Car seat best tips for a safe trip

Of course, all parents want their children to travel as safely as possible in the car. Choosing the right car seat is a natural first step. But there are more things one can think of as a parent to increase safety. Below you will find our best tips for a safe journey.

Ensure that the car seat is correctly fitted

It does not matter how secure a car seat is if it is not installed correctly. Although it is the shop staff who install the car seat when you buy it, you as a driver are always responsible for everything being done correctly.

Car seats are moved frequently between cars. It is of the utmost importance that the car seat is correctly installed after each move. If you are unsure whether your child's car seat is properly installed, you can 1) read the accompanying manual 2) watch an installation video on our website or 3) visit your dealer and ask them for help.

Tighten the seat belt properly

It is extremely important that the seat belt is properly tensioned and is close to the child's body. To check if it is tight enough, try folding the belt at the shoulder section. If this is possible, the harness is not tight enough.

Leave the carrying handle in the upright position

Many people believe that the handle on the baby cover is just a handle. What many do not know is that the most important feature of  carry handle is that it acts as a protection against rotation in the event of an accident. Therefore, the carry handle or "collar" should always be left in upright position when the baby cover is used in the car to limit uncontrolled movements in the event of an accident.

No loose items in the car

Entertaining children during longer journeys can be challenging. It is therefore common for children to have different toys such as tablets or the like during the trip. Hard, loose objects can be very dangerous in an accident as they become extremely heavy and can fly around in the car.

Use accessories that help solve both small and large problems

Many smart accessories that make traveling easier and safer. An example is our belt collectors . As children who go backwards grow older, they can learn to get out of the car seat even if the seat belt is properly secured. Belt collectors restrict belt freedom of movement and prevent children from getting loose. Another smart thing to acquire is the sleeping pillow which makes it extra comfortable for your children during a nap.

If you have children who are facing backwards, we recommend using a baby mirror , so you can keep an eye on your child in the back seat. A calm driver leads to safer journeys!

When choosing accessories, always check that they are crash tested! For example, if a mirror or kick guard is not crash tested, there is a risk that they will detach from their brackets and pose a risk in a collision.

Keep your child backwards

Our final tip for a safe trip is to let your child go back as long as possible. It is statistically proven that it is 5 times safer to let children go backwards. Therefore, be sure to choose a car seat that grows with your child. The length of the back, the head protection can be increased and the possibility of increasing the legroom is of the utmost importance.

Never wear fluffy winter jackets

Fluffy jackets can make it harder to tighten the belt properly as it causes too much air between the body and the belt.

Did you know that it is not uncommon for babies to cry in baby covers sooner or later?

Is your baby sometimes unhappy and maybe crying while driving? Don't worry, that doesn't mean they will always be in the car. Babies' development is fast and the older they get the more they want to see and experience.

The seat angle of a baby cover is very reclined as it is the most optimal angle at the beginning of use. When the baby gets older it sometimes does not want to be strapped into a supine position and only be able to look up at the ceiling. Changing to a second car seat when the child meets the requirements for it often makes them happy again. They will then sit higher up in the car and can see the surroundings through the side windows and the rear window. If a mirror is installed, the child can also communicate with those in the front seat, which is usually appreciated.

Always contact your dealer for advice on whether your child is ready to change to the next car seat.

What to consider before buying a baby car seats

What is a car seat?

A car seat is a highchair designed to protect your child in the event of an accident or other car accident. The little child's body has not developed enough to cope with what a crash would mean. Therefore, it is important to have as secure a car seat as possible as it is about the most valuable you have in the car. If you are looking for a forward-facing car seator rear-facing car seat, this article may be of use to you, but we will mainly talk about rear-facing car seats (rear-facing car seat) as hopefully these will be used for the longest time by the child. Then there are also car seats that can be used both forward and backward, which we will also mention. Therefore, read on to find out more about the alternatives out there and simply which car seat is the best in testing. (car seat best in test) We will also briefly mention what to consider when buying a car seat.

