Stress, excitement, apprehension... Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is no easy task!
For young parents-to-be, you'll have to think of everything: arranging the bedroom, channelling the family, planning the laundry, nappies, bottle-feeding... right through to organising the trip to the hospital or clinic.
Obviously, it's afterwards that we can feel a little overwhelmed. Some of us have our heads in the clouds, others are in the dumps, but it's when you leave the maternity ward that you really get into the swing of things.
If there's a question on your mind when you get to the car, we're here to help you put baby in the car seat and choose the best 360 car seat for your child - and your back!
When and why choose a swivel car seat?
The different models of baby car seat
If, on leaving the maternity ward, you arrive at the car without your baby in a swivel seat, it's already too late to take the time to make a comparison. We therefore advise future parents to choose their baby seat before the birth, so that they have time to discover the different models and install it with complete peace of mind (in any case, as long as you have free rein).
There are 3 different types of baby car seat:
- The cosy or is a shell that makes no compromise between comfort and safety, like the AirTwist, a progressive car seat that accompanies baby from birth to 4 years.
- The carrycot is a real mini-bed. Although extremely comfortable for a little nap, it won't provide enough support for your little one's head in the event of an accident. An absolute no-no
- The bucket seat is not really a birth seat. It has been designed to keep toddlers' backs to the road until they are 4 years old, thereby guaranteeing their safety. Choose one as soon as baby's head protrudes - even slightly - beyond the protective volume of the birth seat.
The swivelling car seat: a legal requirement, but above all a matter of safety!
Without a car seat, our little ones would be at the mercy of the slightest impact. Without even mentioning accidents, speed bumps and sudden braking can injure children if they are not properly strapped into a suitable seat.
As the regulations state, all children under the age of ten must travel in a seat adapted to their age, weight and body shape, or face a fine. If you really want to keep an eye on your little one, you can put them in the passenger seat with their back to the road, using an R44-04 or iSize approved restraint system.
Our advice is to place a small mirror on the headrest. It's easy to install, not very expensive and above all very reassuring for young parents who sometimes find it hard to take their eyes off their little bundle of joy, even though, as we all know, it's better to look at the road!
Why choose a 360 seat rather than a classic cosy?
It's no secret. Between pregnancy, furniture assembly and shopping bags, parents' backs are already being put to the test.
The 360 seat is an ultra-practical child seat. You position it towards you while you settle your child in, then you swivel it around without twisting it in all directions. That's really practical, isn't it?
Does a swivelling car seat fit in every car?
So yes, but not always as you might think!
When we talk about car seats, we often think of Isofix. Isofix seats are compatible with all cars under 15 years old, as this attachment system has been compulsory since 2011. If in doubt, place one hand between the seat and the back of the rear seat. If you feel a ring to the left and right, your car is well equipped. You're in luck!
All you have to do is clip the seat to your car, put your little one in it, then lift the handle of the cosy into the "anti-bounce" position before setting off.
If your car is not fitted with the Isofix system, some booster seats can be secured to the car using the seatbelt.
Ideally, of course, we'd opt for an Isofix + seatbelt system and remember to remove our little one's anorak before fastening it down. Safety first and foremost!