How to transport a 6 month old baby in a car. Basic rules for transporting infants in a car

Until June 2017, according to Russian law, children under 12 years old could only be transported in a car in a car seat or other specialized devices. However, today children after seven years of age can already drive without a special device using only special seat belts. Let's find out the rules for transporting children in a car and take a closer look at how to transport an infant in accordance with traffic rules.

How to properly transport children in a car

• Children under seven years of age must be transported using child restraint systems (child restraints). It is allowed to transport a child in both the rear and front seats (if the car seat or booster used is provided for this purpose) in a passenger car, gazelle and other cargo vehicles;
• Children 7-12 years old are allowed to be transported without a seat or other similar device in the back seat of a car or in the cabin of a truck. In this case, the child must be fastened with car seat belts or using the ISOFIX child restraint system;
• Schoolchildren aged 7-12 years are allowed to be transported in the front seat only in a car seat or when using other approved child restraint systems that correspond to the age, height and weight of the child;
• When transporting in the front seat, be sure to turn off the front airbag;
• Teenagers over 12 years of age must comply with general traffic rules that apply to adults;
• Children under 7 years of age are prohibited from being left in the parking lot or during parking without adult supervision. Traffic regulations allow leaving a child when making a stop for no more than five minutes;
• You cannot carry a child on the back seat of a motorcycle until he reaches 12 years of age;
• To transport children under the age of seven in a taxi, a car seat is also required. When calling a car, warn the taxi dispatcher that a small child will be traveling and ask whether the car is equipped with a restraint device;
• The fine for transporting a child without a car seat or other approved restraint device for up to seven years, as well as other violations of transporting children in a car is 3,000 rubles;
• The fine for non-compliance with parking rules and parking a car with a child under seven years old in the cabin is 500 rubles.

Which child restraints can be used

According to the definition in the traffic rules, child restraint systems or devices are a set of plastic straps with buckles, adjusting mechanisms and fasteners, fixing parts. The device is attached to the inside of the car body. Such means include a baby car seat for newborns and small infants, a removable child car seat or impact shield, and an extra seat.

According to the rules of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, starting from June 2017, soft seat pads in the form of pillows, blankets and other products that cannot be fixed cannot be used to transport children. Transportation in a frameless child seat is prohibited.

You can transport a baby with an adapter or a fest-type corrector in the front or rear seat, which is equipped with standard diagonal seat belts. FEST child restraint system – separate seat belt straps. The products are used for preschool children from 3 to 7 years old with a body weight of 15-25 kg.

The booster can transport schoolchildren aged 7-12 years and weighing from 22 to 36 kg. He introduces a backless car seat that raises the baby to a higher level in order to fasten him with a standard car seat belt. It is permissible to use a booster for children over three years old and weighing over 15 kg, if the device model is designed for this.

Many parents are interested in whether it is possible to transport a child in the front seat. For such transportation, child restraint systems are required! By the way, traffic rules do not indicate at what months or years it is allowed to transport a baby in the front seat. Therefore, such transportation is permissible from birth, provided that the baby is secured with a special restraint device. When transporting in the front seat, be sure to turn off the front airbag!

Types of car seats

Select products according to the age, weight and height of the baby. The division by age is quite arbitrary, because each child develops individually. First of all, consider the height and weight of the baby. The devices are divided into five main categories:

• 0 – infant carriers for the smallest children, installed in a lying position. Suitable for babies from the first weeks of life to one year, weighing up to ten kg. What body weight is typical for infants, read the article;
• 0+ – a car seat with more advanced functionality, which is installed in a reclining position. Transportation is carried out both with your face and your back to the direction of the vehicle. Suitable for children from the first days of life to 1.3-1.5 years with a body weight of up to 13 kg;
• 1 – the device is used for babies from one to four years of age with a height above 78 cm and a body weight from 9 to 18 kg. Transportation is carried out only facing the direction of travel of the machine. This product is suitable for a child who can stand and walk a little;
• 2 – products with an adjustable backrest and seat belt for preschool children 3-7 years old, while the child’s weight should vary between 15-25 kg;
• 3 – boosters for schoolchildren 7-12 years old with a weight from 22 to 36 kg.

They also produce intermediate models that have several modes and can be transformed if necessary. These are car seats 0+/1 for babies from birth to three to four years old weighing up to 18 kg. And universal products 1/2/3 for children from one year to 11-12 years, where body weight is 9-36 kg. And other similar models.

Using a car seat for children

Despite the innovations in traffic rules, traffic police inspectors still recommend installing specialized restraint devices for schoolchildren over seven years of age. The classic safety system using standard car seat belts becomes reliable only for passengers who are taller than 150 centimeters.

Traditional car seat belts do not guarantee the safety of a child in a car while driving. In addition, due to the person’s insufficient height, the strap will put pressure on the neck.

