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How to Choose the Safest Car Seat for Your Newborn | Bygge Bo

March 1, 2023

Understanding how to choose the safest car seat for your newborn

As a new parent, you want to make sure that your little one is safe and secure during car rides. The best way to do this is by choosing the right car seat for your newborn. Choosing the correct child restraint system can be a tricky process, so it's important to understand regulations regarding car seats in Ireland, as well as features like I-SIZE System ECE R129, ISOFIX technology and other safety systems provided with many brands of cybex infant car seats. This post will explain everything you need to know about selecting the safest option for your loved one––so keep on reading!

Overview of Ireland’s car seat safety lawsS.I. No. 240/2006

S.I. No. 240/2006 is the official Irish law that outlines the safety rules and regulations for child passenger seating. This legislation is sometimes referred to by its full name, “Safety Regulation S.I. No. 240 of 2006: Vehicle Seats, Child Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions (I-SIZE System) Regulations 2006". The I-Size system improves on previous road-safety measures by using the latest technology in car seat safety standards, including improved side-impact protection and more secure buckled restraints. In addition to that, S.I. No 240/2006 also demands that all child restraint systems meet the specifications of ECE R129 in order to be legal for motor vehicle use in Ireland, making this law one of the most stringent when it comes to safeguarding our youngest passengers from harm on Irish roadsides .

What is ECE R129, and what do car seat manufactures have to consider?

ECE R129, also known as the i-Size Regulation, is an important safety standard set by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in order to foster greater safety for children travelling in Child Restraint Systems (CRS) within vehicles. ECE R129 includes increased emphasis on side-impact protection amongst other important safety requirements, such as CRS fitting tests, shape and size of CRSs and remaining belt integrity considerations during crash simulations. Currently, several ECE R129 regulations are being applied or considered for adoption domestically by many nations. It is important that car seat manufactures take ECE R129 into consideration by ensuring their car seats conform to its various criteria in order to provide maximum protection our smallest passengers.

Differences between ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 car seats

Parents are always looking for the safest car seats to protect their children while they are on the road. Fortunately, there are two major standards of car seat safety available - ECE R129 and ECE R44/04. Both have been developed with rigorous testing in order to ensure that passengers are as safe as possible during a collision or other unexpected events. While these standards share some similarities, there are also distinct differences between them that can help parents make an informed decision when selecting a car seat for their child. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 car seats so you can select the best option for your family’s needs.

ECE R129 adheres to stricter safety standards than the ECE R44/04. It was introduced in 2013 and is designed to provide improved head and neck protection for children up to 85cm (around 15 or 18 months) through more detailed tests. It also requires that car seats be rear facing until your child reaches at least 15 months, whereas the older regulation ECE R44/04 only requires rear-facing until 9kg (around 10 months). Some i-Size/R129 seats/systems can even be used rearward-facing until your baby reaches 105cm, which is around four years of age. Isofix compatible car seats are also available to make installation simpler and safer than those that use the vehicle’s seat belt.

ECE R44/04 car seats are still a safe option, but do not adhere to the same level of protection as ECE R129 car seats. This standard tests for both frontal and rear-impact, but does not include any side impact tests. It also only requires rear-facing until 9kg (around 10 months).

It is important to note that no car seat can prevent all injuries during an accident. However, by considering the ratings of ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 car seat standards, you can rest assured that your child will be as safe as possible while travelling. Make sure to read the labels on your car seat and check for any recalls before purchasing or installing it, as this is the best way to keep your child safe on their travels.

Understanding differences between (R44/04) and new R129 car seat safety regulations

Understanding how to read your car seat label

Understanding how to read your car seat label correctly is an essential part of keeping your kids safe while they travel. It’s also the law in most countries. The information in the label should tell you exactly which weight and height limits are right for your car seat, as well as ECE R129 or i-Size rating and the ADAC rating. All of this helps you make sure that you have chosen the right seat for your child, allowing them to travel safely. With just a few simple steps, you can make sure that your little ones get to their destination unharmed and with peace of mind!

