestyle, love to travel, and even with the arrival of the baby do not want to change their usual lifestyle. This solution will allow you not to carry the entire stroller with you, but to take only the wheelbase, which will save space in the car. Most companies complete the 3-in-1 baby carrier with a leg cover and a canopy that fits the infant carrier and provides additional comfort to the baby. However, it should be remembered that there is not much space in such a child car seat, and they cannot completely replace the infant cradle and seat unit.
• There is no need to look for and buy a car seat separately. Future parents already have too much trouble: buying clothes for the baby, choosing furniture, and renovating the nursery. Manufacturers of 3-in-1 strollers guarantee the high quality and safety of their products, as well as that the car seat is suitable for the smallest passengers.
• Car seats from 3-in-1 sets are equipped with a special carrying handle. This is very practical when you need to move a baby who has fallen asleep in the car. There is no need to wake up the child and take him out of the car seat. With such a carrier it is convenient to go to the store or clinic - the child is securely secured, and you can carry the cradle with one hand. In addition, toys are attached to the handle, which cannot but please the baby.

The downside of 3-in-1 strollers is their higher price compared to conventional models. Although, if you buy a car seat and a stroller separately, the total cost may be even higher.

Another drawback is that infants up to 5 months old cannot stay in the group 0+ infant carriers that come with these models for a long time. When traveling long distances, be sure to take breaks and remove the baby from the cradle.

Car seat

When deciding to purchase a 3-in-1 stroller, expectant mothers and fathers must decide how often they will transport the child in the car. If the family has their own car, then such a purchase seems reasonable. You also need to purchase a car seat if you plan to frequently use taxi services. It is extremely rare for hired vehicles to have suitable arrangements for transporting infants, and having your own seat will ensure comfort and safety for the baby and his parents.

If you plan to use public transport or walk, then buying a 3-in-1 stroller will simply be a waste of money. In case of emergency, you can borrow a car seat from friends or rent it from special services.

Recommendations for transportation in a car seat:

• The car seat is fixed at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. A larger angle of inclination greatly reduces safety in the event of frontal impacts. An angle of less than 30 degrees causes the baby's head to tilt forward, which interferes with normal breathing.
• To correct the tilt, it is possible to use bolsters that are placed under the chair in the front part.
• You can make rollers from towels to assist in fixing the head.
• Travel in a car seat for newborns is allowed if it does not exceed one and a half hours.

By setting the backrest angle to no more than 45 degrees, you create safe conditions for transportation.

How to choose an infant carrier or car seat?

We recommend reading: Which electric swing is best for newborns?

1. Child's height and weight. Each model is designed for a specific children’s age, so first of all we look at the age category of the product.
2. Materials. They must be breathable and hypoallergenic. Removable covers will be convenient to wash.
3. Possibility to adjust the backrest angle. If the model allows you to select several fixed positions, this is very good.
4. Accessories. Evaluate the quality of the head and body inserts and whether they will fit securely. Does the product have a locking clasp so that as the baby grows, it cannot come unfastened on its own?
5. Fitting. Place (put) the baby in the car seat to check whether he will be comfortable there and whether the car seat belt is enough.
6. We evaluate safety. Good infant carriers are marked with ECE R44/03 and ECE R44/04. They refer to the European Safety Standard. Before purchasing, look at the crash test of the model you choose and reviews of it from experienced parents.

How to choose a car seat

The baby's first seat should certainly be safe, since even sudden braking can harm the baby's already fragile body. Also, do not forget about comfort and other important details. Read on to find out what criteria to pay attention to when choosing a car seat.

• Safety. The infant carrier must be certified according to safety standards. The crash tests carried out clearly show how safe a particular device model is and what damage a collision can cause. First of all, pay attention to both of these indicators. Also a big plus will be additional protection on the sides in the form of linings or additional retractable elements.
• Comfort. For small passengers, various soft inserts and soft bolsters are provided to reduce the seating angle. The headrests, backrest and seat belts are also adjustable for comfort. Newborn babies usually sleep when traveling, so it is important that they are comfortable.
• Child parameters. Car seats are intended for children aged 0 to 1.5 years. But all children grow differently, so we focus on a weight of up to 13 kilograms and a height of about 80 centimeters. Take into account the density of your clothing.
• Price. You shouldn’t skimp on your child’s safety, but not everyone can afford an expensive device and even a base for it. Based on how often you will use the chair. You shouldn’t assume that it will only last a year, since this is your baby’s most important year.
• Case material. Preference is given to breathable materials, since children often sweat in chairs. Some manufacturers offer optional cotton covers to solve this problem. Also, the fabric should be soft and pleasant, because your baby will touch it with his face.

Baby car seats 0+ are the most popular model from birth. It is the choice of the first chair that you need to approach with all responsibility and study all the details, especially if this is your first time. Also remember to check the selected model for compatibility with your car. Our list includes the best infant carriers based on the criteria listed above, as well as customer and expert reviews. The selection is divided into 3 parts according to price range.

Useful materials to choose from

Installing a car seat

There are three mounting methods:

1. Regular seat belts. This option is used in cheap models. The places where the belts are threaded and secured are usually marked. The fastening diagram should be displayed not only in the instructions, but also in a visible place on the chair itself.
2. Using a stand base. Such a base can be secured to the seat using the Isofix system, and the chair itself is snapped onto it. The Isofix system is developed in accordance with all the rules of European standards and is attached to the car body. To install it, you need the car to have special metal brackets (2 pieces) mounted in the seat.
3. The most innovative development is chairs with a leg included. It, resting on the floor, creates additional support and fixation. Car seats of this class are always rated highly in terms of safety in crash tests. There is only a small nuance: such a system is not suitable for all cars; the rigid mounting system is designed to a greater extent for luxury cars.

Isofix system improves safety

The best of the best

When the question arises of which infant carrier to choose, you want it to perform its functions to the fullest. Let's see which of them received the best ratings in crash tests in recent years. Based on these data, we will make a rating of the best models.

The German automobile club ADAC regularly conducts similar tests of child car seats. It is clear that all existing infant carriers and seats were not subject to testing. In addition, other organizations are conducting similar experiments. Let's look at the results of the ADAC club. So, in our group 0 and 0+, three models received the highest rating of “very good”:

• RomerBaby-Safeplus SHR II + RomerIsofixbase.
• Peg PeregoPrimoViaggio SL + Isofixbase 0+1.
• RecaroPrivia& Recarofix.

Car seat RomerBaby-Safeplus

From the names we can conclude that all excellent chairs have a platform with the Isofix system. Of course, when equipped with a platform, the price of a car seat practically doubles, so not every family can afford to purchase such a model. But if the crash test results of more economical models are rated as "good" and are significantly cheaper in price, this may be a worthy alternative.