As practice shows, car seats reduce the risk of injury to infants under three years of age by 80%, and children under ten years of age by 52%. Special children's devices provide maximum safety and effectively protect against damage and shock. Do not use car seats after accidents as they may not withstand a second similar test!

Today, manufacturers offer various devices and models. You will find budget products that are affordable, lightweight and easy to use. You can also purchase comfortable, universal, multifunctional chairs that will serve your child from the first weeks of life until 11-12 years of age.

In addition, some models can be transformed into a cradle, rocking chair and even a high chair. Read about the pros and cons of using a high chair for infants. We will pay special attention to how to transport a newborn in a car.

Features of transporting a newborn in a car

Parents are wondering if it is possible to carry an infant in a car. This can be done, but subject to certain rules. The transportation of a newborn baby and infant is distinguished by some features. In this case, you need to install a special infant carrier or car seat for the little ones.

Instead of a special car seat, you cannot transport your baby in a cradle from a stroller! This device is not intended for use in a vehicle and does not provide adequate safety. This cradle can only be used as a carrier in stores or hospitals.

Do not hold your child in your arms while driving! In the event of an accident, it is impossible to hold the baby due to the instantaneous, unexpected and strong load, and he flies into the windshield. In addition, in the event of a collision or impact, an adult with his entire body weight can lean on the baby. This reduces the chances of survival to zero.

Install the infant carrier exclusively against the direction of travel of the car. When positioned forward during sudden braking, the baby may accidentally tilt his head or nod, which is very dangerous for the baby’s fragile neck. By the way, the seat behind the driver is considered the safest. For babies up to three months old, it is recommended to place special cushions on both sides of the head in the cradle. They additionally secure the baby's head.

Let's dwell on how you can transport a newborn from the maternity hospital. This should also be done in an infant carrier or car seat 0+. Under no circumstances should you carry your baby in your arms! Choose a jumpsuit or envelope with straps that secure it into restraints. You can find a complete list of items for checkout at the link.

How to choose a car seat and infant carrier

• Choose new devices and don't buy used ones unless you're sure of past use. Remember that after an accident, many car seats no longer provide adequate safety;
• Reliable and proven products with an approved safety standard are designated ECE R44/04 or R44/03;
• When choosing, focus on the height, age and weight of the child;
• A model with a backrest that can be adjusted in several positions will be more comfortable and practical to use. Additional convenience will be provided by soft armrests, compact parameters and low weight, a removable cover and a visor from the sun, wind and precipitation;
• The seat in the car seat should be ergonomic with an orthopedic shape;
• The product must include an anatomical insert for the baby’s head and fasteners that will not allow the baby to independently relax or unfasten the belt;
• Pay attention to the materials of the product. A suitable option would be hypoallergenic and breathable, durable and high-quality fabrics with good ventilation. This is especially important for newborns, who often experience;
• For cars with ISOFIX mounting, choose an appropriate car seat;
• Before purchasing, study reviews and information about the model, manufacturer and manufacturer, compare characteristics and watch crash tests;
• If possible, try on the chair before purchasing. Sit the baby down and see if the baby is comfortable.

Top best car seats for children

We looked at how to transport a child correctly and how to choose high-quality road transportation. However, it is important to properly organize the trip, especially for newborns and infants. Don't forget to take drinking water, wet and dry wipes, and replacement diapers. If you are going on a long trip, advice from

With the arrival of a baby in the family, many familiar things have to be done differently. Traveling in a car will be complicated by the presence of a small passenger. Parents try to transport their babies less, but sometimes this is necessary, for example, when a newborn leaves the maternity hospital for the first time. You need to know the rules of transportation and understand the car accessories that are now on sale.

Increased danger

Traveling in a car poses a certain risk for everyone, but for young children the danger increases dramatically. In infancy (from 1 month to 1 year), children still have fragile joints and weak muscles. The babies’ bones are not completely strong; they are not yet able to protect the child’s delicate body. That is why transportation requires special preparation and increased attention.

Any stressful situation can negatively affect children's health and behavior in the future. The baby may be frightened by a sharp push or braking. And fear often leads to illness or physical disabilities. Even if you wrap your baby in thick blankets and hold him tightly with your hands, he will be vulnerable. Special transportation rules and car accessories can ensure a safe trip for infants.

Car cradle

A special cradle is used to transport newborn babies in the car. It is designed for weights up to 10 kg. This device is ideal for traveling from the maternity hospital. The seat for the baby is comfortable, it is possible to fasten an additional seat belt. The cradle is almost completely closed, which means there is no risk of foreign objects accidentally falling onto the child.

According to the rules, such a device must be placed in the back seat and secured with seat belts. Inside the cradle, the baby is also fastened with special belts. The cradle must be installed perpendicular to the movement of the car. This device has convenient handles for carrying and arcs for hanging toys. Expensive models are even equipped with wheels and can be turned into a stroller. At home, you can make a hanging rocking chair from such a cradle.

