Hitching a child seat in a car. Installing a child seat in the rear seat: video

Getting around the city by car when you have a child, especially a newborn, is much more convenient. But don't forget about safety. That is why there are certain rules for transporting children, supported by articles of law. And the main thing is that the baby must be in a car seat. But when entering a children's goods store, young parents are often confused: which device to choose, how they differ, how to attach them, and whether a certain model is suitable for their car.

What is a baby car seat, what age is it intended for children?

Transporting children in a car without special equipment is dangerous, according to the law of the Russian Federation, for which the driver faces a fine of 3,000 rubles. To reduce risks, special devices have been developed, which are attached to the car seat and in which the child feels comfortable and is completely safe.

The baby’s skeletal system is very fragile: from birth to one year the skeleton mainly composed of cartilage tissue. The baby’s neck is a very vulnerable place: even slight but sharp jolts can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, the use of a car seat is mandatory.

What types of car seats are there: consultation with Dr. Komarovsky - video

Soft or hard carrier, special stroller block for transporting a baby in a car

Some parents prefer not to buy a special car seat, but to replace it with a child carrier or a cradle from a stroller. Experts say this is wrong and in many cases unsafe:


Where and how a car seat can be installed in a car to ensure the safety of the child

The location and direction of the infant carrier depends on its model and category:

  • parallel to the seat;
  • against the movement of the car;
  • in the direction of movement;
  • in both directions.

The safest place is behind the driver's seat, which is where it is best to install a baby carrier.

How to position and secure a category 0 carrycot

A category 0 car seat should only be placed in the rear of the car so that the baby rides sideways. It is secured with basic seat belts, which do not allow it to move. The device takes up most of the back seat.

The car seat is attached to the back seat of the car

To keep the baby safe in the event of a sharp push or blow, there are special belts inside the cradle that are fixed on the baby’s chest. Physiologically, such models, where the baby is in a horizontal position, are the most convenient, especially for premature babies who have a very weak skeletal system.

Straps for securing the infant carrier in the car

The car seat has a special mount for installation in the car. It is also worth considering the fact that not all car models have seat belts in the rear seat. In devices of category 0 and 0+ they are included, which is very convenient.

A special device for fastening the infant carrier allows you to securely fix it with a seat belt

How can a car carrier be installed and fixed 0+

Car seats of category 0+ are attached only against the movement of the car, in order to ensure safety for the baby in the event of sudden braking or impact and protect him from injury. It is allowed to install such models not only in the back, but also in the front seat. For example, if one parent is traveling with the child, then it is better to secure the carrier in front, so the baby will see mom or dad, and the driver will not be distracted by turning back to look at the baby.

When installing a car seat in front, you need to turn off the airbags: they can cause great harm to the child.

Car seats category 0+ in the front and rear seats of the car - photo gallery

The car seat 0+ can only be mounted facing the direction of the car on the rear and front seats. The car seat can be installed on the front seat. The hood in the car seat folds and unfolds and serves as protection from the bright sun.

Installation instructions: sequence of actions and photos

Experts say that car carriers of group 0+ are the safest for newborns and children under one year old. Such models are secured in the car using seat belts as follows.


How to properly install a car seat in a car to carry a child - video

How to attach a car seat 0+/1

The category 0+/1 car seat is mounted in the cabin differently, depending on the age of the passenger. If parents use this model from birth until one to one and a half years, then it only needs to be placed against the direction of the car. When the baby grows up, it is installed facing forward and transforms into a car seat: the soft insert for newborns is removed, the backrest is adjusted so that the child can ride in a sitting position.

The fastening of a category 0+/1 car seat depends on the age of the child and can be against the movement or in the direction of movement

Base

In addition to the mounting method discussed above, the infant carrier can be installed on a special base, which is sold with some models. It is convenient because if parents need to transfer the baby in another car, they do not need to remove the base and rearrange it. It is enough to simply secure the infant carrier using standard belts.

The base is fixed to the seat using belts or the Isofix system and is constantly in the car, and the carrier itself is simply placed on top and snapped onto a reliable mechanism. Today, the newest models of infant carriers and seats are equipped with a kind of stand that rests on the floor. This design creates an additional fixation point, which increases safety when transporting a child. In crash tests, such devices receive the highest scores.

How to attach the base and place the carrier on it - photo gallery

The base is sold complete with a car carrier. How to properly install the baby seat on the base. A car seat with a base and a leg resting on the floor provides additional safety for the child.

The Isofix system is designed for fixing the infant carrier.

Another option for installing a car seat is the Isofix system, which was proposed in 1990. It consists of special brackets hidden between the back and seat of the car, and locks on the base of the carrier.