What materials does a car seat consist of?

Most often, they are the materials that you encounter on a hard plastic that does not break at first. Of course, it also has fabric for the child to ride comfortably in the car. Regardless of the type of car seat you are looking for, it is good that you look up what tests it has passed. It is important that it is approved in either ECE R44 or UN R129 (i-Size). As it goes through the ECE R44 test, it crashes both from the front as well as from the rear. During the newer test UN R129 (i-Size) it is also tested in side impact, which requires more of your baby car seat. When you want the child to be protected as well as possible, you obviously want it to have the best car seat on the market. You can find that chair if, for example, you find out which car seat is best for testing.

Common sizes of car seats

Of course, there are different sizes of car seats depending on which age group it is adapted for. Some examples of car seat sizes are listed below. For example, we have a rear-facing car seat from BeSafe, the iZi Plus model has the dimensions: L56 x W45 D65 cm. Another example of a slightly larger forward-facing car seat that can also be mounted and used backwards comes from Britax Römer, the model Two Way has the dimensions: H72 x W47 x D50 cm. If you want a slightly smaller car seat from Britax there is also Multi Tech II with dimensions H62-72 x B45 x D48, also this can be used both forward and back. Read more about these car seats and why they are good choices in the next sub-heading.

What design choices are there for car seats?

There are many different designs on car seats, if you want a classy black or something more fun like pink, red or blue. Below we will mention various models available on the market that have undergone at least one car seat test. ( car seat test ) We will mention safe options in different price ranges, ranging from premium options to more budget-friendly options.

What to consider from a safety standpoint for car seats

Parents who love their children want their children to be as safe as possible, not least when sitting in the car. For this, lots of money is not necessarily needed. There are also cheap car seats that are safe. What is important is to know, for example, what type of car seat is needed for what age ( car seat age ) and what you need to consider when choosing a car seat that is safe and practical. We are now going to look at 6 things to keep in mind.

Choose a car seat that is tested and approved

There are two different regulations that they can be tested and approved in. The car seat you buy should be approved in one of these. ECE R44 tests for back and front impact. UN R129 (i-Size) has been tested as before but also in side impact. UN R129 sets higher requirements than ECE R44.

Choose a chair that is adapted to the size and age of the child

There are three groups of car seats: Baby seat, car seat and seat belt. Which chair the child should have depends on the height and age. We will take a closer look at the three groups so that you can decide which chair to buy.

car seat age

Baby protection - Short and good for newborns up to about 9 months of age. You last change to the second chair when you notice that the top of your child's head is in line with the highest point on the baby's cover. The best thing, however, is to change as soon as the child can stabilize the neck and can easily sit up without any support.

Car seat - A larger rear-facing car seat. When following UN R129 regulations, the child should go backwards until it is at least 15 months old according to law. But the best thing is if you can wait to turn the child's car seat up to 4 years (car seat 4 years). Simply the longer the child can go backwards the better when it is the safest. When should you last change? When you notice that the children's ears are in line with the highest point of the car seat.

Belt Seat - This is the last car seat that will be used. Your child is now facing forward. Many times, this chair is used the longest. You should be at least 135 cm long by law before being allowed to sit in the car without a car seat. Many times it is about 10 years of age.

Safe and easy installation

First, check if your car has ISOfix brackets or not. ISOfix is ​​made for the car seat. It is designed to give parents a safe, fast and stable assembly. ISOfix means that the car seat indicates if the seat is properly mounted. This allows you to feel confident that your child is sitting safely in the car.

Choose a car seat that works for the child during the entire useful life
The children grow fast, you can feel it very quickly as a new parent. Therefore, it is important to be sure that the car seat will work for the entire time it is used safely and comfortably. The chair should grow with the child to make it so. For example, it may have an adjustable legroom, adjustable seat angle, height adjustable and an adjustable side impact protection.

An important side impact protection

25% of accidents that occur are side crashes. Therefore, it is important that the chair is also safe for these types of crashes. An extra head and head protection in addition to the usual side impact protection.

