Which car seat choose
When it comes to travelling by car with children, safety is never enough.
Because of this reason, choosing the right car seat is not always an easy decision for new parents, who have to deal with regulations and find their way through models and restraint systems that are often unknown to non-experts. What features must a car seat have, and how do we choose the most suitable one to ensure protection and comfort when travelling by car?
Let’s find out together what the regulations say and what requirements to prioritise when it comes to the moment of purchase in order to make a quality investment.
How to choose a car seat: current regulations
The first essential step in deciding which car seat you should choose is certainly to identify the most suitable type, based on the child’s weight and height. It is also essential that the individual categories or groups are in conformity with the current safety regulations on the car transport of children and the regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Currently, according to Art.172 of the Highway Code, children under 150 centimetres tall must mandatorily travel in an approved car seat, secured to the seat with restraint systems appropriate to their weight. In addition, Law No. 117 of 1 October 2018 has introduced the obligation, for those transporting children under four years of age, to use anti-abandonment devices on all car seats installed in motor vehicles.
The European standard currently in effect for the approval of car seats is the UNECE R129 (or i-Size): in force since 2013, it initially complemented the UNECE R44/04, which used the weight of the child as a criterion to classify car seats, dividing them into groups, and required rearward-facing transport up to 9 kg.
Specifically, the R129 regulation was developed in 3 phases, all of which are currently in force, according to which approved car seats are also classified:
– First phase (known as i-Size): introduced towards the end of 2013, it required the mandatory introduction of the Isofix system for children under 105 cm tall.
– Second phase: introduced in 2017, the regulation introduces the possibility to choose between the Isofix installation system or seat belts, regulating the approval of car seats for children from 100 to 150 cm in height. It also stipulates that all approved booster seats must be equipped with a backrest, at least up to 125 cm in height for the child.
– Phase three: regulates the homologation of child seats for children from birth to 105 cm, to be installed in the car with the vehicle’s three-point seat belt.
To recap, the regulation introduces three important innovations: it classifies car seats according to height, from 40 to 150 cm, and makes it mandatory to use them rearward-facing at least until the child is 15 months old. It also introduces stricter standards for homologation, such as the crash test with side impact and the installation of the Isofix system up to 105 cm.
With this regulation, the classification into groups is definitively removed, so on the type-approval label, manufacturers will be obliged to indicate the height range for which the product conforms.
What features should a car seat have?
Safety compliance is certainly one of the most important features to consider when it comes to choosing a car seat. However, there are also other criteria to be taken into account when buying a car seat that can help in the choice; we have summarised them in five key points:
1. Attachment system. Once the correct category of car seat has been identified, it is important to check its compatibility with your car. The attachment system can occur via the vehicle’s three-point safety belts or via the Isofix system, which connects directly to the car’s two connectors, creating a more stable bond with the seat. Taking note of the exact measurements from the outset will help you to avoid making mistakes and choose the car seat that best suits your needs.
2. Ease of installation and use. Preferring models with simple adjustments will make installation easier for you and promote correct use, to benefit safety: the seat, backrest, and headrest should be easily adjustable to ensure an optimal position during travel. The best models also offer the possibility of adjusting the height of the straps from the front or with one hand and quick-release buckles, ensuring adequate protection for the child in the event of sudden braking or a collision.
3. Side impact protection. The wide, padded side armrests are ideal for providing additional protection while also effectively absorbing side impacts.
4. Good breathability. Maximum attention also needs to be paid to fabrics: some, such as foam, allow excess heat to be absorbed, promoting good breathability and optimal air circulation even during long journeys. Padded, removable, and dishwasher-safe covers are also indispensable to regulate the temperature and ensure that the children travel in ideal hygienic conditions.
5. Comfort. The position and width of the seat are two fundamental requirements to ensure comfort and serenity for the child during the journey. No less important is the padding material: it is preferable to opt for memory foam, which, in addition to guaranteeing a comfortable seat, offers a special ventilation system on hot days.
