The best children's car seats. Age groups of child car seats Pros and cons of Happy Baby Taurus

Dividing into groups allows you to select a model in accordance with the age of the child.

Group 0 car seat

It is a car seat that is intended for newborns, as well as for children with low weight. It resembles a stroller basket, equipped with internal seat belts. The car seat is installed on the rear seat perpendicular to the direction of travel and is secured with the car's standard seat belt.

Group 0+ car seat (carrying)

Designed for babies from birth to approximately 1 year. The seat has a cup-shaped body, internal five-point harnesses and a comfortable handle for carrying the baby. The car seat is installed facing the direction of the car. This position is explained by the need to relieve the baby’s fragile neck and spine. Sharp braking provokes a deadly “nod” of the head, which is eliminated when the car seat is installed correctly “facing the rear.”

Group 1 car seat

Designed for children who are already sitting confidently, that is, from about 1 year. Installed facing forward or against traffic. The seat must have internal 5-point harnesses or a holding table, as well as a comfortable recline for sleeping. A child can stay in a group 1 car seat until they reach a weight of 15-18 kg.

Group 2 car seat

Designed for children from 3 to 7 years old. Seats of this group in their pure form are very rare. Typically, manufacturers of child car seats combine models into a group of 2-3.

Group 2-3 car seat

Intended for children from 3 to 12 years old. It does not have internal five-point harnesses, so the child is secured using a standard seat belt, which is passed through special guides. Some car seats in this group have a slight recline angle for relaxation.

Group 3 car seat (booster)

This is a seat without a backrest. The booster has a solid construction, armrests and special seat belt guides. From a safety point of view, booster seats are undesirable because they lack side protection. Their use is possible if the child is already tall (height more than 130-135 cm). But even in this case, a full-fledged group 2-3 chair is a more suitable option. It is often written on booster packs that they can be used from 4 years of age, which in our opinion is unacceptable.

Combined groups

There are car seats that combine the functions of several groups at once. Such seats are convenient when moving from one group to another, when the child in the seat of one group has already grown up, but is still too small for the other. As a rule, buying a universal seat is cheaper than car seats of 0, 1, 2 and 3 groups separately.

The following groups are most often combined:

To accurately select the right car seat group, use the table of the approximate weight and height of the child depending on his age.

Age, weight and height appropriate for boys

Age	Weight, kg	Height, cm
1 month	4,3	54
2 months	5,1	57
3 months	5,8	60
4 months	6,6	63
5 months	7,2	66
permissible difference	+/- 0,8	+/- 4
6 months	7,9	68
7 months	8,4	70
8 months	8,8	72
9 months	9,2	73
10 months	9,7	74
11 months	10,2	75
permissible difference	+/- 1,5	+/- 4
12 months	10,4	76
1.5 years	11,6	82
2 years	12,7	88
2.5 years	13,7	93
permissible difference	+/- 2,5	+/- 6
3 years	14,7	97
3.5 years	15,6	101
4 years	17	105
permissible difference	+/- 3	+/- 7
4.5 years	17,8	108
5 years	19,2	112
permissible difference	+/- 3,5	-

Age, weight and height appropriate for girls

Age	Weight, kg	Height, cm
1 month	4,1	53
2 months	4,8	56
3 months	5,4	59
4 months	6	62
5 months	6,7	64
permissible difference	+/- 0,8	+/- 4
6 months	7,4	66
7 months	8	68
8 months	8,5	70
9 months	8,9	72
10 months	9,3	73
11 months	9,6	74
permissible difference	+/- 1,5	+/- 4
12 months	9,8	75
1.5 years	11,1	81
2 years	12,2	88
2.5 years	13,3	91
permissible difference	+/- 2,5	+/- 6
3 years	14,3	96
3.5 years	15,2	100
4 years	16,5	104
permissible difference	+/- 3	+/- 7
4.5 years	17,4	107
5 years	18,6	111
permissible difference	+/- 3,5	-

Today you can buy a child seat to suit every taste and budget. All that remains is to figure out what the current requirements for the safety and appearance of the product are and how to choose the right car seat for a child.

Choosing a car seat wisely – basic criteria

The question of whether to purchase a child restraint system is not on the agenda at all, since there is simply no other equally effective way to protect a child in the event of an emergency today.

And if domestic parents were recently faced with the obligation to purchase and install a seat, foreign car enthusiasts have a long history of handling this protective device. But even foreign counterparts, and those of the highest rank, often find themselves in an awkward position.

Interesting fact! In 2008, paparazzi photographed Hollywood movie star Nicole Kidman holding a child while riding in the back seat of a car. Many fans were outraged by such unreasonable behavior and even called for her to be prosecuted.

But little by little the culture of transporting children is taking root in our country. Statistics also contribute to this: in case of an accident at a speed of 50 km/h, a restraint device reduces the risk of injury to the baby by exactly half. That is why the desire of parents to purchase the best car seat for transporting their child is quite natural.

However, experts who conduct numerous tests of such devices are convinced that the ideal car seat does not exist, but the most suitable one for a particular small passenger can be selected.

In order to understand how to choose the right car seat for your baby, you should take into account the main indicators and criteria for a safe and comfortable transportation device, view reviews from other parents and videos of crash tests of popular models.

Fastening type: standard belts or ISOFIX

When choosing a child seat for a car, you need to decide in advance whether to purchase a device with the ISOFIX system or limit yourself to standard machine straps.