A good legroom for longer use

The reason most parents turn to their children is because of lack of leg room. If the car seat has more legroom then it is used for a longer period of time. If the car seat has an adjustable legroom then this is the best. This means that the chair does not take up much space when the children are smaller, but when they grow, you can give them more space.

Why do you need a car seat?

If you have small children who are going to drive a car at some time, you should have a highchair for a car ( highchair car ). Whether it is really young children or something bigger that needs a seat belt with their age. (seat belt age) Parents want to be sure that their children are protected in the car as they cannot handle a crash in the way adults do. Therefore, it is good that if you are to buy a seat belt, for example, that it is tested. (seat belt test)

How do you choose the right car seat?

Since the car seat is an important purchase, it is also important to know exactly what it is you are looking for. As previously mentioned, one should buy a car seat that is adapted to the child's weight and height. It is not always a good idea to buy a used car seat as it may have been an accident although it is not visible. It can also be risky to rent a chair for the same reason. Therefore, it is better to buy a chair that knows is safe. Whether you are looking for a seat cushion for a larger child or a car seat for a child of 15 kg (car seat 15 kg), you should ensure that the car seat or seat cushion is tested and safe. (seat belt test)

How does one take his car seat?

For example, if you bought a forward-facing car seat that is best in test (forward-facing car seat best in test) or any other car seat in which you invested money, you will surely want to take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Some chairs are equipped with a removable upholstery that can be washed by hand. Some even can be washed in the washing machine. Should the upholstery of your car seat not be removable, it is usually good to use a damp cloth to wipe away any stains. The best thing to do is to follow the maintenance instructions in the manual that are usually included.

Top 5 best baby car seats

BeSafe iZi Plus

forward-facing car seat

This rear-facing model is both comfortable for the child to sit in at the same time as you can feel safe when the child is safe and secure in the car seat. What more could you wish for? You can also let the child sit backwards for a long time as the chair is adapted for children from 0-25 kg. For good stability, it is also equipped with a front brace. For added security, it is equipped with a side impact protection for the stomach and head. Unfortunately, some chairs can be difficult to mount, but it is not the case with the iZi Plus that you simply mount using the three-point belt. If you want to brighten up your everyday life with something more fun than a black chair, we can be pleased that this chair is available in several different colors.

Why is it good?

SIP - Side Impact Protection and a head support that grows with your child
You easily remove and insert your child with magnets
A bodyhugger which results in even the smallest children sitting stable
Lightweight five-point belt
A mechanical front bracket that contributes to a stable and strong mounting
EPS side impact protection
Mounted quickly and easily using the car's three-point belt
In other words, if you want a car seat that you can use for a long time to come, is flexible and that gets a full pot when it comes to safety then this is the right choice.

Maxi - Cosi Mobi SPS

Are you looking for a stable rear-facing car seat for children from 9 to 25 kg that can be used both in the front and rear seats? Then this may be the chair for you. The harness has a five-point belt and feels stable and secure. As the child grows, you can also adjust the height of it. The footrest is also adjustable and you can choose from four rest positions. As the upholstery easily gets dirty, it is nice to know that you can easily remove it to give it a wash every now and then. Do you have a minivan? Then you may be glad that it is equipped with a smooth floor support. You can choose from three different colors.

Why is it good?

Approved for mounting both front and rear of the car
Adjustable five-point harness
Four sleep modes
Easy to remove and insert into your child thanks to the belt holder
Removable cover

Britax Römer Two Way

This is a cheaper alternative than a safe chair for your child. This is suitable for children from 9 to 25 kilos. This can be used forwards as well as backwards, although it is recommended that the child go backwards as long as possible. The chair weighs only 7.1 kg which makes it easy to move from one car to another should you need it. The wide wings it has on the sides protect the child well with any side impact. The shoulder belts are padded which gives a nice comfort and that it has a padded upholstery which is also removable. Also choose between different slopes on the chair which is good if the child wants to sleep or be more active.