But such a convenient car device will not last very long. The child can only sit in it in a horizontal position; at six months it will be possible to sit him up, which means he will have to buy a car seat. The baby himself will no longer be interested or comfortable in a lying position. Another “disadvantage” of a car cradle is its large size; it will take up a lot of space in the car.

Stroller box

Sometimes, instead of a special car cradle, a stroller carrier is used. You must understand that it is hardly possible to guarantee the safety of a baby in such a device, because it is not intended for this. Carrying bags are not a reliable device; they can only be used in extreme situations. The device should be secured in the back seat, sideways to the direction of travel. It is advisable to have an adult nearby to look after the baby and the carrier.

Travel chair

A special chair for infants is designed taking into account their anatomical features. For additional head support, you can purchase retaining rollers that are placed on the sides of the head. It would be wrong to place folded cloth or towels because the head will fall forward. Placing the baby in such a chair will allow him to sit comfortably and relieve the strain on his muscles.

The device is secured with regular seat belts or special brackets, which are sold along with such a device. It is best to place a child car seat in the back seat, the safest place is behind the driver, but if you need to look after the baby, you need to put him in the center of the back seat. You can transport infants in the front seat, but then you need to turn off the airbag so that it does not cause injury to the baby when deployed.

Dependence of the type of chair on the height and weight of the child

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When choosing a child car seat, you need to focus on the weight of the baby. This device is expensive, but it makes no sense to buy it for growth. It is an accurate calculation of weight that can guarantee the safety of an infant in the car. To save money, you can exchange chairs or buy used ones, this will be more expedient from the point of view of protecting children.

Some manufacturers produce car seats that combine functions from different groups in their design. This is convenient when a child grows from one category to another. Such universal devices will be cheaper than chairs of different groups separately.

Choosing a chair

When choosing such a device, you need to consider how much time the baby will spend traveling. If he has already traveled, then the parents have an idea of ​​​​the baby’s behavior during the trip. Some of the children fall asleep quickly and sleep for a long time. Someone, on the contrary, turns around, behaves excitedly the entire time of the journey.

Models of group 0+ are well suited for short trips, because they are physiologically more comfortable. It is necessary to carry the baby facing the direction of traffic for as long as possible, this will help to avoid injury to the cervical vertebrae in the event of a collision or sudden braking.

Tips for choosing a car seat:

• You need to choose models with deep seats. Then in winter the baby will not feel cramped in a thick overall;
• It’s good if the device has armrests and an orthopedic back;
• It will be convenient for the baby to have a footrest and a protective table;
• It is practical to have removable covers; they will be convenient to clean or wash;
• For new products, you need to check whether the material is fading. Also, the chair should not emit a specific chemical smell.

The word of the law on the transportation of children

The law imposes obligations on the driver to ensure the safety of small passengers. The car must also be specially prepared for such purposes. Traffic rules determine how to transport an infant in transport. This can only be done in the passenger compartment of a passenger car or the cabin of a truck. Infants are not allowed to be transported in the back of a truck, trailer, or on the seat of a motorcycle.

You cannot hold your baby in your arms during the trip. In the event of a collision, the baby’s weight increases many times over, it will not be possible to hold him, this creates a serious danger to the life and health of the baby. Children of this age can be transported in a car seat or car seat. Since 2016, the fine for incorrectly transporting children is 3,000 rubles (clause 3, article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). The lack of fasteners will not be an excuse in this case. It is important to consider that improper transportation is considered the absence of a child device, but also its incorrect location in the car.

Travel for kids

Going on long trips with a child is problematic, but I want to take the baby to nature or to visit relatives. If you organize such a trip correctly, it will go well and safely.

Rules for transporting infants:

• Do not use fragrances in the car, they can cause an allergic reaction;
• Do not create drafts, if necessary, only open the front door windows slightly;
• Do not use air conditioning while traveling to avoid your baby catching a cold;
• If the trip is planned to be long, it is worth considering the baby’s nutrition and entertainment;
• If there are smokers among the passengers in the car, they should refrain from smoking in front of the child. If there is a tobacco smell in the car interior, it is necessary to ventilate it before the child gets in;
• Loud conversations and music should be avoided when there is a baby in the cabin;
• It is not recommended to transport pets with small children. If this cannot be avoided, then the animals must be placed in transport or kept so that they cannot reach the baby;
• In the cold season, before boarding the baby, the interior of the car needs to be warmed up to 20 degrees.

The driver must control the speed limit, do not make sharp turns, and be careful on the roadway. It is recommended to have a special sticker on the car that warns that there are children in the cabin.

An infant in a car requires extra attention. The restraints are not very comfortable; children often get tired of sitting or lying like that. To prevent them from being capricious, they need to be distracted. If the child is very small, you need to talk to him, changing the intonation, pitch of the voice, and volume. You can distract children's attention by showing different bright toys, moving them, or hiding them.