ISOFIX car seat mounting device

What is ISOFIX? This is a specially designed rigid fastening system. This connection is essentially a pair of brackets (located at the bottom of the car seat) that are inserted into the anchor brackets of the car body.

Numerous crash tests of car seats demonstrate that child seats equipped with the ISOFIX system are safer than secure seat belts.

Quite often, child restraints for the youngest travelers are additionally equipped with other attachment points. According to the manufacturers, such seats provide the child with even greater protection.

1. Models with retractable stop element. This telescopic “limb” ensures the immobility of the car seat during frontal impacts. However, user reviews indicate certain inconveniences during operation.
2. Modifications with anchor straps. These chairs have additional fixing points using a special strap with a carabiner. The belt buckle is located either behind the seat headrest or on the cargo floor.

Cars from the USA are often equipped with the system LATCH . In this case, the car seat is attached to the car body not with brackets, but with special straps with locks or hooks.

Before purchasing a seat with the Isofix system, you should find out whether such fastenings are available in the car. Modern vehicles are equipped with safety latches.

Seat belts

A small child should not be fastened with a standard seat belt, but with the anchors of the car seat itself. They come in different types: one-, three- or five-point, and fastening can also be done using safety table .

Of course, it is better to choose models equipped with a belt with 5 attachment points to the seat, since in an emergency the load will be distributed throughout the child’s body, which guarantees a lower likelihood of injury to the child.

Before purchasing, you should make sure that all locks work and open comfortably. In the event of an accident, situations arise when it is necessary to instantly free the baby from the “captivity” of the belts. At the same time, you should make sure that the baby cannot unfasten them on his own.

Product frame

A child's car seat has either a plastic or aluminum frame. The second option is more durable and, therefore, safer, but also costs significantly more.

However, modern industry makes it possible to produce such high-quality plastic that products made from it are not much inferior to their metal counterparts. This is evidenced by numerous crash tests.

Another option for a child restraint system is frameless car seat . This seat cover is compact and inexpensive, but in the event of an emergency it practically does not protect the child from injury.

A chair with a frame (no matter plastic or aluminum) is much safer for a child: it has support for the spinal column and takes on the main load in the event of an accident or sudden braking of the car.

Back and headrest

Joie car seat with recline adjustment

Another important parameter is the anatomy of the back. This means that this part of the chair must completely follow all the curves and convexities of the child’s spinal column. This criterion is especially important if the child will spend significant time in the car.

For the youngest passengers who need constant rest, it is important that the device is equipped with a tilt regulator, which allows you to turn the car seat into a sleeping place.

Since the baby must be protected from dangers threatening from all sides, special attention should be paid to safety in case of side impacts. That is why you should purchase models equipped with a comfortable large headrest and deep side elements.

Case

This indicator does not affect the safety of transportation, but is important for the passenger himself, since the slightest inconvenience makes the child worry about the uncomfortable lining or the quality of the material itself.

Car seat cover color options

It is important to make sure that the cover is made of high-quality material that repels dirt and can be removed for cleaning (washing). Typically, the chair covering is made of synthetic fabrics with elements of natural fibers.

What to do if the summer is hot and the child is constantly sweating? Some models also have covers made of cotton fabric, which increases comfort for the young passenger in the summer months.

Safety standard and labeling

If we talk about the reliability of devices in general, we can draw one important conclusion: those car seats are the safest, which are certified by international organizations and equipped with a special mark, for example, ECE R 44/04.

Example of a label on a car seat with markings

This mark means that such restraints have successfully passed crash tests and comply with the strict standards of the European Common Standard, fourth edition.

Therefore, a certified car seat must bear the ECE R 44/04 conformity mark. Such a sign may look different, but it consists of several mandatory notes:

• European standard compliance code;
• type of device (universal, semi-universal, special);
• weight group;
• country code number;
• certificate number;
• device serial number;
• manufacturer's name.

Good to know! The letter "E" and the number in the circle indicate the country in which the device was certified. For example, E1 is Germany, E2 is France, E4 is Holland, E17 is Finland, and E22 is Russia.

In addition, a high-quality product must have the year of manufacture printed directly on the plastic case itself. Such markings can be printed or stamped.

Manufacturers also place the following important information on the restraint itself:

• if the seat is attached using standard car belts, then a drawing of the correct algorithm for fastening the straps is attached to it;
• if the product is installed with its back to the direction of travel, then a warning sign is placed in the headboard area;
• if the device is installed both along and against the direction of movement of the car, then a symbol is attached indicating the age or weight of the child when it is necessary to turn the car seat to face the movement.

Before purchasing, it is important to make sure that the markings on the child car seat match the required marks described above. Parents should also request the necessary documents from the seller, including a certificate of conformity.

How do you know if a car seat is suitable for your car?

To choose the right child restraint for a child and a specific car, you need to look again at the type of seat indicated in the certificate. As noted just above, there are three types of certification.

1. Universal. The device can be installed without problems in all cars that comply with ECE R14 and R16 standards (regulate the requirements for installing a seat in a car).
2. Semi-universal. Since, in addition to standard safety measures, manufacturers additionally equip the chairs with various supports (telescopic “limb”), it is necessary to check whether a particular machine is included in the list of compatible models.
3. Special. In this case, the holding devices, due to their special design and functionality, are certified for use only in strictly limited car models. Your vehicle must be on the list of compatible models.

But even if the chosen car seat is universal, you should definitely check that it is suitable specifically for your car. After the device passport has been studied, it is recommended to perform the following actions:

• determine the length of the standard straps to understand whether they are enough to fasten the child;
• see how tightly and well the device is attached to the back sofa. To do this, you need to “try on” the car seat;
• try to place the baby in the installed device.