Why is it good?

Fits both forward and reverse
Lower brackets giving increased stability
Mounting with the car's three-point belt or two-point belt
Low weight of 7.1 kg
Shoulder padding for high comfort
Several slope modes
Removable padded upholstery

So if you want a safe, stable and comfortable chair at a reasonable price then this may be the chair for you.

Britax Multi - Tech II

Do you want a chair that can be used up to the age of 6? Then this stylish and stable chair can be a good alternative for you. This is also designed to be used both forward and reverse. It is comfortable to sit in with a padded five-point belt and side wings. The wings act as a protection in the event of a crash, but they are also perfect to lean on if you want to take a little nap in the car. You can be absolutely sure that the chair is stable when a green light comes on thanks to an indicator mounted in the support legs of the chair. An incredibly smart feature. Also choose from three colors of the chair.

Why is it good?

Five-point belt with one-handed grip
Fits both forward and reverse
Padded side covers
Indicator showing when the chair is stable
Adjustable width
Adjustable height of the five-point harness
breast pads
Belt clip
Adjustable headrest
Removable padded upholstery that can be washed
Mounting with the car's three-point belt or two-point belt
If you want a reliable and safe car seat that will serve many years to come, this is a good option for you.

Axkid Minikid

It is a rear-facing chair that does not take up unnecessary space in your car. Despite its smaller size, it is made for children from 9 to 25 kg . So if you have a smaller car then this may be a perfect choice for you. Fit it easily with the car's own belt. The pillow can be adjusted in height, which is perfect when the children are growing so that they can sit safely and comfortably even when they are bigger. It is available in several colors if you have tired of the all-so-common black. You can also wash the upholstery in the machine at 30 degrees which is unusual and very comfortable.

Why is it good?

Adjustable head restraint and belt
A folding function that makes it easy to fold the chair in the car seat.
High side protection to protect against side impact
A good length of support leg to be able to mount the chair in most vehicles
Five gradients
Removable and machine washable

Cybex Solution M-fix

This is a car seat with an incredibly smart design, all for your child's safety. For example, the shell is flexible which absorbs some of the force that arises in the event of a collision. You also get but a belt guide to make sure the belt gets where it should be and sits as comfortably as possible. Also choose from as many as 12 headrest positions. If the child wants to take a nap, you can also lean the chair. The car seat is for children between 3 to 12 years old or in other words 15 to 36 kg. You can also choose from five different colors to brighten up everyday life.

Why is it good?

Leaning headrest
Adjustable headrest, choose from 12 full positions!
Linear Side - Impact Protection that protects the child from the power of a collision
Ventilation system for increased comfort
ISOFIX connection system with easy installation
Wide, soft and deep seat cushion
Britax Hi-Way

A reliable and secure rear-facing car seat that is stable with the help of a support leg. Choose from a black or red color on the chair. The five-point harness is padded, providing increased comfort for your child. It is also possible to remove the clothing to wash it, which may be necessary from time to time when you have children. This chair works from 0 to 25 kilos which allows you to use it from the beginning to about 5 years of age.

Why is it good?

Footrests and brackets for good stability
Mounting with the car's three-point belt or two-point belt
A smaller chair that fits extra well for smaller cars
Shoulder padding and padded upholstery that can be washed

Why you should not buy a used car seat

Having children safely and securely in the car is a top priority and it is therefore important to consider your choice when purchasing a car seat . Environmental thinking, sharing economy and shopping second hand are of course both positive and necessary in today's society. We only have one planet, so we have to take care of it then. But there are too many uncertainties about buying a car seat in the secondary market. Below are the four main reasons why you should not buy a used car seat.

The life of the car seat

The life of a car seat is about ten years and we at recommend eight years of use of the car seat from the time you bought it. A child car seat can be stored in stores for up to two years, which we include in the service life as an extra safety detail. If you buy a used one you do not know exactly when it was first sold or how long it was used. Over a longer period of time, the material in the car seat becomes worn and brittle. So after eight years of use, we recommend discarding the car seat.

