At what age can you travel with a child?

Do you need a car seat?

A car seat for newborns is necessary from the very first days of a child’s life, starting from the threshold of the maternity hospital. You cannot do without a baby car seat and transport your baby in a car in the arms of adults, since according to current legislation, the use of child restraints is mandatory.

While the child does not sit independently, the car seat installed in the car provides him with:

• comfortable position and reliable fixation in the car;
• convenience when carrying a baby sleeping in a cradle;
• practicality for regular trips to clinical examinations.

In case of emergency braking or sudden maneuver of the car, the convenient design of the car seat ensures complete safety for the baby.

Up to what height/age/weight should a child be transported in a child car seat?

I've written a lot about car seats for small children, the importance of rear-facing as much as possible, the capacity of such seats, etc. Today we’ll talk about car seats for older children. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a group 2-3 (15-36 kg) or 1-2-3 (9-36 kg) chair is enough for up to 12 years? Will he really fit into this chair?

Or vice versa, we often hear feedback - my child has already outgrown this chair at the age of 7-8!

So, let's decide. The most unfortunate criterion for determining the actual use of a child car seat (any) is age. Think about it, all children grow up differently. Moreover, it is very different. Well, how can one equally say until how many years a particular chair will accommodate a fragile miniature beauty or a hefty hero who, at 9 years old, will be larger than his mother?

The age for using a child seat is provided as a very rough guide only. As a rule, we consider a situation with a developing ideally average (according to the WHO table) thin child in summer clothes).

For each car seat, there are the following real criteria that you should pay attention to:

- maximum weight . European car seats are rated up to a weight of 36 kg. This does not mean that if the passenger weighs more, it will fall apart. But there are approved age groups according to which the car seat group is determined. And the weight limit for group 3, on which the chair is tested, is 36 kg. Americans have seats with a declared passenger weight of ~50 kg. True, these are basically car seats specifically for the American market. In Russia, the European classification is used.

- maximum growth. Depends, of course, on the proportions of the child. Some have long legs, some have a body. But nevertheless, in terms of height, most car seats of group 2-3 are quite capable of accommodating a child 150 cm tall. Don’t believe me? Look at the story where, as part of filming for Channel 1, we seated a little girl, just over 150 cm tall, in 2 car seats and even had a spare in one.

Unfortunately, the current set of rules ECE R44-04 completely ignores this issue, although it is the most important from the point of view of choosing a car seat for older children, and indeed in general. And the new set of rules ECE R129 regarding children taller than 105 cm, which should be guided by this indicator, has not yet been adopted in principle. But as a rule, in the legislation of individual countries, the maximum increase in compulsory riding in a child car seat is limited from 135 cm to 150 cm. Further, it is believed that the child’s safety is already ensured by a standard belt without any additional accessories, at least no worse than for an adult . Naturally, a standard seat belt, even if installed correctly, will not provide, for example, lateral protection to a child. Therefore, I believe that the figure 150 cm is more correct. But demanding more is definitely fanaticism.

- What is the law?

In Russia, the period of use of child restraints is determined by clause 22.9 of the traffic rules. Unfortunately, it completely ignores the issue of height and weight limits for using car seats. Only the age up to which they should be used is indicated - 12 years.

- What to expect?

A bill is being considered that should finally clearly define the parameters of a child who needs a child car seat. Previously, those same 150 cm and 36 kg. When they accept it, if they accept it, it will become easier.

UPDATE 09.2016. It seems that they will generally accept children from the age of 7 - at the discretion of the parents. So far everything is unclear. In any case, we are here to try to do what is right, and not what is nominally allowed, right?

- What to do now? So, the child has outgrown the specified parameters, and 12 years is still far away! And it no longer fits in the chair. We put it in a booster. There won't be much sense in terms of safety, but there won't be any harm either. In this case, it is not worth using any kind of alternative restraint devices, because there is a risk of harm if something happens.

Oleg Nurmiev

Carseats.rf

- the project that I have been leading since 2013 has moved, now it is on Avtokresel.net.
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At what age can you use an infant seat?

When choosing a car seat, they focus on such an indicator as the group - it is calculated based on the age and weight of the baby.

There are three groups of infant carriers for newborns:

• group 0 – age from birth to 6 months, weight up to 10 kg;
• group 0+ – age from birth to 1.5 years, weight up to 13 kg;
• group 0+/1 universal – age from birth to 4 years, weight up to 18 kg.

Car seats of higher groups are intended for children from 4 to 12 years old.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

At what age can you use an infant carrier? Newborns are transported only in a group 0 car seat, in which the child can be in a lying position.

This design is used as a cradle, carrying and rocking chair from birth, and has the following features:

• a car seat is placed in the back seat;
• attached sideways in the direction of travel of the car (perpendicular to the driver’s seat);
• is equipped with internal seat belts, with which you can fasten and securely hold the baby in a horizontal position.

To transport a baby in a car, the use of a multifunctional stroller design as a car seat for newborns is excluded, since its shock-absorbing properties do not meet current safety standards.

