Are you looking for a car seat for your child and you don't know where to start? In Safe, we know that this task can be quite complicated, that is why we have prepared this post with the Keys that can help you choose the car seat that best suits you and your little one.
What should you pay attention to? The first thing we want you to understand is that the perfect car seat does not respond to a specific brand, specific shape or a specific color. The The ideal car seat is the one that best suits you.. The age, height and weight of the child are essential factors, but you must also take into account your lifestyle or the car you have.
Once this point has been explained, let's start with the characteristics of the base and the types of anchors there are, so that you are clearer about which may be your best choice.
Types of anchors for car seats
In order not to dwell too much on this point, we will tell you that the Isofix is a anchoring system, that some cars carry, and that allows Place the car seat easily and safely, as it reduces the likelihood of the seat being positioned incorrectly.
If your car has Isofix system look for a seat that offers this option. If it does not have this anchorage, you have to think about a seat that is installed with the vehicle's own seat belts. Both options are safe, but in the latter case you will have to pay more attention when placing it because it does not include the verification indicators that Isofix does have.
Suppose that You have two cars and you are going to need to put the car seat in both. One has Isofix and the other does not., what should you do in this case? The ideal thing is look for a chair that has DUAL installation because it offers the possibility of being installed with the Isofix system and with belts.
At this point, you must focus choosing the car seat between these 3 options:
- With Isofix system.
- With seat belts.
- With Dual system.
Finally, and to finish this section on installation and types of anchoring, take note of these two terms: Tether Top and Anti-Tipping Leg. Get familiar with them because you will encounter them many times.
All the car seats need to be installed with 3 anchor points so that its placement is perfect. The car seat belt has these 3 points. However, the Isofix system only has 2, so You need that third point of support. Sometimes the chairs offer the Top Tether option and other times the Anti-Tilt Leg.
The Top Tether is a belt that incorporates a metal carabiner on the back of the chair and is anchored to a piece that the car has in the back of the seat or trunk. Its function is to prevent the rotation of the chair in the event of an accident. It is used in both forward and backward chairs.
The Anti-roll leg is a metal leg that comes out of the base of the chair and adjusts in height to be placed on the floor of the car.. Prevents the chair from swinging, thus protecting the child in the event of a collision. This lower anchorage is also used in forward and rear-facing chairs.
Taking into account what we have explained to you about the types of anchoring, the decision to choose the car seat is between:
1.Isofix with:
A.Top Tether
B. Anti-tip leg
2. Seat belts.
3. Dual. In this case, you should think about whether you want the Isofix mode with Anti-Tilt Leg or with Top Tether.
Regulations and approvals for children's car seats
It is essential that the seat is fully adapted to the child so that it fulfills its function and protects him in the event of an accident. This point and correct installation are key factors for the car seat to be efficient.
Currently, the Child restraint systems in Spain are regulated under two regulations: the R129 approval, known as i-Size, and the ECE R44/04. Both are safe, but they change the classification concepts.
R129 or i-Size bases the classification of the seats, according to the height of the child.
For its part, ECE R-44/04 bases the classification based on the weight of the child (groups 0, 0+, I, II and III).
As you can see, knowing the child's weight and height is essential to choosing the right car seat for your little one.
The car seat in rear facing for the maximum time
The World Health Organization, in its safety manual for child restraint systems, concluded that carrying a child in a rear-facing chair, installed correctly, reduces risk of injury by up to 80%.
It is recommended, therefore, that children travel in the opposite direction to the vehicle's direction of travel for as long as possible. Therefore, look for chairs that allow you to do so up to 18kg or 105cm in height (4 years).
Remember that, in any case, the chairs must be approved and perfectly adapted to the weight or size of the minor that I am going to use it.
Lateral and cervical protections
One fact that you should not overlook is that A side impact is more dangerous for children, than a frontal one. Most of the injuries suffered by minors in these types of accidents occur in the head area. Furthermore, the airbag is designed for adults, so it is possible that the protection offered by the side airbag may be reduced due to the child's height.
For this reason, you We recommend that you look for seats that include specific tests on lateral and cervical protection. so that, in the event of an impact, the little one is more and better protected.
360º rotating seat, comfort for the car seat
When choosing the ideal car seat, factors related to safety are the most important. That does not mean that there are other points that, although not so decisive, also favor your choice: the comfort.
The 360º seat is rotatable. It does not offer additional protection or security, but it does adds practicality, functionality and comfort for you and your son. Seating a child in a car seat is not always an easy task. There are days when the little one is asleep, or crying, or does not want to ride or is wearing too many clothes... All of this makes it difficult to position the child correctly. Therefore, if the chair offers you this help and you can afford it, do not hesitate, also opt for comfort and you will be grateful on many occasions.
The budget for the child car seat
And to close this post, let's talk about prices. Many people ask us why there is such a difference in prices between some chairs and others, if they comply with the same regulations. Maybe you also ask yourself this question.
We understand that this may generate some insecurity, but you should know that all recognized brands, regardless of whether they are more expensive or cheaper, comply with the same approval. Therefore, All chairs are equally safe if they have passed the regulations. What influences the final price is more related to the type of brand, the advertising it does or certain finishes such as embroidery, labels, fabrics... But none of this determines safety, since all these items must comply with the same regulations so that they can be marketed in Spain.
However, if you want make sure that you are buying a good product and that it has the approvals that guarantee the safety of your child When traveling by car, always look for recognized brands that you can find in large sellers.
All the Asalvo car seats comply with i-Size or R44 standards, you will find them with Isofix, with Top Teher, with Anti-roll Leg or with Dual system. All include cervical and side protection and many have a swivel seat.
Therefore, we invite you to consult our car seat catalog and don't hesitate get in touch with us if you need more information. We will be happy to help you.
