Choosing an Infant Car Seat in the UK
Car seat laws in the UK require all children to use a car seat for children until they reach the age of a certain height or age. It is crucial to select the appropriate car seat to ensure your child’s safety.
Which?, the consumer expert has rated this rearward-facing seat as one of the best. It features a baby-hugging inlay, as well as an enhanced G-Cell defense against side impacts. It also has a rotation feature that lets you to adjust the seat in the most suitable position for your vehicle.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing infant car seats are made to keep babies safe from neck and head injuries during an accident. Children who are seated forward-facing in car seats are seven times more likely to sustain serious injuries than Nania Children Booster Seat Beline Mickey – Group 1/2/3 who are rear-facing. Infant car seats that face the rear are typically placed on the back of the car and are lighter and smaller than convertible child safety seats. It is recommended to use a rear-facing infant car seat until the child has outgrown it or reaches the weight or height limits for forward-facing use.
There are two types of car seats: convertible car seat and all-in one car seat. Both are safe for your baby, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Convertible car seats start rear-facing, but can be turned forward when your child is large enough. All-in one car seats have higher rearward-facing weight and size limits so that your child is able to safely enjoy a longer time in the seat.
When you select a rear-facing car seat for your child, ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle and is properly installed. Check the manufacturer’s labels and the owner’s manual for your vehicle for instructions on how to properly install the seat. Check the straps of the seat to ensure that they are tight and secure. Also, ensure that your child cannot pinch the harness material. Avoid wearing bulky clothing that can cause problems for straps.
Rear-facing car seats are safer than forward-facing car seats for babies, because the impact force is dissipated more effectively when the infant’s body is in the seat. Car seats with rear-facing windows also offer better protection for infants ejected in a collision with a side.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing infant car seat, you might want to think about switching to a seat that has a heavy rearward-facing weight and size limit. Many convertible car seats have rear-facing limits that allow your child to ride in the seat for over two years.
Forward-facing
When your baby outgrows the rear-facing infant car seat, you can turn them around to face forward. But, you shouldn’t do this until they have reached the height and weight limits set by the manufacturer of the seat. It is also an excellent idea to consult your pediatrician about it.
Physics’ laws and safety research have shown that children who are less than two years old older are more secure when they sit in a rear-facing seat. They are able to rest more comfortably in their seats and are less likely than others to be injured by airbags or belts. This is particularly important for babies whose necks and bones are still developing. The i-Size guidelines suggest that all toddlers and infants ride rear-facing until they weigh at least 20 pounds or 12 months old, and some experts recommend to wait even longer.
If your child grows out of the rear-facing infant seat, you can move them to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with a five-point harness. These seats are made to accommodate your growing child, and many include a removable infant positioner. These seats have a base, so that they can be used on multiple vehicles. You can also buy additional bases if your car has more than one.
It is also recommended to use a car seat that has a headrest for children up to 20 pounds. The headrest should be placed slightly back, but not more than 300 degrees vertical. It must also be able to protect the baby’s ears. If the headrest isn’t correctly angled back it could entrap the baby’s airway. Additionally, the car seat shouldn’t be placed at an angle that can cause a herniated disc in the spine.
In the event of a crash, a young child could fall out of a rear-facing car seat, which could be fatal. A towel that is rolled up or pillow can be tucked into the base of the seat to allow it to recline, and this will help keep your child comfy in the car.
In addition to preventing children from falling out of their seats there is evidence to suggest that a rear-facing car seat may minimize leg injuries during crashes. In a frontal collision the legs of a forward-facing infant can be swept upwards and strike the back of the seat, which could cause serious injury. In a rearward-facing seat however, the child’s foot will not strike the seat and the harness will absorb the impact. This will significantly reduce the chance of injuries.
Multi-group
There are many choices for infant car seats however, not all will meet the needs of your baby. A multi-group infant seat will fit your child from birth until around age four, and it is compatible with all prams. This kind of seat comes with a harness to protect your child. It is designed to adapt to your child’s needs with features such as an adjustable headrest and side impact wings. Some of these seats are also designed to be rotated in the vehicle which allows you to alter their position and give your child an enhanced view of the road ahead.
A new generation of infant car seats is built on height and not weight, which makes them safer for your baby. These car seats, also known as iSize or R129 in the UK, are EU-approved and must meet strict safety standards before being sold. The seat will have an inscription that displays the capital letter ‘E’ in a circle, and the letters “R129”. These seats are also easy to install and offer greater protection from side impacts.
Group 0+ and 1 car seats will be rearward-facing until your child is at least 9kg or more, after which they can be turned to face forward. They are fitted with a harness and are secured with either Maxi-Cosi Tanza ISOFIX Child Car Seat Grey or the car seatbelt. Some will have an option for rotation that means you can move the car seat between vehicles without the need for a belt, and some of them can be used on most prams.
A group 1/2/3 seat will be used until your child reach the age of 11 and are 105cm tall, or until you decide to change it to a booster. Which? recommends these car seats as the most secure. They have a wide design and a one-handed recline option and more than 12 headrest positions. Some of them come with an easy-to-use handle that can be easily stowed in a suitcase.
Rotation function
The rotation feature of the infant car seat is one of its most significant features. It allows the part of the seat which holds the baby to spin on a separate base, making it easier for parents to get the child in and out of the car. This feature is especially helpful when the car has a trunk or backseat that is small. Additionally, it can help you install the seat in a different vehicle.
It’s also easier to reach the buckles on the harness without disturbing a sleepy baby. This is a godsend for parents who are trying to manage toddlers and trying to get them in the car. Some rotating seats are not able to achieve this goal. It is worth reading online reviews of specific models to find out how they perform.
A seat that can be used with strollers is a further feature. A lot of brands offer this option that is referred to as a travel system and is ideal for parents who want an all-in-one unit that will be used throughout all stages of their child’s development. It’s also a great choice for families that live in an automobile-centric household, since it allows them to switch cars easily without disturbing the infant.
Infant car seats are designed for infants and babies up to the age of one year. They are divided into four groups: Group 0 1, 2, and 3. The Group 0 car seats, often referred to as carrycots, put the child in a rear-facing location and connect to the vehicle using a standard seat belt or an ISOFIX fitting. The Group 1 infant car seat is typically attached to the vehicle base by using LATCH. This system connects the majority of types of car seats.
A convertible car seat, or group 3, is one that grows with your child from birth to around four years old. These seats come with an increased height and weight limit as well as an adjustable, padded headrest to protect the child from injury in an accident. The seats also feature a removable support wedge, a luxury carrying handle and a support bar that can be removed.