The family has grown and it will now be necessary to transport the new baby by car, in complete safety. There are many models of baby seats, and it can be complicated to find your way around. Why is making the right choice so important? What type of car seat to choose? Should front or rear facing seats be preferred? We tell you everything.
Babies are not miniature versions of adults. Their head is proportionally much heavier while their back and neck vertebrae are largely underdeveloped. Their more limited reflexes associated with their morphology make the slightest shock potentially much more serious than for an adult.
A difference that cannot be made up overnight. It is only around the age of four that the neck becomes more robust. As for the skull, it is fully developed only at the age of twenty!
What type of seat should I choose?
First, it will be necessary to choose a seat adapted to the age and the morphology. All seats are classified in groups in this way. Group 0+ (0-13kg) are baby shells, often called cozy. These seats are only used rear-facing recommended from birth and for as long as possible.
The second question to ask will be to choose between a seat facing or rear facing the road. “Rear facing, a child’s head, neck and spine have much more protection.
The shell forms a protective shield and absorbs shock. The pressure on the neck is up to five times lower with a rear-facing seat.” recalls Securange, which specializes in the safety of children in cars.
What recommendations?
For the manufacturer Maxi Cosi, certain installation rules should be observed. “Rear facing will be compulsory for up to fifteen months. Until the baby’s head begins to protrude from the seat.
Second point, we always check that the tension of the harness is sufficient, we must be able to put a finger between each strap. We also check that the harness is never twisted. Finally, we remove the baby’s thick clothes, before installing it, such as a big down jacket in winter.
What’s new ?
In 2022, baby seats are more practical and innovative. “The 360 Family has a
swivel base for quick, one-handed installation. To know if the car seat is correctly installed, we now have visual and audible indicators” specifies the manufacturer Maxi Cosi.
New generation seats that care about safety but also about the environment. Some are now made from EcoCare fabrics. 19 plastic bottles are thus used to make a seat.