Isofix is ​​a more reliable fastening option than standard belts or a base, as it has several fixation points. However, it is worth noting that this system has weight restrictions: the child’s body weight should not exceed 18 kg.

According to European laws, over the last few years all manufactured cars must be equipped with the Isofix fastening system.

It is very easy to secure the infant carrier; just connect the fasteners to the brackets inside the seat. A special indicator will show how correctly the installation was done: red - incorrect, green - correct. If there is no indicator, then if successful, a characteristic click will sound.

Also behind the back of the rear seat or in the trunk of the car there is a special Top tether mount, to which you need to attach a hook with a belt. This allows you to more securely fix the car seat.

Attaching a car seat to the Isofix system - photo gallery

The Isofix system is designed for a weight of no more than 18 kg. The Isofix fasteners on the car seat must be connected to the brackets hidden in the seat. The Top tether belt is the third point of support in the Isofix system. Fixing the car seat using the Top tether belt in the car.

Installing a car seat with a base and Isofix system - video

Rules and features of operation: how to place a child in a cradle

For complete safety while traveling in a car, parents must follow a certain sequence of actions:

  • correctly secure the infant carrier in the car (against the movement of the car, securely securing it with belts or on the base);
  • carefully place the child inside;
  • fasten the baby with seat belts;
  • check whether the belts are securely fastened and whether the baby is well secured.

Car seat and winter clothes

Another important point when transporting a baby in a car seat is the clothes he is wearing. In the warm season there is no problem with this, but in winter, when the baby is dressed in voluminous jackets and overalls, this moment is important.

Experts recommend not placing a child in a car seat wearing bulky winter jackets, overalls or envelopes due to the fact that the larger and denser the layer of clothing, the less securely it is secured. This reduces the security of the device. It is better to put the baby in a well-warmed car, and to make sure that he will not freeze, cover him with a blanket or rug.

Is it possible to put a child in a car seat wearing bulky clothes, an envelope or a blanket: the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky - video

Do I need to use an extra mattress?

Along with the carrier, you need to purchase a special liner, which is a canvas covering the entire length of the cradle with a convex cushion at the bottom. For what? To ensure that the baby is in a physiological position and there is no load on the still fragile spine. When such a mattress is placed in a car seat, the child lies correctly and the back does not sag.

All infant carriers, except category 0, are a deep concave bowl, which does not allow the child to lie completely horizontally. Therefore, many parents, when buying a device, worry about the position of the baby in it.

Sometimes the mattress has sides for additional protection of the neck and head from impact. There are also special inserts on sale that you can simply place in the infant carrier under the mattress without a sewn-in bolster. If you do not have such a liner or mattress, you can use a blanket or towel. This is necessary for additional fixation of the child in the device.

A special mattress for placing a newborn in a car seat - photo gallery

Special protection and support for the baby's neck and head and fixing straps. Mattress in the car seat with a bolster to ensure the correct position of the baby.
Special mattress with neck support for newborns

Anatomical insert in the car seat so that the newborn can lie and sleep comfortably - video

Making your own liner

You can sew the insert for the car seat yourself. For this you will need:

  • dense fabric made from natural materials so that the baby does not have allergies;
  • filler (sintepon or foam rubber).

Pattern of an insert for a car seat with dimensions


Rules for caring for the infant carrier

Depending on the car seat model, there are different ways to care for the covers. On some devices for transporting children, they are non-removable, so they can be cleaned in specialized dry cleaners or at home yourself. In the second case:

  • remove additional parts: inserts, cushions, toys, etc.;
  • Vacuum the bassinet to remove crumbs and dust;
  • take a sponge and, soaking it in water with baby detergent, clean the carrier;
  • Using a clean sponge and water, rinse the case thoroughly to remove soap suds;
  • dry the infant carrier in the fresh air.

If the cover is removable, it can be washed by hand or in a washing machine. Before doing this, carefully read the instructions: what mode and temperature are allowed for this type of fabric, whether the spin can be programmed. Dry the upholstery in the fresh air. After all the parts have dried, the infant carrier is assembled.

How to put on the cover and assemble the car seat after washing - video

A car seat is a mandatory element for transporting children, including newborns, in a car. First of all, its presence ensures the safety of the baby in the event of sudden braking or an accident. When choosing a device, you need to focus on the age and weight of the baby, because each model has weight restrictions. Also, when using a carrier, it is necessary to secure it correctly in the car so that it does not move out of place, and securely secure it with the child’s seat belts.

The life and health of the child depends on the quality of the chosen car seat. If the seat is not properly secured, the safety level of the child in the car is reduced.