If the baby is already sitting, it will be easier, since you can look at the situation outside the window. To make the baby feel calmer, you need to give him his favorite toy. But it should be small and soft so that it does not injure the child during sudden braking or an emergency. If the baby has already traveled several times, he will get used to it and will behave calmer over time. On a long trip with an infant, you need to stop more often and give the child a break from shaking.

A little conclusion

Modern young parents are becoming more mobile. They do not refuse trips and travel, even if they have a baby. There are many convenient devices on sale to help you move comfortably in public transport. Traveling with infants is possible, since it is quite safe to transport babies correctly. If the recommendations are followed and the driver is attentive, children and adults in the car will be calm, comfortable and safe.

The operation of road transport is associated with high risks. This applies not only to drivers, but also to passengers and pedestrians. In this case, children are at greatest risk due to obvious physiological data. Even an accident with minor consequences for the vehicle itself can pose a serious threat to a small passenger. In this regard, the rules for transporting children in a car have significant differences and are aimed at ensuring increased passenger safety.

General information

In 2007, item number 22.9 was introduced into the list of traffic rules, entirely dedicated to the standards of ensuring child safety in the car. Most of the discrepancies in the understanding of the traffic police requirements in this part are due to the fact that many motorists continue to rely on outdated rules. At the same time, until now, paragraph 22.9 has gone through many adjustments, taking into account which will allow the car owner to avoid fines. At the moment, the rules for transporting children in a car clearly differentiate small passengers by age and prescribe optimal safety measures. This applies to seat belts, special seats, and other devices that replace traditional protection mechanisms. In addition, the placement of the child in the car - in the front or back seat - deserves special attention.

How to transport children under one year old?

This is the most demanding group of small passengers from a safety point of view. Today, the rules for transporting infants in a car indicate that the child must be secured with special restraints or other devices that make it possible to use seat belts. Since these rules came into force, many car owners have been faced with the problem of lack of seat belts in the rear seats. For example, they are not present on older models of most domestic cars.

Therefore, to meet safety requirements, it is necessary to provide a car seat or use child seat belts. And this does not mean at all that a child cannot be transported in a car that does not have standard seat belts. Here it is worth paying attention to another nuance. Some seat belts, which are equipped with foreign models, have one strap and secure children only at the waist. In order not to violate the rules for transporting children under one year of age in a car and at the same time to eliminate risky restraint with such a device, special seats must be installed immediately. But it’s even better to take a closer look at the models and trim levels that are initially equipped with children’s 5-point seat belts.

Transporting infants in a car seat

As practice shows, even a restrained child can receive serious injuries in the chest and neck area. Therefore, the most reliable means of ensuring the safe transportation of babies is still a special cradle or car seat for the appropriate purpose. Such structures are installed in the cabin against the movement of the car. To systematize the procedure for supplying vehicles with such seats, the rules for transporting children in a car in Russia provide for two types for different ages.

The first category includes infant carriers that securely hold children weighing up to 10 kg. They are fastened horizontally and are usually used on newborns. The “Isofix” system, popular in Europe, and in recent years in our country, is often used as fasteners. The second category of child car seats is represented by models designed for a passenger weight of up to 13 kg. Such designs are generally similar to the previous version, but are located in a semi-recumbent position.

It is worth noting that the rules for transporting newborn children in a car do not allow the use of conventional portable stroller cradles. Their design does not allow for reliable fixation with belts, so there is no need to talk about the proper level of protection in this case.

Is it possible to transport babies in your arms?

Before the introduction of a separate clause in the traffic rules dedicated to the safety of children, this method of transporting them was the most popular. Unfortunately, its economy, practicality and lightness to this day remain attractive factors for many car owners. But in terms of security, this approach poses a huge threat. As crash test records demonstrate, at the moment of impact, the restrained occupant is thrown toward the front seat or dashboard. Accordingly, the blow falls on the child, who is also crushed by the weight of the adult. Therefore, the rules for transporting small children in a car do not allow them to be carried in arms. Many believe that all the risks arise due to the fact that adults holding children while the car is moving simply do not buckle up. But even using a seat belt will not fully protect the child.

For reference: already at a speed of 30 km/h the mass of a young passenger increases 10 times. Therefore, at the moment of a collision, it is more likely that the parent will not hold him. And this is not to mention the injuries that can arise from the very mechanism of rigidly holding a child with your hands at the time of an accident. Therefore, you should not ignore the rules for transporting children in a car and try to avoid dubious methods of restraining them. Of course, if you omit the risks of accidents, then transportation by hand will be the most convenient, but in real life no one is immune from such threats.

Carrying on the front seat

The debate about which seat can be used to transport small passengers is still raging. Part of the subject of such disputes is the level of safety, but in most cases, the ambiguity of opinions on this matter rests on the rules for transporting children in the front seat of a car and, in particular, their technical organization. It is worth noting that such transportation was prohibited until 2007, but for almost 10 years it has been allowed, but with restrictions. Moreover, this applies to children from 12 years of age and to newborns. Features of transportation in the front seat are due to more stringent safety measures.

