Going to do some shopping, going away for the weekend, driving on the highway: when traveling with a baby or child, everyone’s safety is the number one priority. However, with the arrival of small passengers, the child seat is often the source of many questions for young families. Here we shed light on all the details you need to know before you buy your child seat, without compromising on comfort of course.
The most important rule to remember
A higher price does not necessarily mean that the car seat will protect your child better. Moreover, security is not everything. Here we list the things newbies will need to consider and explains why a quality child seat could ultimately be the key to preserving your budget.
Which child seat is the most practical?
The choice of a child seat is always the result of a balance between safety and everyday comfort. When you have to regularly detach your child seat, you quickly come to appreciate the models that are easy to handle and light. Pay attention to the weight of your child seat. Every day, every gram counts. There are also foldable models with removable side protection, which are very practical and safe for travel or occasional use.
Is a booster seat not enough?
From 15 kg, a booster seat is sufficient according to the law in most countries. Its use is literally child’s play: it is particularly practical in case of mobile use. But what many forget is that booster seats provide no protection in the event of a side impact. Booster seats are available as “hard cushions” or with a backrest for added comfort and safety.
What does side impact protection provide?
You can protect your child against side impacts, which account for around a quarter of accidents. This special side impact protection looks like ears on the child seat and is made from rigid materials. In the event of an accident, it operates on the principle of an airbag. Indeed, the airbag integrated into the vehicle is adapted to the body of an adult and not a child. A good example of side impact protection can be seen in child seat models like Eddie Bauer XRS 65.
Evolutionary model or normative group?
When you need to buy your first “real” child seat, you have to make a key decision. You have the choice between an evolutionary child seat and a model corresponding more closely to the current level of growth of your child. Again, there are normative groups, either by weight or by height.
“Evolving” child seats cover a wide age range. There are even models that can be used from birth to 12 years old. But beware, if these models have the advantage of only having to be purchased once, this is often done at the expense of security. Indeed, your child will not be supported optimally, especially during the first years of his life when he is very fragile, and you will therefore also have to make concessions in terms of comfort. This is the reason why most child seats are usable “from 15 to 36 kg” or “from 3 to 12 years”. These are perfect for long use and total safety for adults and children alike.
Mounting: no mounting without ISOFIX?
Here’s a term that experienced parents are familiar with and may be good for new parents to know: ISOFIX. It designates a standardized technique for securing child seats in cars. In most recent car models, stirrups fixed to the vehicle are concealed in the gap between the seat cushion and the seat back.
With the ISOFIX bar placed under the child seat, you can thus create a particularly strong attachment between the seat and the car. Your child seat is then almost completely integrated into the car and in the event of sudden braking or a collision, the child seat is retained immediately, faster than with the alternative fastening by seat belt. ISOFIX therefore has advantages in terms of handling and safety, but fastening by seat belt is almost just as safe.
What else do I need?
There are many useful accessories to go with your child seat, such as a seat cover, belt cover, toy pockets or travel cushions. There are even bottle warmers to be connected to 12 V on the car. Your journey will then become a pleasure for everyone, in complete safety.