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Initially, car seats were supposed to be secured to the passenger seat only with a standard three-point belt. Chairs for all age groups were secured with similar belts. More modern models require securing straps and locking brackets.

When choosing a child seat, you should consider the type of installation. The seat is fixed in the rear or, less commonly, passenger seat of the car. It is secured using special brackets, locking brackets and seat belts.

The method of fixation depends on the age of the child and the type of chair.

It is advisable to install the seat in the middle of the passenger seat. If a child is transported in a car with three rows of seats, then the seat should be installed in the middle of the middle row.

What is this

A car child seat is a device through which minors are transported. It consists of a bracket, an ergonomic seat, and a seat belt. The selection of a chair is carried out according to the age and parameters of the child.

Any chair must be ergonomic and meet safety standards.

It is advisable to choose a seat with standard belts when the car is not equipped with fastenings in other ways. Before purchasing, be sure to ensure that the belt is long enough. Insufficient length may be noticeable when purchasing category car seats 0 And 0+ .

It is advisable to buy a seat that requires the use of a three-point standard belt if the family often uses taxi services, since not all cars are equipped with their own car seats. To do this, you should notify the dispatcher in advance about traveling with a child.

The disadvantage of fixing the chair using a three-point belt is the unreliability of such a design.

What is regulated

Transportation of children is carried out in accordance with. Car seats are subject to mandatory certification - in accordance with the European safety standard - ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04.

Video:

Key questions

Citizens are interested in where and on which side the chair should be attached, as well as options for its operation. Also interesting is the algorithm for installing the device and the possibility of transporting children without a booster (car seat).

How to install according to its classification

The chair is secured using a standard belt. The choice of chair depends on the age of the child.

  1. For baby age from 0 years and weight up to 9-10 kg The chair is fixed sideways to the movement.
  2. Device for a child of age up to a year and weight up to 14 kg is installed in a position where the baby will sit facing the direction of movement.
  3. Armchairs category I are provided for children aged from 10 months to 4 years. They are installed when the child is facing the direction of travel.

    There are universal chairs designed for children from newborn age up to 4 years.

  4. Armchairs group II provided for children 3-7 year old age. It is installed in a position where the child sits facing the direction of travel.
  5. Armchairs group III intended for children aged 6-12 years and weight 21-36 kg.

To find out how to properly attach the seats, you should keep in mind that the car seats you purchase may be designed for several age groups at the same time.

Small car seats age 0+ are called carriers. They can be equipped with carrying handles and mounted on special brackets in the car. This cradle-type chair is supposed to be the best option for transporting a newborn baby.

Choosing a safe place

Initially, it was assumed that it would be advisable to mount the seat on the driver’s side, since in the event of an accident, the driver will try to dodge the impact in his direction, which at the same time can save the child’s life. Modern recommendations assume that seats should be installed in the middle of the passenger seat.

Algorithm of actions

The seat must be fastened to the passenger seat. For this purpose, special locking devices are used, fixing brackets and belts, which do not allow the child to fall out of the seat while the car is moving.

Installing a child seat in the rear seat requires the following procedure:

  1. Move the front seat back to such an extent that it does not interfere with the installation.
  2. Pull the belt all the way to make the chair easy to install.
  3. The belt must be tensioned all the way. A slight play is allowed, but if there are significant deviations, the procedure will have to start again.
  4. The chair is fastened with special brackets and secured with latches.

The seat can be fixed all the time if the car is often used to transport children.

How to secure a child seat in a car

The scheme involves attaching special brackets, spaces provided in the car seat. The chair should be attached to special bushings, which are located at the bottom of the passenger seats or on the side.

With fixed base

Chairs with a fixed base are installed in the allocated bushings. The child's position is secured with seat belts. The chair is secured with standard three-point belts.

ISOFIX

Seat standard ISOFIX, created in 1990, secured with built-in metal guide locks and special iron brackets built into the passenger seat of the car. The brackets must be brought to the brackets and snapped until a characteristic click is heard.

The chair can also be attached using a special rod located all the way to the floor. The ISOFIX system is considered the most optimal and safe way to install a seat.

SURELATCH

The LATCH/SUPERLATCH system is the American equivalent of ISOFIX. The chair is attached to the passenger seat using special belts with special locks.

Used for fixation third attachment point from the top of the child seat backrest to the rear or side bracket.

This system is known for its high shock-absorbing properties and eliminates seat vibration.

Adjusting the straps

It is important for car seats intended for children 0+ and 1 year old. The strap should be higher than the child's shoulder. The belt should be adjusted so that it does not rub the baby's chest.

Car seat for newborn

For a newborn baby, portable cradles with fixed attachment devices can be used. The child should be transported against the direction of the vehicle. There must be an accompanying adult next to the baby.

