How do we choose the right shell for the little one?
There are so many models of car seats on the market and we wonder how to choose the right shell for the little one. We were in this situation too, we got lost in the multitude of models and we didn't know what to choose for Patrick. So I started searching. I had a few features in my mind for what I wanted from this shell. But let's start with the beginning ...
What do we use for babies: lando or shell?
The answer of specialists is: the shell, is the car seat specially created for the newborn, is the safest solution for transporting a baby (the first journey) from the maternity - to home and until the moment when it has reached the maximum height or weight limit for which it has been approved by the manufacturer. The lando is the image we have learned to associate with the notion of baby, comfort, protection. And that's right. It's just not in the car. The lando is great for a walk in the park, when you go to the beach and you want your baby to sleep, but it never plays the role of a safety device in case of an impact.
However, choosing the shell for the newborn and the small baby is perhaps the most important choice that a parent concerned about the safety of the child in the car.
An uninspired choice of the shell can have long-term consequences, both in terms of the harmonious development of the little one and in terms of the child's acceptance of the car seat.
The 3-in-1 or 2-in-1 stroller systems offered by various brands are often a big trap, because the element that the manufacturer deals with, either in terms of safety or ergonomics, is the comfortable position for babies. Even from an economic point of view, this decision to choose a shell in packs of 3 in 1 or 2 in 1 becomes a wrong decision, instead of taking advantage of this device for the entire period it is intended (up to 1 year - 1 year and a half), they have to make a new investment in the larger group chair, a chair that is not really designed for a small baby.
Regarding shells, they are of two types: R44 (follow the weight criterion and go up to 13 kg) and R129 (follow the height criterion and go up to 76-81-85-87 cm). They can be fitted in seat belts on all machines and in the ISOFIX fastening system, if the machine is also equipped with this system.
Toddlers, who can sit safely in a semi-tilted position, must be transported in a backward-facing position, the so-called "rear facing" position. Both doctors and the law require positioning the baby back to the direction of travel for at least 15 months. Why? Because reversing is, according to tests, 6 times safer than facing forward. Tests have shown that at a speed of 56 km / h (the speed at which car seats are tested), if the baby (up to 15 months or 76 cm) is facing the direction of travel, there is a huge chance that a cervical fracture. Most car seats made today go back up to 4 years in the direction of travel, but allow you to turn it back and forth after 15 months.
When choosing the first protection system, you can consider the following:
The shell with 5-point seat belts provides extra stability for the little one, preventing lateral movement in a side impact, which is very important especially for newborns.
Make sure that the car seat will grow up with the baby, the seat belt should be easily adjusted according to the height.
See your side impact protection! Lateral impact is the second source of serious injury, so the child's head needs extra.
Choose a light shell, so it will be easy and comfortable to carry.
It is recommended that you choose a shell that is compatible with your stroller. Doing daily chores will be much easier.
An ISOfix base makes everyday use easier, and installation is easier.
The sun visor that is not attached to the handle provides greater protection from the sun and wind. Choose sunscreen with high UV protection to protect your baby's sensitive skin.
I-Size approved shells are also tested for side impact.
Important about the road with the newborn: do not overdo the duration of travel in the first months, take breaks every 20-30 minutes in the first 6 months, and then every 2 hours.
ADAC tests - Whatever your choice, you need to check that your product has ADAC tests. These tests are performed by EuroNCAP, which deals with everything related to the safety of a car when it leaves the factory - tires, brakes, belts, etc. The same goes for car seats, they are tested by ADAC, which is a member of EuroNCAP. Important detail about ADAC grades: 1 means perfect, and 5 is the weakest grade. It's just that the final grade, which we see, is an average of safety, comfort, the installation procedure (how easy it is to assemble and disassemble the product), the degree of pollution (how polluting for the environment are the materials from which it is made the product). Therefore, this note is not just a safety note. A chair may have a grade of 2, but at safety it should have 1.5 and sit less comfortably. Or, on the contrary, it may be better in terms of comfort and worse in another respect. And so on.
What we chose
After much searching we decided to buy Britax Baby Safe Plus SHR II & Base. I admit that I was emotional, although I read a lot about all the selection criteria and the important scores for this category.
Patrick is very comfortable, he never cried in the car, I didn't have any problems with the car ride or with him not wanting to sit in his seat.
Click here for the 2011 ADAC result (we bought it in 2019) and click here for the 2021 Stiftung Warentest result.
XOXO
Baby P & Mom R
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