A group 0+ car seat, compared to a regular car seat, is considered a safer model and meets the following characteristics:

• provides the baby with a semi-lying position at an angle of 30–45 degrees;
• has small weight and dimensions;
• can be used for a longer period of time;
• combines the functions of a car seat and carrying;
• easily transforms into a stroller;
• equipped with high protection against side and frontal impacts;
• ergonomic design eliminates stress on the spine.

To transport children under 1 year of age, the car seat is secured with its back in the direction of travel of the car. With this installation, the child's neck and head will be pressed tightly against the back of the car seat. Therefore, if the car brakes sharply, a child sitting with his back to the driver’s seat will not receive damage.

If the baby is placed facing the direction of travel of the car, then the shock load will be directed to the baby’s chest and abdomen, and the head will make a sharp “nod,” which will unnecessarily load the cervical vertebrae and lead to inevitable injuries.

When installing a car seat in the front seat of a car, you should place your baby comfortably and turn off the front airbag so that in the event of an accident it does not injure the child.

The universal model of group 0+/1, combines the characteristics of both groups and is suitable for large babies from birth. When purchasing such a prototype, savings are possible on intermediate groups of car seats.

Distinctive features of this sample:

• adjustable headrest height and seat width;
• changing the angle of the backrest;
• adjusting belt tension;
• the ability to permanently secure the infant seat in the cabin;
• cannot be carried like a cradle;
• lower safety compared to group 0+.

After the first year of a child’s life, models of group 0+/1 should be installed in the direction of travel of the car.

At what age can you drive without a seat and stop worrying about getting a fine?

We previously found out that you can ride without a seat from the age of 7 if you have ISOFIX fastening belts. And from the age of 12, securing the child with seat belts installed in the car.

What happens if there is no seat in the cabin, and the baby rides in your arms or on the seat?

• A fine of 3,000 rubles for an ordinary person (father, mother).
• A fine of 25,000 per official.
• Fine 100,000 rubles per legal entity.

If the car did not have a restraint device, but there was a seat, you can be happy. A 50% discount applies to everyone. But this is unlikely to ease the situation of a legal entity; 50,000 is also not a small amount. The police have every right to stop you and issue you a fine for child neglect. And he will do the right thing.

Let's remember the 2021 law. Children under 7 years old cannot be left alone in an indoor/outdoor cabin. The amount will be a small amount - 500 rubles. In large cities of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg) the cost of an error will be 2500-3000 rubles.

Results:

• Children cannot be transported by hand or on motorcycles.
• Children under 12 years of age must be secured with seat belts, car seats, bassinets, and restraint devices.
• The car seat should be selected individually for the baby, taking into account height, weight, age.
• Do not ride children under 12 years old in the back, it is extremely unsafe.

Pay attention to established laws and do not neglect to comply with them. Remember, when you get behind the wheel, not only your life depends on you, but also the lives of your friends, children, and parents. Be calm and attentive, follow the traffic rules.

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Car seat or car seat?

The infant carrier can be used from birth until the child reaches 4 years of age. For older children, car seats with a more expanded functional range are available.

Factors in favor of the infant carrier:

• creates a natural position for the newborn when his chest is not compressed;
• ensures a ride without sudden jolts and with maximum motion sickness effect;
• guarantees deep sleep with natural vibrations.

In a car seat, you can transport your baby over long distances without compromising his health.

The disadvantages of this design include:

• short period of use (up to six months);
• The dimensions of the structure are quite large, so the car seat completely occupies the back seat of the car, leaving practically no space for the passenger;
• external fastening is provided only by car seat belts.

The car seat is installed on the front or rear passenger seats and has the following positive characteristics that affect the factors of convenience and strength when moving a child in the car:

• quick transformation mechanism - makes it possible in a short time to transform the car seat into a carrier intended for walking on the wheelbase of a stroller, or for transportation by air or other means of transport;
• orthopedic base of the car seat – provides a soft and comfortable position;
• adjustable height of the backrest, inserts and footrest - creates a comfortable position;
• ventilated, water-repellent and hypoallergenic fabric - does not cause discomfort in the child;
• 3 or 5 point seat belts, with soft pads on children's shoulders - securely fasten and hold the baby;
• adjustable handles of modern models - serve for quick removal and subsequent transportation of the cradle;
• shockproof frame and polystyrene layer - absorbs the force of a possible impact;
• internal seat belt – creates conditions for rigid fixation.

In car seats for newborns, you can transport a child for no more than one and a half hours without interruption.

The safety of the baby when traveling by car is influenced by the quality of the car seat and the presence of special documents from the manufacturer confirming the guarantee of reliability.

How to choose a car seat

Having chosen the model you like, you need to make sure that the infant carrier or car seat has a certificate of compliance with European quality standards. Appropriate marking means that the car seat is manufactured according to the same parameters that every manufacturer must adhere to when manufacturing a children's car device

Namely:

• tension belts are equipped with an adjustment mechanism;
• the fastenings are equipped with locks and completely prevent spontaneous unfastening;
• minimum strap width 25 mm;
• metal parts of the car seat have an anti-corrosion coating;
• plastic parts have shockproof properties.