Is it possible to put a child seat in the middle?

The birth of a baby changes the life of new parents. Innovations also appear while traveling in a car. Current traffic regulations require a special device. An urgent question is how to safely transport a newborn in a car.

Why do we need special equipment?


The rules on how to transport a child in a specially designed device are generally binding.
Some road users do not fully understand why a cradle or car seat is needed to transport infants in a car.

Newborn children are among the most vulnerable passengers. Their spine consists primarily of cartilage tissue. The muscular system is just beginning to develop. Any shaking or tossing is dangerous for babies. In the event of sudden shocks, the baby's head tilts back. An excessive load is created on the cervical spine.

How to transport a newborn in a car according to the rules. To prevent dangerous situations, devices such as a car seat for newborns and an infant seat are provided.

Pay attention! Installing structures for transporting infants reduces the risk of damage in an emergency by 70%.

According to the World Health Organization, transporting newborns in specially designed devices has reduced child mortality in road accidents by almost 50%.

In the absence of a restraining device, a fine of 3 thousand rubles is imposed.

How to transport a baby

Despite the current traffic regulations and built-in car safety systems, no one is safe from an accident on the road. In order not to put the life of a small passenger at risk, it is necessary to transport the baby in restraints.

There are several ways to transport a newborn:

  1. Car seat.
  2. Car seat.
  3. Stroller block.

They all have their advantages.

Car seat:

  • has an anatomical shape;
  • used for children under 150 cm in height;
  • relevant for children weighing less than 36 kg;
  • a reclining position is assumed;
  • installed either front or rear;

Car seat:

  • used for infants up to six months;
  • maintains weight less than 10 kg;
  • provides only horizontal position;
  • attaches to the back seat;

The above devices differ in both weight and weight. They are mounted on the back or front seat. When transporting children in front, the front airbags must be turned off.

At times, new parents violate traffic rules. Children's safety should not be neglected. During sudden braking or a collision, a child’s weight instantly increases tenfold. Taking into account the effect of surprise, parental hands will not be able to withstand such a load. Improper transportation of newborns will result in serious damage and injury.

Important to remember! Transporting children in a car (if they are under 12 years old) must be carried out using special devices.

Car seat and its mounting

The means of transporting a baby in a car includes a car seat for newborns. It is suitable for babies traveling in a car from birth until they reach 6 months of age.

The advantage of a car cradle is the creation of a horizontal position. In this state, interference with the normal respiratory process is eliminated. There is no excessive load on the children's spine.

The only thing that is inconvenient about a cradle for newborns is its service life. After 6 months, the baby will try to sit up. He will become uninterested in lying down all the time. This is when you will need a car seat for newborn babies for transportation.

There are several options for how to attach a car seat in a car.

Manufacturers provide the following fastening systems:

  1. Built-in seat belts.
  2. Isofix rigid mounting clamps.

To facilitate the installation process, you need to read the instructions, which contains recommendations on how to attach a car seat in a car. To check the fixation, you need to try to move the infant seat in the car. If the device moves a couple of centimeters, then the installation was successful.

Car seat attachment

Usage

Although the infant carrier is easy to use, the question arises as to how to use it correctly.

Among the main points stand out:

  • the device is attached exclusively to the rear in the cabin: this is the only correct position;
  • the structure must be fixed at 90 degrees to the direction of movement: relevant for devices marked “0”, when marked “0+” it should be placed against the movement;
  • the device is fixed at a certain distance from the door, which increases child safety in the event of a side collision;
  • Do not place the baby's head towards the door;
  • for greater safety, infants in the car are fastened with belts inside the cradle;
  • It is prohibited to transport foreign objects near the baby; they should be placed in the trunk;
  • front is only possible when the airbags are switched off.

There are some peculiarities in how to place a newborn in a car seat. Continuous transportation of newborn children in a car cradle marked “0+” is allowed for no more than an hour.

In a half-lying/half-sitting position there is minimal load on the spine. However, in this condition, the baby experiences incomplete breathing. It is recommended to stop every hour on the way and pick him up.

You should pay attention to how the cradle is secured with straps. At a certain length of the belts, the device is installed vertically. It is prohibited to place newborns in such a car cradle.

The new type of car seat allows for unlimited stay of newborn children on the go. An Isofix base is used to secure it.

Stroller block

There are situations when a stroller block is used to transport babies in a car. Such transportation is incorrect. This is due to the low structural strength. In the event of an accident, the device will not protect the baby from injury.

If there are no other options, the cradle is installed at the rear. It is attached with belts at 90 degrees to the direction of movement. It is recommended that an adult sit in the back seat during the trip.