How to choose the right child restraint and understand how it fits the car? Entrust this process to your little passenger. The child must try on the selected accessory. If the baby likes the car seat, it means that on the road he will not be mischievous and distract the driver from the road.

What are crash tests?

To assess the safety of a car seat, not only certification documents are important, but also the results of officially conducted so-called crash tests.

Be sure to read the article by our specialist, which indicates 2017 - 2018. by security level.

Perhaps the German club ADAC enjoys the greatest confidence among European consumers, which has developed its own extremely strict methodology for testing the safety of car seats for children.

Experts evaluate restraint devices based on the following important parameters:

• protection– how well the device protects the child from injury in an accident;
• reliability– how reliably the car seat holds a small passenger and is attached to the body of the car;
• comfort– how comfortable the child feels while in the restraint;
• service– how convenient it is to use and maintain this device;
• environmental friendliness– study of the chemical composition of the fabric and body of the product.

Based on the test results, experts draw up tables in which the most reliable models are marked with 2 plus signs, and the most unreliable ones with a minus sign. An even clearer option is to use color schemes in which bright green means “very good” and red means “poor.”

An example of a table of crash test results from the leading German auto club ADAC. You can view the full list of tested models, as well as previous and subsequent tests.

What types of car seats are there?

Specialized stores offer a huge number of different models of children's car seats. Such abundance can confuse any parent.

Experts advise paying attention to several important parameters:

• age of the child;
• body weight;
• height.

To choose the right car seat for your child, you should take into account all the above characteristics. However, the most important parameter is the weight category, since body weight does not always correspond to age indicators.

Currently, it is customary to distinguish 5 main groups of car seats and 3 additional ones. Each main category differs in age indicators, starting from the newborn period and ending with the 12th birthday.

Table 1. Main categories of child car seats

Category name	Child's body weight		Installation Features
Category "0"	Up to 10 kg	From 0 to 9 months	Along the rear sofa and perpendicular to the direction of travel
Category "0+"	Up to 13 kg	From 0 to 15 (18) months	With your back facing the direction of travel
Category "1"	From 9 to 18 kg	From one to 4 years
Category "2"	From 15 to 25 kg	From 3 to 6 (7) years	Facing in the direction of travel
Category "3"	From 25 to 36 kg	From 6 to 12 years	Facing in the direction of travel

Thus, if you follow the logic of the manufacturers, parents will have to buy at least four car seats during the first 12 years of their child’s life. Not every family can afford such expenses, since the prices for high-quality restraint devices are steep.

In this case, it is proposed to purchase car seats of an additional group, or universal devices that combine the qualities of devices for several age groups.

Table 2. Combined categories of child car seats

Category name	Child's body weight	Approximate age standards	Installation Features
Category "0+/1"	From 0 to 18 kg	From six months to 3.5 years	Before a year - against the direction of movement, after a year - in the direction of movement
Category "1-2-3"	From 9 to 36 kg	From 12 months to 12 years	Facing in the direction of travel
Category "2-3"	From 15 to 36 kg	From 3.5 to 12 years	Facing in the direction of travel

Such a purchase will help you save money. However, versatility does not always guarantee convenience or a high level of product safety.

Selecting a car seat from the main categories

It is among the main categories of restraint devices that motorists can choose the most suitable seat for a small traveler, corresponding to his age and weight characteristics.

Group “0”: for the little ones

Carriage for newborns is very similar to a regular cradle, which is why its second name is “car seat”. Such a device is mounted sideways on the rear seat of the vehicle. Sometimes the carrier is placed with the back of the head forward.

Car seats are purchased for children younger, whose body weight does not exceed 10 kilograms and height - 75 centimeters. However, experts do not recommend going too close to these boundaries; it is better to take care in advance of purchasing a model that is more suitable to the physical parameters.

The advantages of car seats in this category include:

• reliable fixation and protection of the baby’s head;
• keeping the baby in a supine position, which corresponds to the physiological norms of the age of a newborn;
• quite comfortable strap that goes around the child;
• Possibility of installing the cradle on a stroller.

The holding device also has certain disadvantages, among which the following stand out:

• not entirely safe orientation of the holding device;
• The baby will quickly grow out of this car seat.

It is this last drawback that many vehicle owners especially dislike. That's why parents prefer to purchase the next category of car seats, which will be discussed a little later.

How to choose the right car seat for a newborn? For example, read a review of the safest car seats of 2018 based on crash tests. Below is a brief description of one of the most popular baby carrier models.

The first “motor transport” for the smallest babies, produced in Germany. The results of numerous crash tests (including those of the well-respected German club ADAC), as well as the ECE R44/04 certificate, guarantee the complete safety of the baby.

The main advantages of this model are as follows:

• a well-thought-out design allows for all-round protection of the child’s body, absorbing the energy of both frontal and side impacts;
• the cradle can be attached to almost any modern stroller;
• the product frame is made of high-quality shockproof plastic;
• the child is securely secured with two three-point safety belts - central and outer;
• there is a handle for carrying, a removable visor that protects from wind and sunlight;
• The car seat is equipped with a system to prevent torsion in place.

However, reviews from car enthusiasts indicate that this model also has certain disadvantages:

• The weight of the product is quite large - about 5.8 kilograms, which makes it difficult to move a baby weighing more than 5 kg;
• high cost (about 25,000 rubles), and the baby will grow out of the holding device by 6 months.