Test and security are being developed

The trend is constantly moving forward and higher demands are being placed on new car seats . The standard that a car seat has been tested and approved for 2008 is completely different in 2018. Today's car child seats are produced with very high standards and are of extremely high quality. A car seat produced today, unlike a used car, has undergone similar tests as a newly produced car. If you buy a brand new car seat from a dealer, you can be confident and confident that it meets today's tough requirements.

The history of the car seat is unknown

Car seats that have been in accidents or are too old may have hidden faults that are not detected with the naked eye. If you shop used, you usually do not know the seller. Then it is impossible to guarantee the condition of the car seat or its history, which reduces the level of safety immensely. If a child seat has been involved in an accident, it should be discarded immediately, regardless of condition. When you buy a brand new car seat you have a guarantee and in the event of accidents, the car seat is often covered by the insurance, which is not done at a second-hand deal.

Spare parts stop being manufactured

As with everything else, the development goes forward for car seats and safety. Older car seats may no longer be manufactured, so if something is broken there are no spare parts for the car seat. In addition, if the manual is missing, it may be difficult to install the car seat properly. Safety must go first, in all situations. If you buy new and avoid used car seats, you avoid all these problems.

The most common errors when using children car seat

Baby car seat - Infant 0-9 months 

baby car seat is used from the birth of the baby until the baby can sit on its own without support, or when the baby car seat is grown. The child goes backwards and is held in place by the belt that belongs to the baby car seat . You attach the car seat to the car using the car's belt or an ISO fix.

The most common errors when using baby car seat 

• The child is lying down.
• The child should sit as upright as possible! Therefore, make sure that the baby car seat does not lean, the baby must not "lie" too much in the baby car seat .
• The baby car seat leans against the seat or dashboard.
• Unlike the rear-facing car seat, baby car seat should NOT lean against seat or dashboard.

Rear-facing car seat - Children 0-5 years

As soon as the child can sit without support or has grown out of his baby seat, it is high time to change to a rear-facing car seat. The seat is placed in the front or back seat with the help of under anchorage straps and the seat belt. Make sure that you fasten the seat belt according to the installation instructions in the owner's manual.

The most common errors when using a rear-facing car seat

• Improperly fitted car seat.
• Be sure to read both the car and car seat instruction manual carefully so that you are installing the car seat correctly. It is important to check the places in the car that you can mount the car seat, how to attach the car seat undercarriage, etc.
• For slack anchorage straps .
• The child seat undercarriage should be well stretched.
• The height of the seat belt is incorrectly adjusted .
• The seat belt should be level with the child's shoulder when the child is sitting in the chair.
• The seat tilt is too large or the chair is leaning against the car window .
• The child seat should not tilt too much and must not lean against the windshield.

Forward facing Belt seat / cushion - Children over 4 years

When your child is 4-5 years or more you can start using a seat belt / cushion. Remember not to change too soon, the child can remain in the rear-facing car seat until it is mature! The safest way for your child is still to travel backwards in the car. From a safety point of view, it does not matter that the child is stuck with his legs, it is usually we adults who think it looks uncomfortable. The seat belt or pillow is designed to adapt the car's three-point belt to the child's body and provide better protection. To secure the child in the seat belt / pillow, make sure that the seat belt is stretched properly, the closer the seat belt is, the better protection it provides. If your child sits in a place that lacks a headrest, a seat belt is the best option.

The most common errors when using a forward-facing seat belt / pillow

• Switch to seat belt or seat cushion too soon.
• Only change when your child has grown out of the rear-facing car seat.
• The belt is used incorrectly.
• For example, the belt is pulled over the horns instead of under or the belt is placed under the arm instead of on the shoulder. Both mistakes can make the belt worse in the event of a collision. NOTE! Do not place children shorter than 140 cm in place with an active airbag!