Car seat

The best option for traveling newborn children in a car is considered to be a seat that is suitable for babies from the moment of their birth, as it takes into account anatomical features. reclining. To support the head, there are special bolsters located on the sides. It is not recommended to use rolled towels or cloth for this purpose.

The device is secured with straps or brackets. The baby is additionally secured inside the seat. For newborns, experts recommend installing a car seat in the back seat. The safest place is behind the driver. When placing the device in the front, the airbags must be disabled. This will prevent injury to the baby when they are triggered.

The market for children's car seats is replete with a variety of products.

To facilitate the selection process, the following classification has been adopted:

  • weight – less than 10 kg;
  • age – less than 6 months;
  • When lying down, the baby is secured with a wide belt through;
  • reclining using a 3-point belt;
  • the device is located sideways in relation to the movement;

Group 0+:

  • weight – less than 13 kg;
  • age – less than a year;
  • in a reclining position, the baby is secured with a 5-point belt;
  • it is allowed to fasten the structure against traffic;

  • weight – from 9 to 18 kg;
  • age – over 9 months, but under 4 years;
  • relevant for children who can sit confidently;
  • the baby is secured with a 5-point harness;
  • during sleep, the structure tilts;
  • weight – from 15 to 25 kg;
  • age – from 3 to 7 years;
  • the device is attached in the direction of travel;
  • backrest height adjustment is provided;
  • weight – from 22 to 36 kg;
  • age – younger than 6 but older than 12 years;
  • the structure is attached in the direction of travel;
  • there is a limiter for the belt strap;
  • the back is unfastened.

Car seat for children up to 12 years old

Chairs are produced that combine the functionality of several groups. This is relevant for children in the active growth phase.

There are still questions about whether a car seat is necessary. It is important to understand that installed seat belts are only effective for persons above 150 cm. Passengers over 15 years of age reach this mark.

To successfully purchase a car seat, you should consider the following points:

  • lightness of design: important when constantly moving the seat from one car to another;
  • the presence of natural and removable covers: associated with increased sweating of children in a car seat, especially in the summer;
  • seat depth: important for winter, when babies are dressed in overalls;
  • no chemical smell from the seat.

Useful video: how to transport a baby by car

Current legislation determines how a child can and should be transported in a car. Both a car seat and an infant carrier are suitable for travel. Ultimately, it is the parent who decides how to transport a newborn in a car.

The post of a mother of two children should probably bring some sense to many responsible parents who truly love their children. Take a look at the photo of her car and the two completely intact child car seats her children were in at the time of the accident. Both kids were not harmed or even received any injuries. That's how effective high-quality, full-fledged child seats are, which are also installed correctly.

Jenna Casado Rubberman posted the photo on her Facebook page on Tuesday of last week. The car depicted on it after the accident and the news that, despite the presence of her young children in the car, who did not receive any serious injuries, excited the Internet community. Many breathed a sigh of relief.

As Rubberman told ABC News, she was driving her two sons, Beckett, 2.5 years old, and Brooks, 6 weeks old, when the accident occurred.

Despite the fact that the car was totaled, the boys seemed "completely unharmed".

The situation was commented on by a specialist from the USA, Alisa Baer, ​​also known as The Car Seat Lady. She stated that this is not the first time she has observed such a result in cases where the child is properly restrained in a properly installed car seat. This is an almost 100% chance that even in the event of a serious accident, he will not only survive, but also not be harmed.

"We know that car seats are very effective when used and even more effective when used properly," Baer told ABC News.

Baer shared her professional experience with young parents, focusing on four things that are usually overlooked when installing a car seat:

1. The transition to more “adult” child car seat models is made too early, or parents are in a hurry to rearrange infant seats to face forward.

You should not purchase child car seats that use a standard three-point car seat belt to secure the child if he is not lying on the chest and on the stomach incorrectly.

In this case, it is necessary to use exclusively a five-point belt.

2. The use of an additional belt securing the upper part of the child car seat is mandatory! This fixation reduces the movement of the upper part of the chair by 10-15 cm, which reduces the load on the cervical spine and reduces head injuries in children, the most common type of injury in road accidents.


3. Everyone, including adults, must wear a seat belt, even when in the back seat. The expert said that even if a child is seated correctly in a seat, an adult who is not wearing a seat belt in the event of an accident can turn into a real uncontrollable projectile, demolishing everything in its path. He is capable of causing injury not only to himself, but also to other passengers, including children.

Unbelted passengers are three times more likely to die in a car accident. Remember this!

4. Always double check the tightness of the fixation. Make sure that the seat is securely attached to the seat and that the child's seat belt is well secured and fits correctly to the child's body.