Prices for the Britax Römer Baby-Safe Sleeper:

Despite the fairly high price, the model is in fairly steady demand from buyers. Prices for Baby-Safe Sleeper in Russian online stores range from 13,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Group "0+"

If you are thinking about the question of which child car seat to choose for a baby from birth to 15 months, then it is better to focus on models of the “0+” category. They are designed to transport small passengers weighing less than 13 kg and height up to 75 centimeters.

Restraint devices of this modification have clear advantages over car seats of the previous category, since they are purchased for both newborns and older children.

The child in such a device is seated with the back of his head facing the direction of the car. This orientation is important because children under 1.5 years old have a large head and a very fragile neck, which can be damaged in a frontal impact or emergency braking.

Choosing a child car seat of category “0+” is due to a number of advantages, including:

• the ability to change the child’s lying position to a semi-sitting position;
• securely secure the baby with three- or five-point safety harnesses;
• precise fastening of car seats to the car seat using either standard car belts or the ISOFIX system.

Just like the models of the previous category, car seats of group “0+” are equipped with special brackets for fixing to the stroller chassis instead of blocks for walking or sitting and a special handle for transferring a sleeping baby from the car to home.

Most of these modifications are also used as a rocking chair, but we should not forget that, despite the maximum comfort, the time a child is continuously in such a car seat should be limited to a couple of hours.

There are many options for such devices. Below is one of the popular models of car seats for the youngest passengers.

Kiddy Evo-Luna i-Size

Another car seat from Germany, characterized by the highest safety standards - including the new ECE R129 (I-Size) position. This marking means that the restraints are additionally protected from side impacts.

Experts cite the following characteristics as the advantages of this model:

• high orthopedic qualities of the backrest and headrest, which allows the Kiddy Evo-Luna I-Size to be used for transporting, including premature babies;
• the slatted bottom contributes not only to shock absorption when driving on uneven surfaces, but also to comfortable thermoregulation, which prevents the child’s back from sweating;
• the straps have soft upholstery, a three-point system in the form of suspenders, which makes it easy to adjust the tension force and the degree of fit of the clamps to the child’s body;
• the Side-Shelter system allows you to absorb a much larger amount of energy, which additionally protects the child in the event of an emergency;
• Thanks to a simple system of transitional fastenings, the car seat can be easily installed on a variety of models of wheelchair devices. In addition, the cradle is also used as a rocking chair or chaise lounge.

This model, perhaps, has the only drawback - its rather high cost, approaching 35,000 rubles.

Kiddy Evo-Luna i-Size

Group "1"

From the age of one year, a child can order and purchase category “1” car seats. Such models differ in the following limits for use:

• age indicators – up to 4 years;
• body weight – up to 18 kilograms;
• height – up to 98 centimeters.

Most often, a child in such car seats is seated facing the movement of the car, additionally secured with internal 5-point safety belts.

Separate restraints are equipped with a special soft table, which is not only used by the baby for games and entertainment while traveling, but also provides additional protection in the event of a frontal collision or sudden braking.

The main difference between the models and previous categories of car seats is the ability to adjust the degree of backrest tilt, which allows you to transfer the child from a state of wakefulness to rest and sleep mode.

We offer a brief description of one of the most popular and reliable models of restraint systems for children over one year old.

Recaro OptiaFix isofix

Which brand of child seat should parents prefer? For example, the Recaro company offers a stylish car seat that will make a good impression even on the most strict parents and little travelers from 1 year old.

The high popularity of this restraint device is ensured by the highest reliability rating from ADAC, ease of use and practicality.

The advantages of this car seat include the following characteristics:

• the frame is made of metal and high-quality impact-resistant plastic material;
• the headrest can be adjusted in height, which is very important for tall children;
• Side protection technology has been significantly improved;
• The internal five-point harnesses are softly padded and securely hold the child in the chair;
• high-quality materials create an optimal microclimate, which allows the baby to feel good both in the winter and summer months.

Reviews show that this car seat has virtually no drawbacks. The only negative is the fairly high cost, which, however, is more than compensated by the high quality.

Group "2"

Child restraints of the second category have the following limits for use:

• age parameters – from 3 to 7 years;
• body weight – from 15 to 25 kilograms;
• height – up to 120 centimeters.

The child is seated in a restraint device facing the direction of travel of the car, which allows the young passenger to carefully study the surrounding space.

The main difference from models of previous categories is that the baby is held using standard car seat belts. This is why parents need to properly tighten the belt to prevent it from passing through the neck area.

Retaining devices of this category are almost impossible to find in their pure form. Most often, car seat manufacturers combine models into the “2 - 3” category.

Group "3"

Restraining devices in this category can be called a car seat with a huge stretch. This is not a design familiar to everyone, but a kind of pillow - a lining, called a “booster”.

This car seat is intended for children with the following physiological characteristics:

• age standards – from 5 to 12 years;
• body weight – from 22 to 36 kilograms;
• height – up to 135 centimeters.

This seat is used to lift a small passenger and fasten him with a standard car belt, which will pass not through the neck and abdomen, but through the shoulder, chest and hips.

It should be understood that a chair in this category is a regular seat without a backrest. Despite their fairly solid construction, it is not advisable to use them, since they do not provide any protection during side impacts.

It is precisely for reasons of unpopularity (for group “2”) and low reliability (for group “3”) that we will not provide a description of representatives of the last two categories of car seats, since it would be more correct to characterize them as a hybrid.

