Things to note when choosing a car seat
6 things to consider before buying a baby car seat
(Two additional factors, specifically for purchasing an infant carrier or baby car seat)
1. Safety: Choose according to the latest infant car safety seat regulations
Of course, the first and most important thing to remember is safety. The purpose of buying an infant car seat is to keep your baby safe while riding in the car.
Most car seats currently on the market meet the European R44 safety standard. However, the latest European car seat regulations, R129, are more stringent. These regulations include mandatory rear-facing seating for children under 15 months old, reinforced headrests and seat wings to ensure they pass side impact tests, and the use of Isofix mounting systems.
R129 R44
| R129 standard is clearer and simpler | Using the child's height as a guideline for car seats | Classification by weight |
| The R129 standard has stricter "rear-facing riding" requirements | Children under 15 months old must use a rear-facing car seat | Children weighing more than 9kg (approximately 10 months old) can use a forward-facing car seat |
| R129 standard requires more stringent testing | Passes front, rear and side impact tests using 32 sensors | Passes front and rear crash tests using 4 sensors |
| R129 standard is easier to install and has higher compatibility | Car seats are installed and fixed using Isofix | Car seats can be installed and secured using seat belts or Isofix |
2. Size: Choose a baby car seat according to your height
The second most important factor to keep in mind when choosing a car seat or carrier is your baby's height. The latest EU standard for baby car seats, R129, sets strict height limits, which is especially important if your baby is premature or has a low birth weight. Make sure the car seat has a snug, comfortable newborn insert to keep your newborn comfortable and secure in the baby car seat.
3. Comfort: baby's riding comfort
A comfortable infant car seat should be made of materials that are soft, lightweight, and breathable. The additional premium inner padding further enhances the comfort of the baby car seat, ensuring a comfortable journey for your baby.
⭐Recommended car seat brand: Recaro Monza CFX (premium lining, creating the most comfortable car seat for your baby)
4. Installation and use: Easy installation and clear instructions are important
Whenever you travel with your baby in the car, you need a baby car seat. Therefore, ease of installation and use is an important factor when choosing a baby car seat. First, make sure the car seat fits your car. Some oversized car seats may not fit smaller cars. If you're unsure, measure the available space in the back of your car and then check the dimensions of each recommended car seat listed in our recommended car seat brands. Most infant car seats come with an Isofix mounting base. Installation is generally simple and only needs to be done once. Infant car seats can also be equipped with an Isofix base, making it easier to install and remove the infant car seat.
⭐Recommended car seat brand: Maxi-Cosi Spinel 360 Plus (with detailed safety identification, greatly reducing misuse)
5. Daily maintenance: Baby car seat that is easy to clean and maintain daily
Infant car seats get dirty easily due to frequent use. Therefore, it is important to have a car seat that is easy to clean and maintain. The seat cover should be easily removable and machine washable.
6. Price: Choose a reasonably priced baby car seat
The average price of an infant car seat on the market ranges from HK$2,000 to HK$5,000. Generally speaking, the more you spend, the more features and higher-quality materials you'll likely get. Regardless of the price, it's crucial to choose an infant car seat that meets safety standards.
⭐Recommended car seat brand: Cam Fluido Easy (one product, multiple uses)
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Additional factors to consider when purchasing an infant carrier:
1. Compatibility: Can be used on baby strollers
Before purchasing an infant carrier or car seat, you should make sure it can be used with the corresponding stroller. Compatibility with the infant carrier and car seat will allow you to easily remove the infant car seat from the stroller and buckle it in.
But don't worry, most strollers are equipped with adapters. With the appropriate adapter, the infant carrier and infant car seat can be used perfectly.
2. Portability: Not too heavy
The weight of a carrier or infant car seat shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing one, but it's still important. Some car seats are significantly heavier than others. The maximum weight of an ISOFIX infant car seat and child is 33 kg. Therefore, a heavy baby car seat limits the weight of the child who can use it. And since a carrier needs to be lifted and lowered daily, weight is crucial for caregivers! Excessive weight can also raise safety concerns.