Before all, it must be noted that, although these chairs can be used both with the face and with the back to the direction of travel, it is recommended, for the safety of infants, that the period of use with the back to the direction of travel should be prolonged as much as possible.
Why is it recommended to use with the back facing the direction of travel?
Experts in pediatric orthopedics have concluded that it is safer after studying the forces exerted in the event of an impact. Thus, when the child is transported with their back to the direction of travel, it is the car seat that absorbs the energies generated by the impact, not the child's body. Positioning with their back to the direction of travel ensures a 73% greater protection for the head, neck and spine.
Most car impacts are frontal or lateral-frontal. During an impact, the child's body is thrown forward! When the baby is facing away from the direction of travel, the body is thrown into the seat, where, already immobilized in a correct position with the help of seat belts and supported by cushions and headrest, energy will be absorbed by the seat. When the baby is facing in the direction of travel, the body is held by seat belts while the head and limbs are thrown forward, putting pressure on the baby's cervical region which, not having a fully developed skeleton, can lead to very serious consequences.
The cervical spine area in a baby is hypermobile (not ossified) and the weight of the head represents 25% of the body weight (a higher percentage than an adult), so the neck area is very delicate and in case of impact it is extremely fragile.
The European legislation recommends using a car seat with the back to the direction of travel at least until 15 months.
Seeing what are the advantages following all these indications. car seats Evolutionary and what we need to be careful about when buying them.
Considering they are used for a longer period (immediately after giving up the pacifier), these allow use both with back and front to the direction of travel, depending on the age of the child. Some models are rotational, meaning that changing position relative to the direction of travel is done very easily.
The system of fixing to the car is also important. Most models are Isofix, but there are also top-tether models. The choice is made depending on the type of car. Some auto seats with the Isofix system also have an indicator for correct (green) or incorrect (red) installation, which is very useful for easy, fast and safe mounting.
Safety features should also consider protection against side impacts, some strollers being equipped with special systems that provide additional head and neck protection (in the event of a side impact).
An important factor to consider is the quality of the materials from which these car seats are made. Being used for a long period by children who do not always have the greatest care (especially when eating), it would be ideal to opt for both easy-to-clean textiles and breathable ones, making all trips โ including long ones, during summer โ comfortable! Some models have detachable hoods that can be washed in a machine โ an important thing if you go very often with the baby in the car, or for very long periods.
The system of harnesses is also indispensable, both in the context of safety and comfort! A proprietary system of harnesses with 5-point fixation is safer, being even more comfortable by distributing forces in 5 directions. Some models have special pockets for storing harnesses or magnetic systems so that they do not interfere when taking/putting the baby out/in the car seat.
Designed for extended use, self-folding car seats have multiple adjustment systems for position and recline so that the baby can sit comfortably regardless of age or weight! Always test them โ take the baby to the store or, if this is not possible, test all important functions: try rotating the seat, pulling on harnesses, adjusting positions, see if this can be done easily and comfortably. If you purchase the seat online, perform these tests as soon as you receive it to ensure that you have made a correct choice and that long-term use will be practical for both you and the little one.
Some of these car seats come with inserts for newborns, but this does not mean that their use is necessarily recommended, only that it is possible, occasionally, if there is no other option.
Also, considering that it is the first chair in which the baby will sit, it is important to have patience to test and get used to it. For parents who encounter difficulties, we have a Bonding with the car seat Try our recommended tactics and be patient, any start is more laborious.
There is a very large variety of models and colors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The more safety systems and comfort accessories, the more expensive a car seat will be. To make the right choice, you need to think about how much you will use this car seat and in what conditions. If it is used more for vacations, you will look for other features compared to use for going to kindergarten! Some accessories represent advantages for longer trips, in family or on long distances or when driving at high speed (on the highway, etc.). For example, a mother who only takes her baby to kindergarten in a smaller city does not need the same things as a family that often travels by car across the country. Always read carefully and buy according to your needs, not by comparing with other families who do not have the same lifestyle.