Universal categories of car seats

In order not to select and purchase several restraint devices for a growing child, you can order or buy a model from the so-called additional, or universal, groups. They combine the features of several categories at once, as a result of which it is possible to save money.

Category "0+/1"

Models of this auxiliary group are intended for children aged from six months to 4 years and weighing no more than 18 kilograms. You cannot purchase them for newborns!

A child up to 6 months of age cannot yet sit independently, and the predominantly vertical orientation of the back will lead to an increased load on the fragile spinal column.

Such car seats are mounted against the direction of travel of the car until the baby is one year old, and in the direction of movement when the child reaches one year of age.

Car seats in this category are stationary, that is, they cannot be removed from the car in order to move a sleeping child home.

Below is a description of the features of one of the most prominent representatives of this hybrid category of car seats.

RECARO Zero.1

This model is developed according to updated I-Size standards, therefore, the device is additionally equipped with a side impact protection system. The safety of the seat is also confirmed by the results of crash tests from ADAC.

The main advantages of this car seat include the following design features:

• a special rotation mechanism that makes it easier to get the child in and out of the seat;
• the body is made of high-quality plastic material, additionally reinforced with a metal frame;
• the covering material allows you to absorb energy coming from frontal and side impacts;
• The internal five-point harness has a soft lining and securely secures the baby in the chair;
• The additional support on the floor further enhances the safety of the device.

Category "2 - 3"

As the category designation suggests, these car seats are a hybrid of the second and third group models. These restraints are used when transporting children with the following physiological parameters:

• age standards – 3 – 12 years;
• body weight – 15 – 36 kilograms;
• height – up to 130 centimeters.

Child seats are fixed to the car body either using standard belts or using a special fastening system. But these chairs do not have internal straps, so the parent needs to monitor the correct coverage of the child’s torso with a standard fastener.

In addition, such devices place high demands on the child’s growth. The minimum values ​​of this indicator are 95 centimeters. If a young passenger does not reach this mark, the car seat will not ensure the correct passage of the strap over his torso.

The main advantage of chairs in categories “2 - 3” is the low cost of most models, with fairly high reliability indicators.

Below is a description of one of the popular models of this group of devices. A more detailed review is presented in the rating of car seats 2017 - 2018.

BRITAX RÖMER Discovery SL

Low cost, practicality, functionality and high safety standards, confirmed by ADAC and ECE R 44/04 certificates, make this car seat popular with parents and young passengers.

The restraint system “grows” with the children, eliminating the need to purchase new devices as the child grows.

The main advantages of this model include the following design features:

• deep seat, soft sides reliably protect the child in the event of a frontal or side impact;
• the deep headrest can be adjusted depending on the angle of the car sofa;
• the fixation system is universal - the chair can be attached using LATCH technology or standard car seat belts;
• the holding device is compact and lightweight - about 4.3 kilograms;
• The model is equipped with a removable cover made of soft, resistant material, which is highly breathable and easily machine washable.

BRITAX RÖMER Discovery SL

Category "1 - 2 - 3"

If parents want to save even more money, experts advise purchasing restraints in this category. The range of use of such “hybrids” is quite wide:

• age standards – from 12 months to 12 years;
• body weight – 9 – 36 kilograms.

Despite the fact that it is versatility and low cost that distinguish these children's car seats, the question of what disadvantages they have is really relevant.

It should be understood that hybrid devices will almost always be inferior to age-specific car seats. This is due to the fact that the physiological development of a child at one year and at 5 years differs significantly. Therefore, one device is simply not able to take into account all the features of a growing child’s body.

As evidenced by numerous reviews from parents and, indirectly, our little end consumers, the scale of advertising campaigns calling for the purchase of certain models of car seats does not always correspond to the results demonstrated in practice.

A brilliant confirmation of this is the massive advertising from the manufacturers of Maxi-Cosi children's car seats, whose seats for the most part turned out to be made of rather mediocre fabrics and rather fragile plastic. The products of the above brand can compete with chair models from Romer, Recaro or Peg-Perego only in price. Among the no less serious shortcomings of Maxi-Cosi chairs is the narrow shape of the bowl, which reduces the permissible range of their use in group 1 with children weighing up to 15 kg.

Unfortunately, the above example is far from isolated and is typical for almost all age groups of child seats, which means that when starting to choose a car seat for our dearest and youngest family members, it is worth enlisting an expert assessment of the selection criteria.

To make the material easier to understand, each article in our small section “Choosing children’s car seats” will be devoted to one or two age groups. In each topic we will touch on the main points that you should focus on when choosing any child car seat.

Each baby is a rapidly growing individual. And the first thing we do when choosing a child car seat is to look at the existing options for weight groups. By measuring your child's weight, you can easily determine the appropriate group.

Age group 0

Confusion often arises at the stage of choosing between models of groups 0 and 0+, because models of both groups are recommended from birth. Let's start with group 0, the models of which resemble the sleeping block of a stroller and are attached perpendicular to the movement on the two adjacent rear seats of the car with two standard seat belts. In the zero group (“0”) the baby’s weight is limited to 10 kg and age from birth to 6 months.

This is the only group where the transportation of babies in the cabin provides for their horizontal position. Achieving the required safety parameters with this position of the car seat is much more difficult than in the case of group 0+ seats, which require the position of the seat and child facing the direction of the car at a certain angle of inclination. And this is a fact confirmed by numerous crash tests of category 0 seats, which were subsequently discontinued.