A child car seat ensures the safety of the child only if it is installed correctly. Otherwise, the whole point of using it is nullified. Parental negligence can cost a child dearly in the event of even a minor accident on the road. But according to statistics, 80% of restraint devices are used incorrectly.

Let's figure out how and where to install a car seat correctly so that it really protects the little passenger, and is not in the car for show!

Methods of attaching car seats:

  • Standard seat belts;
  • Isofix system;
  • Latch and SuperLatch system.

Fastening with standard car seat belts

Fastening with a standard three-point car belt is used for car seats of all age groups. However, there are some peculiarities here. In the “0”, “0+” group, the standard belt secures the car seat in the passenger compartment, and the child is fastened with an internal five-point belt. In groups “1” and above, a standard belt fastens the child, and the seat is fixed due to its weight.

The manufacturer's instructions will help you correctly and securely fasten the restraint with a seat belt. Please read it carefully after purchasing the product! Most modern models have special red markings located in the places where the belts pass (if the chair is installed rear-facing, the markings are blue), as well as instructional drawings. This will make your task much easier!

Over time, many parents begin to ignore the marks and rules for fixing the car seat, doing it hastily and as it happens. Such negligence is unacceptable when it comes to the safety of a child.

Important to know!

  • Fastening with standard belts does not provide a rigid fixation of the chair, but it should not wobble! Only a small amount of play is allowed. Move the chair after you have fixed the straps - if it moves more than 2 cm, you will have to redo everything.
  • Before you buy a seat, check whether it can be installed in your car. In some vehicle models, the design of the rear seat and backrest profiles makes it impossible to attach most child seats. There are situations when the length of the standard belt is not enough to secure the restraint device.
  • After you have placed your child in the seat and buckled him in, check to see if the seat belts are twisted. They should not hang out or squeeze. The “correct” gap between the belts and the baby’s body is no more than 3-4 cm (two fingers).
  • While driving, the standard belts can relax and slip. A special lock will help avoid this. If the design of the car seat does not provide for it, it is recommended to additionally purchase a fixing bracket.
  • The standard tape must be passed through all the guides provided by the design of the car seat. Make sure the belt goes straight across the child's shoulder and hips. Under no circumstances should it move towards the neck.

Basic instructions for securing a child car seat with a three-point belt

1 Step.

Move the front seat back to provide enough space to install the car seat. Check to see if the passenger in front will be caught.

Step 2

Pull out the car seat belt and guide it through the special holes in the seat structure. Instructions and special markings will help you navigate.

3 Step.

Snap the belt into the buckle after tightening it according to all instructions.

4 Step.

Apply light pressure to the chair and check to see if it moves. Allow about 2 cm of play.

5 Step.

Move the inner seat belts to the sides and seat the child. Apply straps, adjust pads, and secure clasps.

6 Step.

Tighten the straps to hold your baby snugly.

Basic instructions for installing a car seat

1 Step.

Place the infant carrier on the car seat facing the direction of travel. If you choose the front seat for installation, disable the airbag.

Step 2

Fasten the carrycot with seat belts according to the instructions. Focus on the special blue marks that indicate where the belts will be threaded. Make sure that the cross and diagonal belts are not mixed up.

3 Step.

Assess the position of the infant carrier - its tilt back should not exceed 45 degrees. You can check this using a special indicator on the base or body of the holding device. A rolled up towel or a special roller (if permitted by the manufacturer) will help you level the angle of inclination.

4 Step.

Place your baby in the infant carrier and secure him with the straps. It is better if the shoulder straps are in the lowest possible position. It is recommended to place the clip at armpit level.

5 Step.

Use special padding on the belts to avoid chafing and discomfort in the groin area. If your belt buckle does not have a soft pad underneath it, place a towel underneath it.

6 Step.

Adjust the straps so that they fit your child snugly, but not too tight. Two fingers should fit under the straps.

7 Step.

If the cabin is cold, cover the child with a blanket.

You need to dress your baby correctly for traveling in a car! Clothing should be made of thick fabric to avoid chafing from the belt. It is also recommended to avoid bulky winter jackets, as they do not allow the belts to be tightened tightly. During the cold season, it is better to use an additional blanket.

Advantages and Disadvantages

+ Universal fastening (there is a standard seat belt in every car)

+ Favorable price

+ Possibility of installing a car seat on any car seat.

- Difficulty of fastening

- Not as good safety ratings compared to Isofix and Latch

- The possibility of encountering a “shortage” of a standard belt (typical for car seats with a table).

Isofix mount

An alternative to standard seat belts when securing a child restraint system is the Isofix system. It is a rigid attachment of the seat to the car body. This ensures better child protection, which is confirmed by crash test results year after year.