A guide to car seat labels A guide to understanding ADAC car seat safety labels

Safe Installation - What You Need to Know

Safe installation is an important step in the car seat buying process, but it's often overlooked. Knowing what to look for is key! Start with isofix fit; this is a system of attachment between the child’s car seat and anchorage points in the vehicle, ensuring increased safety for your child. Belted seats are also safe, but be sure that the lap belt is tied tight. Also, look for chairs featuring side-impact protection, such as L.S.P from Cybex; this kind of protection is designed to reduce forces associated with side impact collisions by up to 25 percent! Lastly, always look for indicators; these help ensure that you’ve secured your child into their seat properly - have peace of mind knowing your child is safe. Many of the isofix bases available at Bygge Bo have clever sound and light indicators to give you peace of mind. Last but most definitely not least, never ever fit a rear facing car seat in the front passenger seat with the airbag left on. We typically recommend against fitting your infant seat in the front altogether, instead opt for the rear passenger seats for safer installation. With these tips in mind and practice you can be sure to install your kid’s car seat safely each and every time.

Tips for Choosing The Safest Car Seats for Your Newborn

Having a newborn is a wonderful experience, but it comes with many responsibilities as well. One of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing the right car seat for your precious cargo. Fortunately, i-size guidelines have been put into place to help parents make an informed decision. i-size regulations mandate that cars have an adjustable head rest, side-impact protection and must be rear facing until your child reaches at least 15 months old. With those criteria in mind, take some time to do research on the car seat models available in your area and look for safety ratings before finalising your purchase - this could make all the difference between a safe ride for your little one or an avoidable accident.

Considering ADAC car seat safety ratings

Considering car seat safety ratings from the ADAC is an important step in ensuring your children are as safe as possible in their car seats. ADAC rates frontal collision and side impact protection in all major operations (including adjusting straps and reclining) as well as ergonomic aspects of the seat. Taking a close look at safety ratings will give you peace of mind knowing that your child is buckled into the best car seat available to protect them in the event of an accident. With lab tests simulating frontal collisions, side impacts and other unexpected road events, you can rest assured your child’s safety is taken seriously by the experts at ADAC.

Still need a little help?

When it comes to selecting the right car seat for your newborn, you should consider both ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 standards. While they share some similarities, there are also distinct differences between them that can help parents make an informed decision when choosing a car seat.

Additionally, look out for features such as impact-absorbing cushions, five-point harnesses, adjustable headrests, colour coded isofix bases and more in order to ensure maximum protection during collisions or other unexpected events.

Book in today with our expert team for a FREE PERSONAL SHOPPING APPOINTMENT, to help take the guess work out of your car seat shopping.

Shop full car seat range online here. Or check out our blog " When to change your childs car seat"

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Blog Posts

How to Choose the Safest Car Seat for Your Newborn | Bygge Bo

Understanding how to choose the safest car seat for your newborn

Overview of Ireland’s car seat safety lawsS.I. No. 240/2006

What is ECE R129, and what do car seat manufactures have to consider?

Differences between ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 car seats

Understanding how to read your car seat label

Safe Installation - What You Need to Know

Tips for Choosing The Safest Car Seats for Your Newborn

Considering ADAC car seat safety ratings

Still need a little help?

More Posts

Baby #2 Preparation | Bygge Bo

All About the Leander Linea Collection | Bygge Bo

Meet Matty! | The Ultimate Baby Must-Have For Your Wishlist | Bygge Bo

Recent Posts

Baby #2 Preparation | Bygge Bo

All About the Leander Linea Collection | Bygge Bo

Meet Matty! | The Ultimate Baby Must-Have For Your Wishlist | Bygge Bo

Blog Posts

How to Choose the Safest Car Seat for Your Newborn | Bygge Bo

Understanding how to choose the safest car seat for your newborn

Overview of Ireland’s car seat safety lawsS.I. No. 240/2006

What is ECE R129, and what do car seat manufactures have to consider?

Differences between ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 car seats

Understanding how to read your car seat label

Safe Installation - What You Need to Know

Tips for Choosing The Safest Car Seats for Your Newborn

Considering ADAC car seat safety ratings

Still need a little help?

More Posts

Baby #2 Preparation | Bygge Bo

All About the Leander Linea Collection | Bygge Bo

Meet Matty! | The Ultimate Baby Must-Have For Your Wishlist | Bygge Bo

Stay In The Know

Recent Posts

Baby #2 Preparation | Bygge Bo

All About the Leander Linea Collection | Bygge Bo

Meet Matty! | The Ultimate Baby Must-Have For Your Wishlist | Bygge Bo

Stay In The Know