Stroller Guide - Part 3
Now you have hopefully had time to form an idea of what type of pram you are looking for and now it is time for the next step: the car seat.
What is a baby car seat?
The baby car seat is a car equipment made for babies so that they can ride safely and securely during a car ride. When your baby can sit upright on its own, it's time to switch to a baby car seat. Children should ride in a rear-facing position for as long as possible, preferably up to the age of 4-5.
Do you need an adapter?
Many children fall asleep in the car and then it is convenient to be able to lift out and click on the baby car seat onto the pram's chassi. For this to work you will need a compatible adapter that fits the pram model that you have.
What does ISOFIX mean?
Isofix is an international safety standard and is a way to avoid improperly fitted car seats. If your car and car seat are equipped with isofix, you simply hook the car seat into the car's isofix mounts instead of the seat belt - which contributes to a more secure anchoring.
What are the different security standards?
A child's car seat must meet the UN-R129 or UN-R44 safety requirements to be approved and legal to use. R129, also called i-Size, is a newer safety standard and is always used with ISOFIX (see text above). There is also a supplementary test in Sweden called the Plus Test. It is a voluntary safety test and it is up to the manufacturer to choose whether their product should undergo this test.
• R129: based on the child's height and tests for side impact
• R44: based on the child's weight (for children between 0-12 years)
• The plus test: is based on tests for frontal collisions
Forward facing position
By law, your child can ride forward-facing in an R44/04-approved car seat as soon as they weigh 9 kg. However, there are many advantages to waiting as long as possible to turn the car seat. In the event of a frontal collision, the forward-facing position can cause the child to be thrown forward. It can thus cause serious injuries with great stress on both the neck and head.
Rear-facing position
A rear-facing car seat protects the child's neck and head by directing the impact over the entire back in the event of a frontal collision. The i-Size safety standard requires children to ride in a rear-facing position until at least 15 months, when muscles and bones are more developed. However, to minimize the risk of serious injury, it is recommended that your child ride rear-facing for as long as possible.
What should I consider before my purchase?
Be extra careful when buying a second-hand baby car seat - if it has taken a serious hit or been involved in a crash, it is no longer safe to use. When it comes to certification, R44 must be followed by either the year /03 or /04. If it says R44/02, the certificate has expired and the baby restraint is therefore not legal to use. A car seat that has undergone the Swedish Plus Test has yet another safety standard met and gives you greater security when buying.