In this regard, the high-quality, reliable and safe chairs in this group that are worthy of attention can literally be counted on one’s fingers. These are heavy and quite expensive car seats of the ROMER BABY-SAFE Sleeper, BEBE CONFORT WINDOO PLUS and JANE TRANSFORMER 2 models.

The similarity between a car seat and the basket of a regular stroller is purely external. The car seat is secured inside the car with standard seat belts. At the same time, in order to ensure a sufficient level of safety, the baby himself is secured in the basket with internal belts.

IMPORTANT: Using a horizontally positioned infant carrier in winter can cause a number of problems, since bulky items of clothing may cause the baby to feel discomfort. In other groups, a completely horizontal (not to be confused with the “almost lying down”) position of the infant carrier is not provided for safety reasons. This is explained by the danger of injuries to the groin and cervical-vertebral region in children heavier than 10 kg due to the child “diving” under the seat belts during normal braking, which is strictly unacceptable.

In general, the rule works: the older and heavier the baby, the smaller the permissible angle of inclination is laid down when developing models of chairs of the corresponding group.

If up to 5 months the child has not yet had his own car seat, then when choosing, you should pay attention to combined models of groups 0+ or ​​1. At the same time, experts do not recommend buying a model of group 0+/1 for a child under 5 months. It will be uncomfortable for both the baby and you.

The advantage of the 0th group models is that the child occupies a horizontal position. This option for positioning the baby is ideal for transporting premature babies and children with spinal problems or transporting newborns over long distances. Disadvantages - 2 seats are occupied at once, quite high cost, short period of use, massiveness - despite the handles for carrying the car seat, it is quite difficult to transport it with a child manually.

Age group 0+ (0-13 kg)

Now you can decide on the key priorities when choosing a car seat for children in the age group 0+. This category includes babies weighing from 0 to 13 kg under the age of 10 months. In models of group 0+ seats, where the baby’s weight is limited to 13 kg and the age is 12 months, car seats are installed exclusively against the movement of the car, which allows minimizing the load on the baby’s fragile cervical spine, evenly distributing it over the back area.

Models of this age group, better known as “carrying chairs,” are much more popular than models from group 0. They weigh, on average, 3-5 kg ​​and are equipped with a convenient handle for manual transportation. The obvious advantages of chairs of group 0+: compactness and relative lightness, which allows you to “pack” and put the child to bed at home and transfer it to the car already in the chair. It’s just as convenient to carry a sleeping baby from the car home.

Relatively small dimensions and shape of placement in the cabin allow, unlike models of the 0th group, to occupy only one seat in the cabin. The group is represented by a large selection of safe chairs, which allows you to choose exactly the model that is ideal for your baby. Group 0+ car seats are cup-shaped and are required to be equipped with 3 or 5 point seat belts. In terms of the quality of plastic, materials and ergonomics, such popular models as ABC Risus, CAM BYE BYE, Concord ION, Graco Logico S, Maxi Cosi CabrioFix, Renolux FirstConfort, Teutonia Tario are significantly inferior to the leaders of the 0+ segment, ROMER BABY-SAFE plus, Recaro car seats Young Profi plus, Besafe iZi Sleep, STM Twin 0+ and Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio TRI-FIX.

It is reasonable to use a car seat of group 0+ not according to the maximum upper weight threshold (13 kg), but to replace it when the child reaches 8 months and the weight of the child is approximately 9 kg per seat groups 1+ (9-18) or groups 1-2-3 (9-36 kg).

Important: Another important point when choosing a child car seat of initial group 0+ is the emphasis on the integrated support for the child’s head. A thoughtful design and high-quality materials will reduce the force on the child’s head and neck in the event of a side impact. The headrest is adjustable to suit the child's height.

Note that all child seats developed in accordance with the European safety standard ECE 44/04 are made of energy-absorbing plastic, a power frame and provide the possibility of attaching the Isofix system.

Isofix system

Compared to a three-point belt, the Isofix system attaches the child car seat to the car body more rigidly and securely, keeping play to a minimum. A huge advantage of the Isofix system is the quick and easy installation of the chair. It is almost impossible to fix Isofix in the wrong position.

Rigid fixation of the Isofix car seat to the car body significantly reduces the possibility of it moving in an accident. In addition, in groups 0+ and 1, if Isofix is ​​available, the child is fastened with the internal five-point belt of the car seat. At the same time, it is worth noting that for groups 2-3 the Isofix system is not self-sufficient, which we will talk about in our next publications, as in groups 0+ and 1, but is an additional fastening in addition to the mandatory fixation of the car seat with car five-point belts. Please note that the Isofix system can be included in the delivery set or purchased separately, which must be reflected in the commercial offer on the store’s website.

Models equipped with the Isofix system are more expensive, and further useful use after changing the cradle to a model of the next group is very problematic. A pleasant exception can be considered some models of Recaro and Peg Perero chairs.

Important: It is worth choosing a model of a child seat of group 0+ at the same time as a model of a stroller, which provides the possibility of comfortably combining two designs. An excellent example of such a solution is the Peg-Perego 3 in 1 modular system

The Navetta Pop Up carrycot is compatible with the Book Plus S, Book Plus and Book Plus 51 stroller models. It is very compact and takes up minimal space both at home and in the luggage compartment of the car. By unfolding the folding legs, you can use the cradle as a comfortable crib.

Stroller Peg-Perego Book Plus Pop Up Completo

In Europe, a child is placed on a support from the moment of birth; domestic orthopedists insist that a child who has not learned to sit independently should be transported in a horizontal position. It is difficult to provide convincing arguments in favor of the correctness of any one point of view. A compromise option is the “almost lying down” position, when the child is located in the bowl at a slight angle. In any case, long journeys, when the child is not removed from the seat for many hours, are not advisable. At intervals of 1-1.5 hours, you should find time to hold the baby in your arms.

