It's safer in the seat

For several years, the use of special child seats by children while driving has been mandatory in Poland.

Unfortunately, it is still not uncommon to see a baby traveling in its mother's arms or swinging freely in the back seat of a car.

While it is possible to accept that an adult does not want to use belts (after all, he most often hurts only himself), the extreme stupidity and irresponsibility of parents allowing their wards to do so.

The applicable Rules of the Road inform (Chapter 5 Article 39) unambiguously; in a motor vehicle equipped with seat belts, a child under the age of 12 years, no more than 150 cm tall, is transported in a child seat or other device for transporting children, corresponding to the weight and height of the child and relevant technical conditions. (Another thing is that in France the upper age limit is 10 years, and in Sweden the benchmark for road safety is 7 years).

Moreover, for non-compliance with this provision, the legislator provided for a fine of PLN 150 and 3 points. criminal. However, not a mandate, but a real opportunity to contribute to the death or disability of a child should force us to always, even on the shortest route, ride in a special chair.

Difficult choice

The design of modern seats for lower weight categories allows you to install them backwards. In this position, the seat can be attached to the front seat, but only only when the airbag is deactivated, which is not possible on all vehicles. In essence, seating is the back seat of a car. Experts recommend not rushing to turn the child's face in the direction of travel - the later, the better. For example, in Sweden children travel backwards even at the age of 3!

Unfortunately, there is no one universal seat that "grows" with the child from infancy to the legal limit of 12 years. Even in certain age categories (weight) there are dozens of different models. manufacturers that differ in the level of safety offered, ease of installation, ease of travel and even ease of cleaning (which is also important in the case of young children).

The basic criterion for dividing car seats is the weight of the child, but even here there is no complete correspondence between manufacturers using different ranges of values. And yes, some use classification; "0" up to 10 kg, "0+" up to 13 kg, "I" 9-18 kg, "II" 15-25 kg, "III" 22-36 kg. In Poland, much more flexible weight ranges are more common; 0-13/18 kg, 15-36 kg, 9-18 kg, 9-36 kg, where only two seats could be used for a stubborn child. It's hard to expect the latter, for example, to be ideal for a child of the entire age range, but it's probably better than nothing.

An important sign that justifies replacing the seat with a larger one will be the moment when at least part of the child’s head begins to protrude beyond the outlines of the back. One way or another, a child in his career as a small traveler will have to change at least 2-3 places.

Prices for the cheapest seats are PLN 150-200. The largest selection is in the range of PLN 300-400, but there are also models for PLN 500-600 (and higher). So little and the choice will be really difficult.

Attention to the certificate

The first step - the easiest and cheapest - is to conduct a survey among relatives, close and distant acquaintances and friends. It may turn out that their child has simply outgrown the car seat we need and we can borrow it or buy it for a nominal amount. quantity. Thus, one good branded seat can be used for many years. After all, in the same way, parents exchange clothes, cribs and strollers. If the “family market” does not help, you will have to go to the store ...

However, before we do that, it's worth finding out if our car has an ISOFIX mount. You should use this system - if it exists - and look for a car seat with such a hook. This system was developed in 1991 and, with some modifications, is now considered the best way to secure child seats. Basically the idea is that the seat shell is attached directly to the car body, without mediation in seat belts. It has two rigid hooks that snap into place after being inserted into special sockets located in the gap between the seat and the back of the chair.

What to look for when buying? First of all, is there a validation of an appropriate level of safety, offered in the form of an Automotive Institute certificate or approval (eg ECE R44/03, ADAC, TUV). Second, is the car seat clearly labeled on how to install and use it, as well as the weight of the child? Thirdly, it must have five-point harnesses. It’s good if the seat has the ability to adjust the depth of the seat, tilt the back or remove the cover for washing. Parents of children with a tendency to allergies should also pay attention to the type and quality of materials used.

Currently in Poland there is no problem in obtaining a suitable child seat. You can buy them in all hypermarkets, car dealerships and children's stores. The most well-known manufacturers include Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Graco, Roemer, Kiddy, and Bebe Confort, which doesn't mean you should limit yourself to just these brands. If we really want a reliable estimate, we should look at the website of the German organization ADAC, where car seat tests are published. A similar list of approximately 120 car seat models can be found on a Polish website. www.fotelik.info .

Finally, it is necessary to mention the so-called elevations (linings, "racks"), that is, the seats themselves without support. They can be used by a child weighing at least 20 kg, and certainly by those who do not touch the head or neck with standard belts. They should only be used for short trips or as a spare seat in, for example, grandparents' car.