You will find the Isofix mount at the base of the car seat: two brackets on a metal frame, located symmetrically on both sides of the seat.

A child seat with the Isofix system is almost impossible to install incorrectly. This is done very quickly and simply. Find the special brackets built into the back seat of almost any modern car and connect them to the brackets located at the bottom of the restraint system. “Docking” should occur easily, and the chair should be firmly secured. Some models have electronic indicators that change color if the chair is installed correctly.

Not all car seat models of groups “0+” and “1” have built-in Isofix. Some involve installing a child seat on a special platform, which is equipped with fastenings. The platform and the chair are purchased strictly “for each other”. Of course, they must be from the same manufacturer!

Isofix fixes the chair at 2 points. But for groups “0” and “1” there is also a 3rd point, which allows reducing the load on the fastenings of the holding device. It could be:

Telescopic support to the floor. It consists of two connected tubes located at the base of the child car seat platform, which are height-adjustable and rigidly fixed. Not every platform model includes a thrust leg. In its absence, an anchor strap is used.

Anchor strap (Top Tether). Responsible for additional fixation of the upper part of the car seat. In the event of an accident, it protects the small passenger from neck injuries as a result of a sharp “nod”. There is a belt at the top of the backrest of the child seat, which is secured to a special bracket on the back of the rear seat, in the trunk of the car or other place (depending on the model).

Important to know!

  • Before purchasing a seat with the Isofix system, make sure that the appropriate fastenings are present in your car. You need to look for them on the front side of the passenger seat, under the backrest. Stick your hand into the gap and you can easily feel the staples.
  • In the vast majority of cases, the Isofix system can only be used on the rear outboard seats. This is where the mounting brackets are provided in the car. If you need to place a child seat in front, you can secure it with a standard seat belt. Most models of chairs with Isofix allow this installation option.
  • The Isofix system is used in car seats of all age groups. However, for securing infant carriers and child seats of category “0+”, it is still recommended to prefer the standard option. A rigid fastening system sometimes creates vibration in the infant carrier, which is undesirable for the child. Starting from group “1”, you can safely switch to Isofix.
  • The design of a car seat with the Isofix system implies the presence of metal runners, which during operation can damage the seat upholstery. A special rug that is placed directly under the chair will help you avoid this. Thick fabric is also used for these purposes.

Installation instructions

1 Step.

Locate the Isofix mounting brackets under the seat back. Remove the protective plugs. We recommend that you immediately put them in the glove compartment so as not to lose them.

Step 2

Pull the Isofix brackets at the base of the child seat to the required length. They are also protected by plugs - remove them and hide them in the glove compartment.

3 Step.

Insert the fasteners into the guides and press on the chair until you hear a characteristic click. Check that both brackets are securely fastened.

4 Step.

If the car seat has an anchor belt, place it over the back of the main seat and secure it in the anchorage (this can be located on the floor of the trunk or on the back of the seat). If the child restraint is designed with a support leg, adjust its angle and height.

5 Step.

Loosen the inner straps, sit the child down, tighten and secure the straps.

Advantages and Disadvantages

+ Easily and quickly attaches to the car interior

+ The chair is installed rigidly, tipping over and “moving forward” is excluded.

+

- Higher cost of the car seat (about 1.5 times compared to the standard mounting method)

- 30% more weight than a conventional chair

- Not universal, not all cars are equipped with ISOFIX

- Possibility of chair vibration due to rigid fixation

- Weight limit 18 kg

- Can only be installed on the rear outboard seats

LATCH mount


Isofix fastening is considered a European standard. There are analogs of it in the world, for example, the Latch mount, which was created in America. Since 2002, it has been mandatory in the United States.

The main feature of Latch compared to Isofix is ​​the absence of a metal frame and brackets in the design of the chair, which significantly reduces its weight. Fastening is carried out using durable straps, which are secured with carabiners to the Latch brackets on the back seat of the car.

Latch and Isofix systems are fully compatible with each other. This means that if your car has Isofix, you can safely install a seat with Latch mounts and vice versa.

The Latch system includes several options for carabiner fasteners. The most common of them resembles fastening removable straps for bags, only larger in size and stronger.

In 2008, the American company Evenflo created the SuperLatch carabiner, which features a built-in automatic tensioner. Installation and fixation with its help is quick and easy, since there is no need to manually adjust the straps.

Advantages and Disadvantages

+ No vibration due to soft fixation with elastic strap

+ Convenient installation (the locks do not have to be latched at the same time, as with Isofix)

+ The chair weighs 1.5 - 2.6 kg lighter than a similar one with Isofix

+ Reliable child protection in case of an accident (confirmed by crash tests)

+ Increasing the permissible weight of the child to 29.6 kg (for Isofix - 18 kg)

- Small selection (Latch car seat models are presented in Russia very sparingly)

- Not universal, not all cars are equipped with Latch and Isofix brackets

- Lack of budget models

- Possibility of installation only on the rear side seats.