So, if fastening devices are sufficient to secure a child in the rear seat, then special restraints must be used in the front seat. Basically, the same car seats and bassinets are used for this, but other means of holding babies can be used. There are many similar devices - these are various headrests, buckles, straps and other devices. In any case, you need to understand that stricter rules for transporting children in the front seat of a car are fully justified. A child in this part of the cabin is at greater risk and in a major collision can be thrown into the windshield. Therefore, reinforced and multi-point fixation is required, and even better, transportation in the rear seat is preferred. By the way, the safest seat for a passenger is considered to be the rear one, which is located behind the back of the front passenger. Experts consider the latter to be the most dangerous - even compared to the driver's seat.

Transportation of children from one year old

For this category of passengers, the same rules apply as in the case of non-born babies and infants. But in practice, the approach to their transportation is different. This is due to age and, accordingly, the choice of fixing devices. Experts also recommend purchasing car seats, but this time capable of supporting a weight of 9 to 18 kg. Despite the fact that the rules for transporting children in a car take into account the criterion of convenience to a lesser extent, it also becomes a factor of passive safety. For example, if a child is uncomfortable, he will begin to act up. Even if there are people in the car who can calm him down, the driver will be distracted by this situation.

For this reason, it is advisable to make the choice of a car seat together with the child, having first tested the device for comfort. The criteria for ease of landing will be the following:

• The spine should not be curved.
• The provided seat belts are not too tight.
• The head is in a comfortable position.

When choosing modern five-point seat belts, it is important to consider other factors. The buckle locks should be provided with a fabric covering - this is a kind of gasket that protects the child’s crotch from strong constriction at the time of an accident. In addition, the rules for transporting children in a car provide for reliable fixation of the seat itself. It is important to consider not only the strength of the fastening mechanism, but also the ease of its installation, especially if the device is supposed to be dismantled after each trip.

Transportation of school-age children

This group, oddly enough, is more exposed to risks on the road than children. When a child turns 6-7 years old, parents mistakenly believe that there is reason to save themselves the hassle of car seats, special seat belts for children and other safety devices. As a result, many limit themselves to using rolled blankets and pillows, lifting the child onto them to secure them with a standard belt.

But this approach is not allowed by the rules for transporting children in a car. The traffic rules and in particular paragraph 22.9 say that only special devices can be used. The danger of using a pillow is that in a collision it (or a bundle of blankets) is knocked out from under the child, whose neck is at the level of the seat belt strap. It’s easy to imagine what such fixation can lead to even in a low-speed collision.

To safely transport a child who has reached school age, you should purchase a booster seat - this is a lifting seat that is also installed in the car, but is cheaper compared to traditional infant carriers. This device raises the young passenger to a height sufficient to use the seat belt. At the same time, unlike pillows and blankets, the booster does not pose any danger to children in the event of a collision and is durable.

By the way, with such a device a child can be transported for several years until his height reaches 150 cm - the minimum height of a person at which he can use standard seat belts without the use of special devices. For this reason, the rules for transporting children 12 years of age in a car no longer require the use of car seats and boosters.

Accessories for transporting a child

Along with special technical devices and mechanisms aimed at protecting the baby when driving in a car, there are also auxiliary items that make the trip easier and also reduce the risk of injury. These include the following:

• Feeding table. This accessory will be useful on long trips. The table is fixed to the seat, allowing you to comfortably feed the child. This should only be done at stops, as food or liquids can be spilled while driving.
• Foot cover. This accessory has little to do with safety, but in terms of cleanliness and aesthetics, it is necessary. The operation of the cover is simple: it is put on the child’s feet, protecting the seat upholstery from dirt on the shoes.
• Collar for sleeping. It is a known fact that children fall asleep quickly on car trips. On the one hand, this saves parents from unnecessary troubles with the child, but on the other hand, it poses a serious danger to him. Sharp braking can cause the baby's head to tilt back by inertia - this can lead to stretched ligaments in the muscles and damage to fragile cervical vertebrae. In turn, the sleep collar will securely fix the sleeping baby’s head, protecting against the risk of injury. Although the rules for transporting children in a car do not require parents to use this device, its presence in the car will only play a positive role.
• Pockets on the seats. These are special devices in the form of a niche with pockets. They are attached to the front seat, allowing rear passengers to put various small things, clothes, toys and food for the child there. However, you should take a responsible approach to organizing these items, securing them securely - in the event of a collision, things should not pose a threat to the baby.