Expert advice:

Despite the fact that the choice of a child car seat begins with determining the range of models suitable for the height and weight category of the baby, the main criterion when choosing a car seat model and the method of its installation is still not the weight, but the age of the child, since the restrictions when purchasing new modules are revised as skeletal formation.
- As evidenced by preliminary calculations and the results of crash tests of child car seats, the permissible distance by which a child should be displaced when impacted at a speed of 50 km/h is 55 cm. And at a critical moment, the shortcomings of cheap models can fully manifest themselves through tearing belts and collapsing fasteners .
- When choosing a seat for a baby, pay attention to how much time you expect him to spend in the car. If short trips are expected, you should give preference to seat models of group 0+. When traveling long distances for a baby from birth to 6 months, as we have already noted, it is worth paying attention to group 0 seats.
- When choosing seats of group 0 and combined groups, pay special attention to the internal belts of the infant carrier and the padding on the belts in the neck and shoulder area, which should be wide and soft. Additional protection should be provided around the baby's head.
- Pay attention to the lock buckle. It should not be fragile and designed in such a way that the baby cannot unfasten it.
- The fabric padding in the area of ​​the lock-buckle should be thick and wide so that in the event of an impact, the lock does not injure the baby’s lower abdomen.
- When installing a seat in the front seat, the airbag should be turned off, which can cause very serious injuries to the baby.
- Children under three years old (and some older) often sleep during a trip. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to models with the ability to fix separate positions for sleep and wakefulness, i.e., adjustable backrest tilt. The range of adjustments largely depends on the manufacturer.
- To determine whether a child has grown out of his seat, pay attention to the following point: for rear-facing car seats, the exit points of the inner belt may be located just below the child’s shoulder, but his head should in no case protrude beyond top edge of the back.
- The position of the seat 0+ against the direction of travel is a mandatory condition when transporting children up to at least one year old, which is associated with the weakness of the muscle-bone tissue of the child’s neck at this stage of life. Only when the baby’s neck gets stronger, when he learns to sit well and confidently, can we consider lifting this restriction.

European requirements for child car seats - ECE R44/4 Universal

In order not to buy a counterfeit successfully camouflaged as a brand, you should pay attention to whether the model has a certificate of compliance with Economic Commission for Europe (UN) (ECE) or ISO standards. And the ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04 badge will confirm the fact of passing the required tests and compliance with European safety standards.

It is worth noting that since January 2009, the improved ECE R44/4 code of regulations came into force in EU countries, tightening control over the production and testing of car seats for children. Thus, in crash tests for a frontal collision, the speed was increased from 36 to 50 km/h, and the parameters of the impact of a side collision are calculated in a new way.

If supporting information is attached, then this model fully satisfies the child passive safety standards existing in Europe. You should not neglect the results (assessments) of crash tests, which are available for each produced model. At the same time, here too you should be extremely careful and purchase car seats only from suppliers with an impeccable reputation.

The article describes the main criteria for evaluating children's car seats. But the choice, as a rule, is not always clear-cut. The point here is that although all chairs are designed for children weighing up to 13 kg, the seats, like children of the same age, have different “overall” dimensions. Some models will allow you to transport a baby of average height for up to a year. Others will need replacement more quickly.

Resume

To summarize, we note that the main points that will need to be taken into account when choosing a child car seat are the weight and age of the baby, the level of recline of the car seat for relaxation, the presence or absence of the Isofix system, and compliance with European safety standards.

When producing car seats for each group, development leaders Recaro, STM, Romer, Pag Perero take into account all the anatomical features of children of each age category most scrupulously, which becomes of utmost importance when it comes to the safety of life and health of our little defenseless passengers.

In our next article, I plan to talk about the criteria for choosing a child car seat in group 1 (weight category from 0 to 18 kg. Age up to 12 months).

See you again, friends!

Last updated: June 24, 2018

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In this review, we will look at the best car seats of group 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg). Let's get acquainted with their characteristics, find out how much they cost, consider their positive and negative sides. We will select the optimal models in terms of price/quality ratio.

Group 0/1/2/3 car seats (up to 36 kg) are designed for the safe transportation of small passengers from birth to 12 years. Restraint devices are divided into groups according to the child’s body weight. Manufacturers also offer universal car seats of adjacent groups that can be transformed.

According to international and Russian safety standards, child restraint car seats are divided into five groups:

• group 0: infant carriers - up to 10 kg;
• group 0+: carrycots - up to 13 kg;
• group 1: car seats from 9 kg to 18 kg;
• group 2: car seats from 15 kg to 25 kg;
• group 3: boosters - from 22 kg to 36 kg.

In addition to the main groups, there are adjacent groups of seats:

• group 0+/1: from birth to 18 kg;
• group 0/1/2: ​​from 9 kg to 25 kg;
• group 0/1/2/3: from 9 kg to 36 kg;
• group 2/3: from 25 kg to 36 kg.

For newborn babies, it is better to purchase chairs of the zero group: they have a horizontal position and are best suited for transporting infants who cannot sit. Car seats are equipped with special soft inserts that prevent the baby from rolling onto its side when maneuvering the car. Car seats can be used as the basis of a stroller.