The presence of a safety certificate from the manufacturer confirms that standardization, testing, the necessary crash tests have been carried out, verification of compliance with the proper configuration and the availability of detailed operating instructions for the infant carrier.

As confirmation, models are affixed with official orange stickers with the following mandatory signs:

• ECE-R 44 /03 or 04 – unified marking for the certificate of conformity;
• car seat type – group number;
• child's weight - pounds or kg;
• a circle with a capital letter E and a number in the center of the icon is the code of the country in which the car seat was tested for compliance with shock loads;
• six-digit number – a unique code assigned to this type of product during testing;
• name of the product manufacturer – country of origin.

It is important to match the spaciousness of the car interior and the dimensions of the infant carrier. It would not be amiss to have additional options in car seat models such as protective sun visors and removable covers for subsequent washing.

Used infant carriers lose their functional purpose, as they undergo various deformations during operation, which makes them unsuitable for transporting newborns.

How to choose a car seat for a child

All car accessories must be purchased at specialized centers. This is especially true for child restraints. When choosing them, it is important to focus on the age of the young passenger and his physical characteristics. Based on height and weight, a suitable group is selected.

Of course, models from combined categories allow you to save a lot, but only chairs that are completely suitable for the baby will ensure complete safety. It is equally important to ask the seller for a certificate of conformity and the results that the product showed during crash tests.

All licensed models must be marked ECE R44/03 (04), which means compliance with safety standards. It is also better to purchase a model together with your baby. You can lay the baby down and assess the level of comfort. Older children will be able to sit and choose the option they like.

How to properly install and fasten the infant carrier

In the back seat of a car, only car seat belts are used to secure a group 0 infant carrier.

To install group 0+ and 0+/1 car seats in a car, two types of fastening are used - elastic belts that are pulled through special slots in the car seats and the Isofix fixation system.

The Isofix system is a metal base with two guide rails on which a child car seat is installed and permanently mounted. The use of this design prevents the chair from spontaneously moving or tipping over. In the event of an impact, the base platform prevents the child seat from moving forward. The Isofix retractable leg, fixed to the floor of the car, keeps the seat from sliding backwards.

When attaching the system, you should always focus on the green color of the design button, which means that the mount is installed correctly and securely.

Useful video with instructions for attaching a car seat with the Isofix system

The Isofix base is sold complete with a car seat or separately; installation is carried out with special brackets to the passenger seat of the car. When traveling frequently with a baby, using this design saves a lot of time and, compared to fastening with conventional seat belts, increases the protection of the child.

Rating of the best baby carriers for newborns

In the top of the best baby carriers for newborns among the rating of modern models, the brands of the following manufacturers meet the safety requirements, fashionable design and ease of installation:

Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix

It is characterized by high safety, mid-price range, and ease of installation.

Maxi-Cosi Pebble

It has a low cost, 2 types of fastenings, a removable cover and an awning for protection from the sun.

Recaro Privia

Features high quality materials and a higher price; has three fixed handle positions; The cradle has a light weight (up to 4 kg) and is equipped with an Isofix mount.

For Kiddy Lagun + Isofix Base

This is the lightest infant carrier weighing up to 3 kg, in which the headrest is height adjustable and can be used as a rocker.

BeSafe iZi Go Modular

Equipped with an orthopedic pillow, 5-point belts with soft pads, high-strength plastic and high-quality fabric.

Carmate Kurutto NT2 Premium

A Japanese model of a high level of reliability with a convenient rotating mechanism, the ability to change the angle of inclination to a lying position, the Isofix system with a retractable support leg.

Romer Baby Safe Plus

It is used as a carrycot, in which the child can be transported in a semi-lying position, has a fastening, is made of high-quality fabric, has an adjustable headrest and handles, and is equipped with a retractable hood.

Peg Perego Viggio Switchable

Inexpensive Italian brand belonging to group 0+/1; contains an adjustable mechanism that brings the back of the chair to a horizontal position; Possibility of installation in the direction and against the movement of the vehicle.

Concord Reverso Plus

It has a high safety rating according to crash tests and an Isofix fastening system; equipped with inserts for different ages and a removable cover, equipped with an adjustable tilt angle and additional side protection.

Small children should not travel in a car without car seats, so when choosing a model for newborns, you should not skimp on the child’s safety. It is necessary to give preference to models with side impact protection and the Isofix fastening system.

You should choose a car seat design with high-quality textiles and a body made of reliable metal alloys that have passed tests of the highest level, as this is directly related to the baby’s health and its vulnerability in emergency situations.

Author: Irina Kuchinskaya, especially for Mama66.ru

Useful video on how to choose a car seat for a child

Medical edition:

Site experts
Author
Irina Kuchinskaya

Author of the portal Mama66.ru

The site administration does not operate in the field of medical services. Consultations and recommendations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute full medical assistance. Any medical care is provided only in specialized medical institutions. If you have any symptoms, consult a doctor.

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