Fine for incorrectly transporting children

The amount that an unscrupulous driver had to pay for improperly organizing the transportation of a child was only 500 rubles back in 2013. Such a fine was established for the absence of a car seat and special restraint devices in the car with a child, which are provided for by traffic police standards. The rules for transporting children in a car have not been changed since then, but the size of the fine has increased significantly. Today it is 3,000 rubles. Such a sharp increase in this amount is due to the fact that many car owners were ready to accept damage of 500 rubles without investing in expensive child seats. However, if you compare it with the current punitive tariff, the acquisition will justify itself. For 3-5 thousand rubles. You can buy a high-quality and reliable child car seat, thereby saving yourself from the financial threat from traffic police inspectors. Another thing is that we are talking about the safety of the child, which cannot be skimped on under any circumstances.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, the attitude towards traffic regulations in Russia leaves much to be desired. Motorists rarely worry about their own safety, but what’s even sadder is that they ignore protective equipment for their loved ones. The situation is overshadowed by the fact that a child is more exposed to the dangers of a car collision than an adult. It is with this feature in mind that traffic rules were developed. Transporting children in a car in compliance with the requirements of the traffic police must be carried out with the maximum possible protection of the small passenger, which is provided by special devices. For the sake of fairness, it can be noted that there is no shortage of child protection equipment in a passenger car. All kinds of car seats, boosters, five-point seat belts and a lot of additional devices are widely available on the market. Of course, the cost of high-quality models of the same chairs is quite high, but it justifies itself. This is evidenced by statistics according to which car child seats save up to 75% of the lives of young passengers in road accidents.

All transportation of small children who cannot yet walk, as well as older children, must be carried out on the basis of certain rules. This is not only the provision of a seat for a child in the vehicle, but also careful monitoring of the behavior of children.

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In addition, the correct approach to organizing the transportation of children in a particular vehicle will not distract the driver from the road itself and traffic rules.

All issues related to this topic are regulated by certain regulations of legislative acts and traffic rules approved by law.

What the law says

All regulatory and legislative acts that monitor compliance with the legal requirements for the safe transportation of children and the maximum possible exclusion of causing road accidents can be reduced to a certain small list.

It includes the following provisions, which should be adhered to by all parents, guardians or persons responsible for the safety of children:

1. – rules for the safe transportation of a child (children) under 12 years of age.
2. , which came into force on 01/01/07 and is used to this day, reveals the concept and details of the so-called “restraint device”, which is specially designed to secure children while driving.
3. and regulate, as a supplement, what parts should be equipped with a seat for a child in a vehicle.
4. – the measure of liability for the absence of a specially equipped restraint device for transporting a child is a fine of 3000 rubles.

The age of twelve for a passenger who requires additional care for safety purposes inside the car when moving vehicles was chosen for the reason that it is by this age that people reach a height of 150 centimeters.

The developed technology for using security systems inside car interiors provides additional equipment for those passengers who are less than 150 centimeters tall.

This is due to the fact that if you try to use the standard seat belt system that is provided in the car, such belts will simply squeeze the neck of small passengers.

And due to the small volume of the body of babies under 1 year old, such belts will not be able to properly hold them, and the child may simply slip out of the seat.

Rules for transporting children under 1 year of age in a car

Transporting children in a passenger car is determined not only by the requirements for the proper arrangement of children's seats in the car, but also by the implementation and observance of a number of rules.

Some of them may seem strange to some, but these standards and requirements exist for a reason. Either there were similar precedents, or the law simply warns not to use prohibited methods of transporting children.

These rules include the following:

1. Children should not be transported on the back of a motorcycle, in the back of a truck, or in a car trailer.
2. Children can ride with adults in the driver's cab of a truck, as well as in a passenger car.
3. Carrying a child under 12 years of age in the front seat of a passenger vehicle is permitted.
4. Children of any age under 12 years of age must travel in a car exclusively in a car seat, a car seat (for the smallest) or using a booster pillow or triangle adapter (for slightly older children).
5. It is prohibited to carry children under 1 year of age in a car. Remember that when a car collides, the child’s weight increases several dozen times due to the impact load! Therefore, it will be unlikely to hold it in your hands.
6. If it is necessary to transport more than 8 children, then a passenger car is not suitable; this should be done according to the rules only using a bus with separately equipped seats for each child.
7. If a child is carried in the front seat, a triangle adapter or booster cushion is not suitable for maximum protection against impacts or vibrations. The child should only be placed in a car seat or a special cradle.
8. Placing small children in the rear seats also requires the pre-installation of a child seat or carrycot.
9. The car seat in the rear seat should be installed strictly perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle and secured with standard seat belts, which are provided by the manufacturer in the vehicle interior.
10. Inside the car seat, the baby should be positioned horizontally, and his body should be carefully fastened with restraint straps, which are provided by the manufacturer of the car seat or car seat. In this case, the child’s breathing should not be constrained, and the arms and legs should not be crushed.
11. The recommended car seat angle for a child over 6 months should be no more than 45 degrees. The angle range can vary between 30 and 45 degrees.
12. The chair should hold the baby's head well so that the load on the child's fragile bones is removed as much as possible. To do this, use special soft rollers on the sides of the child’s face.
13. When transporting a child in a car seat or in a car seat in the front seat, the airbag must be turned off. It could harm a child if it goes off during a collision.

