Maternity/Infant/Child Car Seat FAQs

Q: What are i-Size and ECE R129? What is the relationship between the two?

i-Size is an implementation detail of the EU safety standard, while ECE R129 (2013/2017) is the EU safety regulation itself. Both have the same goal: to set standards for child safety in travel. The following are the main contents of the standard:

1) Newborn babies must ride in a rear-facing position until at least 15 months old. This position can minimize the impact on the baby's neck when braking.

2) More emphasis on side impact testing, significantly improving safety standards

3) ISOFIX is easy to use, reducing installation errors and giving parents peace of mind. Children using car seats are also given maximum safety protection.

4) Car seat groups are now classified by child height, which is more suitable and safer than the previous classification based on weight. The following is a reference table of Group / i-Size height and age:

• Group 0/0+: 40-85cm (newborn to 15 months, infants under 76cm in height must ride in the rear)
• Group 0/1: 40-105cm (newborn to 4 years old, 360-degree rotation, front and back placement available)
• Group 0/1: 61-105cm (12 months to 4 years old)
• Group 0/1/2: 40-125cm (newborn to 7 years old, 360-degree rotation, front and back placement available)
• Group 0/1/2/3: 40-150cm (newborn~12 years old)
• Group 2/3: 100-150cm (3-12 years old, safety booster seat with side guards and backrest)
• Group 3: 125cm+ (6 years old+, mainly for safety booster cushion)

Q: How do I choose between different car seat groups? Which ones offer the best value for money? Is there a "One-Size-Fits-All" option where I can buy one and forget about everything?

Car seats on the market are mostly categorized by Group 0/0+/1/2/3. Below we explain them by age to make it easier for parents to understand.

RB sells car seats of different brands and models. Some of them are indeed "one-size-fits-all" for 0-12 years old, such as Maxi Cosi Spinel . These are car safety seats that meet Hong Kong and international requirements.

Parents may wonder: Why is there a need for age groups, such as 0-4 years or 3-12 years, when "one-size-fits-all" is available? In different markets around the world, newborns typically begin with a Group 0/0+ carrycot (such as the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix ), followed by a Group 0/1. When children reach three or four years old, their height exceeds 105cm, and they move to the final stage, Group 2/3 (such as the Recaro Monza ).

The reason for age grouping is that a single seat design sometimes cannot meet the needs of all age groups. Secondly, because children in different places have different living habits, their car seat requirements also vary. The safety of the seat is also directly affected by the child's comfort level.

RB encourages parents to observe their children's car seat usage and to choose the most appropriate car seat for them. If you have any questions, please contact us via WhatsApp to share your situation and questions. We'll share practical solutions based on our experience!

Q: How safe is it for pregnant women to wear seat belts?

The lap belt or the horizontal strap section of the seat belt should be adjusted low to the level between the hip bones, just below the abdomen and above the thigh bones, keeping the belt close to the pelvis, one of the strongest bones in the body. Never place the seat belt across the abdomen. The diagonal strap section should be placed between the breasts and above the abdomen. Adjust the seat belt until it is comfortable. If the seat belt is too tight around the neck, adjust the seat appropriately. For the safety of pregnant women and their unborn children, it is crucial to wear the seat belt.

** Original: Transport Department > Car Seat Belts > How to wear a seat belt when pregnant

Q: Why are rear-facing car seats better than forward-facing ones, especially for young babies?

Generally speaking, according to i-size regulations, babies 15 months or younger must use a rear-facing car seat. This ensures maximum protection in the event of a traffic accident. It's five times safer than a forward-facing car seat! A rear-facing car seat not only absorbs impact but also distributes it evenly across the baby's back, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury. More importantly, a rear-facing car seat better protects vulnerable areas like the head, neck, and spine. Babies 15 months or younger are especially vulnerable due to their immature physical development. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to protecting these vital areas.

Often, in a traffic accident, the body's inertia can cause us to suddenly lean forward and then backward, which can lead to head and neck injuries. A rear-facing car seat, facing the opposite direction of the vehicle's travel, not only absorbs some of the impact but also provides support for the baby, preventing them from being thrown forward by inertia. This significantly reduces the risk of head, neck, and spinal injuries.

Therefore, for your baby's safety, we recommend using a rear-facing car seat as much as possible until they reach their maximum height (approximately around 4 years old). Parents can refer to the usage restrictions of each car seat model and use the car seat correctly to ensure your baby's safety!

Q: What is ADAC and why are the scores important?

ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), based in Germany, is recognized as an authoritative testing organization within the industry. ADAC uses a stricter rating system than established regulations to evaluate car seats. All products tested are purchased directly from the market, rather than submitted by the brands themselves. In other words, the products tested by ADAC are the products you will actually buy, ensuring a thorough and fair evaluation of the safety and comfort of your car seat.

ADAC uses five key scoring criteria: safety, usability, ergonomics, hazardous materials, and workmanship and cleanliness. These criteria comprehensively assess a car seat's safety, comfort, and ease of use.

ADAC uses a scoring system that directly reflects the performance of a car seat. The lower the score, the better the performance! When choosing a car seat, we should not only pay attention to whether the car seat has been tested by ADAC, but also pay attention to the score to ensure that the car seat is safe and comfortable. The ADAC scoring system is as follows:

▪︎ 0.6-1.5 Very Good
▪︎ 1.6-2.5 Good
▪︎ 2.6-3.5 Satisfactory
▪︎ 3.6-4.5 Sufficient
▪︎ 4.6-5.5 Inadequate

Therefore, we recommend that parents give priority to car seats with ADAC ratings below 2.5 points when purchasing seats!

Q: Can I use a second-hand car seat?

For your baby's safety, we strongly recommend against using a used car seat or one that's been in an accident. Whether you purchased a car seat or one used by a family member or friend, there's no way to know if it's safe and reliable. While some used car seats may not show visible signs of damage, their internal structure may be compromised, significantly impacting their safety and protective effectiveness. Therefore, to best ensure your baby's safety, we strongly recommend that parents equip each child with a new, reliable car seat.

Q: I have to move my baby from the car seat to the stroller every time I get in or out of the car. Is there a more convenient solution?

We understand that sometimes babies are already fast asleep in the car, and moving them from the car seat to the stroller can be disruptive, especially for newborns. But don't worry, many car seats on the market are compatible with strollers, making travel easier! For example, our Maxi-Cosi infant car seat is compatible with Maxi-Cosi strollers: Leona, Lila, Adorra, and more. For even more convenience, you can opt for an INGLESINA all-in-one car seat and stroller that easily converts between different modes!