How to Choose the Child Car Seat?

When a new baby is born in a family or it is decided to buy a vehicle with children under 12 years of age, it is mandatory that these, when going in the car, do so with the appropriate Child Restraint Systems (CRS). This is a mandatory safety element in Spain and the best way to protect minors against traffic accidents.

The statistics reflect the great efficiency of this type of system and the importance they have in reducing deaths in traffic accidents thanks to this type of system. In fact, it is estimated that CRS reduce deaths by 75% and injuries resulting from an accident by 90%. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are mandatory so that these minors can be transported from one place to another avoiding injuries and even death.

However, there are a large number of options on the market, which makes many parents wonder how to choose the most suitable child car seat, since there are different options to choose from.

Homologation

In Spain, child seats are marketed under two homologation regulations, this being one of the points to assess when buying a child car seat:

• ECE R44/04: This regulation is from 2004 and has fewer requirements than the following. Under it, the chairs are divided into groups (0/0+/I/II/III) according to their weight.
• ECE R129 I-Size: This other one began to be in force in 2013, and for it the groups of the previous one are eliminated so that each seat is identified with a maximum weight and height.

Children’s height and weight

To know how to choose the child car seat, it is important that it adapts to the weight in the case of the aforementioned ECE R44/04 approval or according to the size if we refer to the R129 regulation. In the case of the first, you will find five main groups based on weight. Likewise, within the general classification there are different combinations to adapt to the needs and the passage of time of minors.

If you prefer to opt for a seat under ECE R129 I-Size regulations, you have to focus on knowing the height of the child, finding us two main division groups:

• Up to 105 centimeters: In this case, the seat is installed using the well-known Isofix system with three anchor points.
• Between 100 and 150 centimeters: The anchorage can be done with both Is fix or seat belt.

Installing the child seat

When it comes to knowing how to choose a child car seat, it is important to assess the installation system. When observing it, you should check that it is compatible with your vehicle, and it is also advisable that, if you have the opportunity, try the seat before buying.

In this way you will be able to check how it is installed and you will be able to know first-hand what the final position of the chair is. In any case, the manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.

In the event that it is a vehicle that does not have Isofix, you do not have to worry, since the child seat will continue to protect the child in the same way. The difference is that the ease and security of installation is less. If you are going to fasten it with a belt, you should check that it goes through the guides and that it offers a firm hold. It is essential that you make sure that it is perfectly fastened before starting the march.

Comfort

Within each group of chairs, you will find a large number of different models. Whenever possible, it is advisable to sit the child in the CRS to check comfort; and also if it wraps your head in the right way, if it has enough space for your legs, and so on. In the event that you cannot try it, assess the measurements and proportions and try to assess whether it will be comfortable for the child to use.

In any case, after a purchase you can always try it and, in the event that you verify that the child is not comfortable, you can resort to changing it for another. You also have to evaluate if it is easy to install, use and transport and check its anchors.

Tips for choosing a child car seat

It is important to take into account a series of additional tips when knowing how to choose a child car seat, among which we highlight the following:

• The seat belt should retract automatically even if the child leans forward.
• The CRS must include an approval label that guarantees that the requirements established by current regulations are met.
• The child’s head should not protrude above the seat.
• Whenever possible, depending on the height of the child or up to 4 years old, you should carry it in the opposite direction of the march. This way your neck, spine and head are better protected.
• Always make sure that the chair is properly positioned, always following the manufacturer’s instructions.