According to statistics, the safest place in a car is the center of the back seat. It is at this point that a child seat should be installed for the ideal location of the child in the car.

Adaptations

The legal side of the issue is covered in the Road Traffic Rules (TRAF), Article 22.9, which talks about the requirements for equipping seats for children in cars that should be implemented for transporting children under 12 years of age.

Of course, the age limit in question in Article 22.9 of the Rules also includes children who have not yet turned one year old. So, in order to be able to safely transport your baby in a car, you will need to acquire a seat, which must necessarily meet standard standards.

Such a standard, for example, for a “restraining device” in the Russian Federation today is. For children under 1 year old, use a chair of group “0” or “0+” with a child weighing up to 10 or 13 kg.

However, the standard contains parameters for seats or belt systems also for children over one year old. Therefore, transporting children under 1 year of age in a car, the Traffic Regulations provides its own templates for infant carriers or mobile car seats with a reclining backrest and proper fixation in the seat of the car interior.

The presence of devices in accordance with GOST SDA is only recommended, but not obligatory. Each parent can come up with their own device that would hold the child while the car is moving, making sudden stops and, at worst, during accidents.

These can be special seat belts, which are much wider and softer than standard belts and must pass through the child’s stomach when fastened.

Restraint devices are seat belt systems that hold a child in a sitting position and can be either part of a child car seat or part of a factory seat in the car itself.

Newborns or older children under 12 months of age are not suitable for such devices if they are attached to a car seat.

But they can be used in a child car seat or infant carrier. For newborns (up to 6 months), it will not be possible to use a car seat, because he cannot sit yet.

For such small children, infant carriers are used, where the child can calmly lie down and at the same time be securely fastened with strong but soft safety straps.

If the child is already 10-11 months old, then he may well be sitting. Therefore, for older children, but under one year of age, car seats are used that can be fixed in a sitting or reclining position.

Almost all of these chairs are removable, and therefore you don’t even have to take the child out of it and carry him home right in it.

The seat itself must have working mechanisms that fasten it to the car's seat belts or in another way - for example, with special brackets that are attached to the car seat. But it should not dangle, but should be securely attached to the inside of the car.

You should also not buy a seat, so to speak, “for growth,” because the restraint device will not be able to fasten tightly enough through the child’s stomach to the seat belt panel.

Responsibility for violating the rules

Previously, if small children under 12 years of age were transported incorrectly, traffic police officers issued a fine to the violator in the amount 500 rubles. This rule was in effect back in 2013.

But today this level of sanctions is provided for the incorrect transportation of adults in a car. And in order for the violator to bear responsibility for violating the transportation of small children, a fine of 3000 rubles.

The same punishment awaits in cases where special rules were not followed, for example, when children under 1 year of age were transported in a car after surgery.

For postoperative children, special equipment is required, depending on the recommendations of the attending physician and the nature of the disease.

It should also be separately emphasized that a violation is considered not only the absence of a seat or specialized equipment, but also its incorrect installation in the car. Thus, it is prohibited to transport babies under 1 year of age in the direction of travel of the car, therefore.

If the seat is installed in the direction of movement of the car, this will be regarded as a violation, for which a fine of 3,000 rubles is imposed.

If you fasten the seat belts incorrectly, and in such a way that they get tangled and the child is squeezed, then this will also be considered a violation.

When using a homemade child seat and seat belts in it, all technical features and standards must be observed and met.

A car seat or infant carrier must comply with general principles, so when creating such equipment with your own hands, you need to focus on GOST R 41.44-2005.

A recent study shows that almost one in two children are not properly secured in a car. This could result in serious injury during road emergencies or accidents. Someone places a child in a child seat incorrectly. Some people don’t play it safe at all, putting their children in a car without a seat. We have collected for you the seven most common and common mistakes that parents make when transporting their child in a car.

According to a study, in Germany, in 48 percent of cases, children are transported in a car incorrectly. And we are not talking about those irresponsible drivers who transport children without a special seat, breaking the law. The worst thing is that we are talking about drivers who transport children in a seat.

Incorrect fastening of belts is the most common mistake

Most often, when drivers place a child in a child seat, they either do not tighten the lumbar belt tightly enough, or the lumbar belts do not pass through the holes in the seat required for safety.
This is especially true for child seats of group 0/0+ (child seats for transporting children aged from 0 to 12 months and weighing up to 13 kg) and group 1 (child seats intended for transporting children aged from 9 months to 4 years and weighing from 9 to 18 kg).

The most common mistake parents make when securing children in such chairs is that the pelvic belts are often swapped with the shoulder belts.
Here is an example of how serious the consequences can be as a result of improperly fastened seat belts when transporting a child. This video was created by the German Association of Motor Insurers (UDV), which conducted crash tests with child seats to show drivers the consequences of errors when restraining children in a child seat:

Crash test of child seats: seven mistakes parents make when transporting children in the car

The AUTO TEST company, together with the DEKRA company, modeled the seven most common mistakes when transporting children in child seats. All tests were carried out in the form of a frontal impact at a speed of 50 km/h in accordance with the ECE R44 standard. Based on the readings of sensors that were attached to child mannequins, the test results were assessed by a pediatric surgeon. Based on the results of these tests, seven of the most common mistakes when transporting children in a car were identified.

