How does a sleep car seat work? Rating of the best car seats

Traveling with a child in a car is not always a pleasure. A small passenger who is bored with a long trip may whine or even cry, which can distract the driver. Therefore, if you are going on a trip by car, it is worth providing your child with a safe car seat with a sleep function. Thanks to this option, it is easier to put a child tired from a long journey to bed.

How does a car seat work?

If you often take your child on a trip, you may be familiar with the scenario when a cranky, irritable toddler, tightly fastened in seat belts, tries to slide out of an uncomfortable seat. Such situations are extremely dangerous. Including those where the desperate parent tries to put the child to bed and simply puts him in the back seat. Then, instead of being careful while driving on the road, he focuses on what is happening behind him. This puts all passengers at risk. That's why sleep car seats They are an excellent proposition that ensures the comfort of the child and the safety of the journey. They feature a reclining back and are suitable for various weight categories.

What to look for when choosing a car seat with sleep function?

First of all, it should be noted that the transportation of a child in a supine position is prohibited. In this position, the body is more exposed to impact and absorbs impact energy. At the moment of a sharp braking of the vehicle or a collision, the baby's neck is strongly extended. This can damage the spine and even paralyze it. Much safer sleeping position in a car seat there is a recumbent version.

To choose the best car seat with sleep function, you should pay attention to a few important points:

• Instructions for use - whether it allows you to transport a child in a horizontal position, or a semi-lying position is possible only when parking;
• Seat Weight Group - There are 5 categories that classify seats based on the age and weight of the child. From groups 0 and 0+ (newborns up to 13 kg), to group III (children under 12 years old and weighing about 36 kg);
• Back - does the seat with the sleep function have several degrees of adjustment of the inclination and extension of the head restraint;
• Fastening system - the seat is fastened only with IsoFix, or fastening with IsoFix and seat belts is possible;
• Swivel function - some models can be rotated 90, 180 and 360 degrees, which is very convenient when you need to feed, change clothes or take out and put in and out of the seat. This option makes it easy to change from a rear-facing seat (RWF) to a forward-facing seat (FWF);
• Safety Certifications - ECE R44 and i-Size (IsoFix fastening system) approval standards apply in the European Union. An additional factor is the successful German ADAC crash tests and the Swedish Plus Test;
• Upholstery - a properly shaped seat made of soft, hypoallergenic and natural fabric will make the trip more enjoyable. It is worth looking for one that can be removed and washed in the washing machine.
• Fitting the seat to the car seat – if the seat does not fit into the rear seat of the car, this can cause assembly problems, slippage of the seat, or a backrest that is too upright, causing the baby’s head to fall on the chest;
• Seat belts - 3 or 5-point, the second option is considered safer.

What types of car seats with sleep function are there?

How the seat mechanism works depends on the weight and age category to which the seat belongs.

For the youngest children (0-19 months), i.e. for those weighing up to 13 kg, there are car seats from groups 0 and 0+. Infants must travel in a rear-facing position, and baby carriers are specially designed to provide a relatively flat position. A tiny baby cannot yet sit up on its own, and a newborn cannot hold its head upright. That is why the seats have reduction inserts that help keep the child's head and neck in a comfortable and safe position. When the baby grows up, the insert can be removed. In addition, the sleeping seat should touch the sofa seat with its entire base, and its angle of inclination should be between 30 and 45 degrees. Then the baby's head will not hang down.

According to manufacturers, car seat models from the weight range 0 13-kg should be placed in a lying position outside the vehicle and at stops. It is also worth remembering that babies should not be in a car seat continuously for more than 2 hours.

However, in the weight category 9 to 18 kg (1-4 years) Sleep function car seats are available in forward-facing, forward-facing and rear-facing versions. They are mounted with the IsoFix systembut also with seat belts. In addition, the baby is fastened with a 3- or 5-point safety harness built into the seat.

In this case, there is no such great threat to the child's neck, so the seat models have a wider range of backrest adjustment. Thanks to the possibility of placing it in front, the small passenger gets more comfortable conditions for sleeping. However, here, too, one should remember the appropriate mounting angle, in accordance with the operating instructions. It is also necessary to check whether the seat can be set to the “carrycot” position while driving, or if this option is only available when parking.

On the other hand, car seats designed for a maximum weight of 25 kg are available in three versions: 0 25-kg, 9 25-kg Oraz 18 25-kg. The first and second versions are designed for babies, but a child of 6 years old will also fit in this model. As a result, these versions of the seat have the RWF/FWF assembly system and differ in that they have reduction inserts. The third option is for children 4-6 years old. Here the child can be fastened with car belts and the IsoFix system. Sleeping seats in these categories have a fairly large backrest adjustment, not only in tilt, but also in height.

Also on the market there are car seats up to 36 kg with a sleep function. They are most often available in the categories 9-36 kg (1-12 years old) i 15-36 kg (4-12 years old). Such models are located only facing in the direction of travel and either have a small range of backrest inclination, or are completely devoid of this function. This is due to the fact that an older child will be fastened with car seat belts, from which they can slip out during heavy braking.

Car seat with sleep function - rating

Car seat manufacturers are overtaking each other in creating safe models full of comfort for little travelers. Here is a ranking of the most popular sleep function car seats:

1. Summer Baby, Prestige, IsoFix, Car Seat - This model can be mounted facing backwards and forwards. It has a 5-point safety harness with soft covers. Thanks to the 4-step backrest adjustment, the baby can lie down in the most comfortable position. The seat is equipped with an additional insert and a soft pillow for the child's head.

2. BeSafe, iZi Combi X4 IsoFix, Car seat is a 5-way reclining seat. This model has side impact protection that protects the head and spine of the child (Side Impact Protection). Depending on the height of the head restraint, the seat has automatically adjustable belts, which further increases the safety of the child.

3. Summer Baby, Bari, 360° Rotating Car Seat – Seat with 5-point safety belts has a backrest adjustable in 4 positions and side reinforcement. An additional advantage is the ability to rotate the seat in any position, and a special fastening belt counteracts the rotation of the seat. The Bari model can be mounted either forward or backward.

4. Lionel, Bastian, Car seat – This swivel model is equipped with a 5-point safety harness with non-slip inserts. The sleep function is ensured by a 4-stage backrest adjustment and a 7-stage headrest height adjustment. In addition, comfort is provided by a lumbar insert, breathable upholstery and a sun visor.

5. Jane, iQuartz, Car Seat, Skylines – the chair is designed for the weight category 15-36 kg. For a better rest, it has 11-step headrest adjustment and 3-step backrest adjustment. Attaches with IsoFix mounts. It is covered with a breathable Soft Touch lining that is washable. Increased safety is provided by a side case that absorbs impact forces.

When choosing a modern car seat with sleep function focus primarily on safety, and not just on the comfortable position of the baby during sleep. It is very important that the purchased model has safety certificates, incl. Tuv Sud. Also, before you travel with your child reclined, make sure it complies with the instructions for use. Have a nice trip!