Where to install the car seat?

Most parents install the child restraint in the right rear seat. When the child is “obliquely”, it is easier for the driver to communicate with him and control him using the rearview mirror. In addition, drivers often push their own seat as far back as possible for greater comfort, and having a child seat behind them significantly limits this possibility.

What seat in the cabin is considered the safest? For a long time, the seat on the left (behind the driver) was the “favorite” among safety experts. This choice is explained by the human instinct of self-preservation: in an emergency, the driver unconsciously turns the steering wheel in such a way as to protect himself, which means that the passenger behind also benefits.

Scientific approach


Scientists from the American Research University at Buffalo came to interesting conclusions. They analyzed traffic accident statistics in New York State for 3 years. As a result, they named the safest place in the car... the middle seat. Judge for yourself: compared to the front seats, the rear seats are 60-86% safer, while the safety of the middle seat is 25% higher than that of the rear side seats.

It is worth noting that the scientists took into account all possible factors affecting the level of safety, for example, the type and weight of the car, the presence of head restraints and airbags, the age of the driver and passengers, road lighting, and weather. But under any conditions, the middle place was always at least 16% safer than the rest. The researchers explained this by the fact that in a collision it is not subject to compression, which cannot be said about the outboard seats. But side impact accidents are second only to accidents where cars collide head-on in frequency.

Unfortunately, not every car model allows you to conveniently place a child car seat in the middle of the cabin. For example, representatives of the C-class and above have a built-in folding armrest in the back of the middle seat. Many cars (usually station wagons and hatchbacks) have only 20% of the space in the middle seat, and the car seat simply won’t fit there. And, for example, the Isofix system in most cases is provided only for the side rear seats (with the exception of some car models, for example, Citroen C4 Picasso).

When determining where to install the restraint, proceed from the characteristics of your vehicle. If you cannot choose a seat in the center, give preference to the seat behind the driver.

We install the car seat correctly (fastening with a standard belt)!

1 Group 0 (infant seats, up to 10 kg).

Installed on the rear or front seats of the car, perpendicular to the movement.

Important point:

When placing the infant carrier in the front seat, be sure to turn off the airbag! If it works in the event of an accident, the infant carrier will receive a strong blow, which could result in serious injury to the child.

2 Group 0+ (up to 13 kg).

The child can be transported both behind and in front (the airbag is switched off!). The seat is installed against the direction of travel: the small passenger sits with his legs towards the back of the seat. It is secured in the chair with a five-point harness.

3 Group 1 (up to 18 kg).

The seat can be fixed in the rear and front seats in the direction of travel; in addition, the baby is held in place by a five-point internal belt.

4 Group 2-3 (up to 36 kg.)

Installed on any passenger seat in the direction of travel of the car. The child is fastened with a standard seat belt.

Questions to the expert

1 Is it possible to put a car seat in the front seat if the front airbag cannot be turned off (the car does not have this option)?

If the airbag does not turn off, you cannot place the infant carrier in the front seat. When deployed in the event of an accident, the airbag will forcefully hit the restraint device and, instead of protecting it, will cause additional injuries to the child.

2 When the baby is wearing winter clothes, the internal seat belts are not fastened. What to do?

First of all, check to see if your child has already “outgrown” his car seat. If it's all about a thick down jacket, you'll have to change your baby into something lighter. In general, car seats do not provide for winter clothing, since according to European standards, a small passenger must be transported without it. In the conditions of the Russian winter, all that remains is to improvise! Warm up the car thoroughly before seating your child. Make sure you have a blanket to cover your baby if it gets cold on the road.

3 Can three child car seats fit in the back seat of a car?

It is quite possible to install three child restraints in the back seat of a car at once, if you select the most compact models. The exception is cars in which the area of ​​the middle seat is reduced or supplemented with a folding armrest.

4 What to do if your car does not have Isofix mounts, but you want to use this particular system?

The hinges required to attach the seat using the Isofix system can be welded to the car body in a car service center. This is a fairly simple procedure, so many parents resort to it if they want to ensure maximum safety for their child.

5 Can a seat with the Isofix system be secured in the usual way (with standard belts)?

The metal runners that are typical for car seats with the Isofix system are usually foldable, and the design of many restraints also includes holes for a standard belt. Therefore, yes, most models (there are rare exceptions) can also be recorded in the usual way. Just in case, we recommend checking with the seller about this possibility.


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