Here are the most dangerous and common mistakes that irresponsible parents make when transporting their children:

Mistake #1: a child on an adult's lap

All drivers know that it is impossible to transport a child without a child seat, not only because it is prohibited by law, but primarily because it is extremely dangerous. However, many parents often transport their child in the car on their lap. Especially when you are planning a short distance trip. In this case, many parents believe that nothing will happen during a short trip and transport the child on their knees.

In the test, a mannequin sitting on his knees represented an imitation of a 12-year-old child. Despite the low speed of impact, the child's dummy bounced into the dashboard. So in the event of an accident, the adult's hands will not hold the child. The surgeon's verdict: such a low-speed accident can kill a child.

Mistake #2: Weak child seat seat belts

Unfortunately, children are often not securely fastened with a seat belt in a child seat. For example, a child's thick jacket may interfere with the normal tension of the belts. Remember that only secure straps and straps can provide adequate protection in a crash.
In the test, each dummy corresponded to a 3-year-old child. Each mannequin was placed in a child's seat.

Only one dummy was placed in a Group 1 child seat, but it was wearing inflated clothing, which affected the tension of the seat belts (child seats intended for the carriage of children aged from 9 months to 4 years and weighing from 9 to 18 kg), and the other mannequin was specifically placed in a Group 2/3 child seat (child seats designed to carry children between 3 and 12 years of age and weighing between 15 and 26 kg).

As a result, due to its small height and weight, the dummy, seated in the wrong chair, hit its head while simulating an accident. A mannequin in thick clothing hit his head on the front seat.

In both cases, a child could be seriously injured in a real accident.

Mistake #3: Baby is too big for the seat

It often happens that a child is transported in a car in a seat that is too small for him (the child has outgrown a small child seat). To show what happens during such transportation with a child, a crash test was carried out in Germany in which a group 1 child seat (child seats intended for transporting children aged from 9 months to 4 years and weighing from 9 to 18 kg) was carried out. They planted a mannequin representing a six-year-old child.


As a result of the collision, the child is partially restrained by the belt. But there is a huge shift underway. As a result, the child's head and legs are too vulnerable.

In addition, the test showed a significant load on the neck. In such an accident, there is a risk of injury to the cervical vertebrae. In the worst case, there is a risk of traumatic brain injury.

Mistake #4: The child is too small for the seat

This is exactly the opposite mistake that parents often make when placing a child who is too small in a large child seat. This was also proven by a test conducted by AUTO TEST. Thus, a small mannequin representing a 1.5-year-old child was placed in a category 2/3 child seat (child seats intended for transporting children aged 3 to 12 years and weighing from 15 to 26 kg).

As a result of a car collision at a speed of only 50 km/h, the dummy, due to unreliable lumbar fastening (the tightening of the lumbar seat belt is insufficient due to the small size of the dummy), began to shift with rotational movements at the moment of impact. As a result, in the event of a real accident, a child sitting in a child seat that is too large can suffer significant injuries.

Mistake No. 5: incorrect installation of the chair based on the Isofix fastening

An incorrectly installed seat with the Isofix fastening system can also have serious consequences for the child in the event of an accident.


In a test carried out by AUTO TEST, it was found that if a child seat with an Isofix system is not installed correctly, rotational movements of the seat and the child occur upon impact. The traction forces acting on the head are very high. The vertical acceleration acting on the chest area is also high. This can lead to serious injuries to the cervical vertebrae.

Mistake #6: Open child seat harness clamps

Open belt clips are another danger for children when traveling in a car in a child seat.


Tests have shown that when the seat belt that is supposed to hold a child seat in place is not closed, the seat moves too far forward during an impact, causing the child to suffer a head injury when they hit the wall of the front seat of the car.

Error No. 7: The airbag is not turned off

This error mainly concerns child seats installed when transporting children in the front passenger seat. Unfortunately, parents very often forget to deactivate the front passenger airbag when installing a child seat in the front seat.


True, the test conducted by German specialists gave an amazing result. A child, even with the airbag activated, will not receive life-threatening injuries. This is despite the fact that during an impact the airbag is deployed, which carries risks for the child in the child seat in the front seat.

However, as experts note, the positive result of this test does not mean that when transporting a child in a child seat in the front seat, it is not necessary to turn off the passenger airbag. The fact is that in some cases, during an accident of this kind, the impact of an airbag on a small child sitting in a child seat in the front seat can be much worse than in the tests carried out. Therefore, every driver must learn by heart that when installing a child seat in the front seat, it is necessary to deactivate the front airbag if the car does not have an automatic airbag deactivation.