After five months, the child needs to purchase a new baby carrier. The carriers differ from cradles in their lighter weight, the presence of a handle, and are equipped with raincoats and sun awnings. The carriers are installed using standard belts, a special base, or using an Isofix mount. Carriers are an ideal device for infants up to one year old.

Car seats of the first and second groups differ in size. All models of these groups have additional impact protection and are made of high-strength materials. There are several methods of fastening in the car interior: using Isofix, standard belts.

Models of related groups have their advantages: they can be used for a longer period and do not have to worry about buying a new chair. However, despite this advantage, transformers have a significant drawback: the complexity of the design makes it difficult to control the chair and reduces the protective properties.

My rating of the best car seats of group 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg)

1. Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series.
2. Joie Trillo Shield Isofix.
3. ForKiddy Relax i-fix.

Car seat group 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg): Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series

Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series Specifications

General
Group
Designed for growth	up to 145 cm
Fastening	Latch, car belts
Installation	back or facing forward
Equipment	anatomical pillow, cup holder
Design
Booster	No
	No
Internal straps	five-point
Adjustment	backrest tilt, headrest height
	There is
Removable cover	There is
Additionally
Peculiarities	SureLatch technology, up to 50 kg

Pros and cons of Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series

Pros:

1. high quality child seat.
2. During operation, I was pleased that the belts are designed for 30 kg, and not 18 kg.
3. good crash test results.

Cons:

1. It is inconvenient to recline the backrest into a sleeping position.
2. There are no seat belt pads.

Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series Video Review

Review from YAM about Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series

The chair is American, which means it is designed for a large child and is very easy to use. in the end we have: yes, the chair is big. a child in a chubby winter suit fits into it without any problems.
It takes up 1.5 seats on the back seat; sitting in a B-class sedan next to a child in a seat is problematic for two adults.
It’s good that everyone in our family is quite compact.
Two grown men won't fit. belt adjustments, ease of fastening - this is 5+, everything is excellent. I am very pleased that the shoulder straps are inserted into the central one separately. There is no need to catch two of them at once and combine them.
Good materials, the child hardly sweats in the heat. The pedestal of the chair, like everyone else’s, squashes the seat. You need to lay either a piece of good expensive carpet, or look in the construction markets for material used for finishing car interiors. Fleecy, like carpet, only on a thick plastic base. With such a lining, the seat does not deteriorate. The main disadvantage is that the backrest reclines to the sleeping position.
To do this, you need to stop wisely, unfasten the seat, move it a little forward and fasten it again. and this with a sleeping child.
In principle, it’s possible to do everything by unfastening only 1 Isofix belt, somehow reclining the back so that the seat moves forward on its own and fastening the belt back, but in the dark and cramped interior, when driving on our super-roads, it’s quite a task.
Especially for a fragile girl-mother. (because my husband is driving). It is possible that in the interior of a Tahoe, Suburban or Dodge Ram this is not a problem, of course.

Car seat group 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg): Joie Trillo Shield Isofix

Characteristics of Joie Trillo Shield Isofix

General
Group	car seat 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg)
Fastening	Isofix, car belts
Installation	back or facing forward
Weight	5.7 kg
Equipment	anatomical pillow, soft pads on the internal belts, cup holder
Design
Booster	Yes
Horizontal backrest position	No
Internal straps	five-point
Adjustment	internal belts, headrest height
Additional side impact protection	There is
Removable cover	There is
Additionally
	No
Peculiarities	two retractable cup holders, storage compartment for a 5-point harness

Pros and cons of Joie Trillo Shield Isofix

Pros:

1. safety.
2. interesting design.
3. price.

Cons:

1. It’s inconvenient to place the table.
2. no sleeping position.

Video review of Joie Trillo Shield Isofix

Review from YAM about Joie Trillo Shield Isofix

Regarding the sleeping position, ours sleeps in it anyway.
In general, even in chairs with this position, the inclination is extremely small, since this seriously affects safety, so I don’t see any point in overpaying 2 or even 3 times. Not all children like the table; ours reacts normally.
Have used very little yet. It’s interesting for a child to look at everything everywhere; after a car seat, the view is much greater. For the money the chair is excellent.
We go often, I’ll adjust later if something changes. Let me add, I've been using it for almost a year - it's perfect! I have never regretted my choice! I recommend After more than a year: I’m still happy with the chair! Worthwhile thing!

Car seat group 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg): ForKiddy Relax i-fix

Characteristics of ForKiddy Relax i-fix

General
Group	car seat 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg)
Fastening	Isofix, car belts
Installation	back or facing forward
Installation Features	swivel mechanism
Dimensions (WxDxH)	48x50x68 cm
Weight	9 kg
Equipment	anatomical pillow, soft lining on internal belts
Design
Booster	No
Design Features	Carrying handles, storage compartment/pocket
Horizontal backrest position	No
	There is
Internal straps	five-point
Adjustment	backrest tilt, internal belts, headrest height
	5
	7
Additional side impact protection	There is
Removable cover	There is
Additionally
Possibility of installation on the chassis	No

Comparison of car seats group 0/1/2/3 (up to 36 kg)

	Evenflo Symphony e3 DLX Platinum Series	Joie Trillo Shield Isofix	ForKiddy Relax i-fix
Price	from 24,900 rubles	from 9,500 rubles	from 17,000 rubles
Fastening	Latch, car belts	Isofix, car belts	Isofix, car belts
Weight (kg)	-	5.7	9
Booster	No	Yes	No
Removable internal straps	-	-	-
Newborn head support	-	-	✔
Number of recline positions	-	-	5
Number of headrest height positions	-	-	7