With the improvement of living standards, parents are becoming more and more particular about choosing child safety seats. Not only the safety of child safety seats is required, but also the pursuit of functional design and comfort is getting higher and higher. For example, the seat should be 360 degrees rotatable to facilitate children to get on and off the seat; Good breathability, children are not easy to sweat when sitting inside, do not feel stuffy; The comfort should be good, the headrest is well matched, and even if the child falls asleep in the seat, the head is not easy to tilt, tilt, etc.
The reason why I asked so much was because it was so difficult to drive my children out. Babies and toddlers don't have words, and if they sit uncomfortably in a child safety seat, they will cry and fuss, making you unable to concentrate on driving. Older children don't want to sit in safety seats, at first they can't barely sit by their parents, and they will take advantage of their parents driving in front and secretly unfasten their car seat belts halfway...
So, how can you choose a child safety seat that adults can rest assured that children like? Let me give you the hard and soft indicators for choosing child safety seats.
First, the hard index of child safety seat selection: to ensure safety
1) Passed i-Size (i.e. ECE R129) + 3C certification + C-NCAP (real car crash test)
At present, there are the following types of child safety seat certification on the market: EU R44/04 (ECE R44/04), i-Size (ECE R129), CCC certification, C-NCAP (real car collision test). When buying a child safety seat in China, it is best to choose one that has 3C certification + i-Size (ECE R129) + C-NCAP (real car collision test).
Child safety seats belong to the category of Mainland 3C (China Compulsory Certification) compulsory certification products. Child safety seats that do not have 3C certification are not allowed to be sold or shipped in the Chinese market.
ECE R129 is more stringent than the earlier ECE R44/04 review standard: for children younger than 15 months, the seat must be placed rear-facing; Added side impact protection requirements to better protect the child's head and neck; Only seats with ISOFIX interface are accepted to reduce the risk of installation errors; Height is used as a criterion for grouping, instead of weight, etc.
Observant parents may notice that some child car seats have both ECE certifications (ECE R44/04 and ECE R129). Does this mean that the child car seat is more reliable? No! The most reliable child car seat should be certified at the i-Size (ECE R129) class, which means that there is only one ECE certification – ECE R129 – on the seat. The simultaneous appearance of ECE R44/04 and ECE R129 indicates that this child safety seat has only passed ECE R129 certification at one age group, and the other age group has not met the standard of ECE R129 certification, and has only passed ECE R44/04 certification.
C-NCAP China Automotive Technology and Research Center is a comprehensive automotive research institution in China for automobile collision, with the most comprehensive professional experience and technology in automobile crash testing recognized in China, and its test capabilities and conditions have also been recognized by peers in the world. C-NCAP's product safety tests are more stringent than the previous two, and the actual crash tests have higher accelerations than ADACs. The products shortlisted for the C-NCAP list are also products that have passed the real car crash test and meet the safety standards. The higher the ranking, the higher the safety factor!
Therefore, when buying a child safety seat, it is preferable to choose a child safety seat that has passed the 3C certification + i-Size (ECE R129) + C-NCAP at the same time, and the safety is more guaranteed.
2) The fixing method is preferred to ISOFIX
There are two main fixing methods for child safety seats: ISOFIX and LATCH.
Image from "Analysis of Structural Characteristics and Improved Design of Car Child Safety Seats", Zhang Zhongliang and Jin Xiaoxiong.
The child car seat with ISOFIX is easy to install and has a stable and durable rigid connection.
The child car seat with LATCH fixation secures the child car seat with 3 points, 2 fixing points under the seat (both deformable and rigid bottom connectors) and 1 fixing point above the seat. Due to the complex installation method, the misinstallation rate is high.
Facts and studies have proven that ISOFIX's seat fixing method is more reliable and convenient.
3) Prefer light-colored native skeleton, and EPP is preferred for shock absorbing materials
The skeleton of a child safety seat is generally made of polypropylene (PP). The skeleton can be divided into primary skeleton and secondary recycled skeleton according to the material. The original skeleton contains more native materials, which is non-toxic and odorless, and has better shock resistance; Due to the addition of recycled plastic in the secondary recycling skeleton, the color is darker, the toughness is weak, and the shock resistance will be worse. It is difficult to find out whether the material itself contains impurities in dark colors, and it is recommended that you give preference to the original skeleton of light colors.
Shock-absorbing materials are mostly used in the head and flanks of car seats. In the event of a collision or accidental impact, the high-density bubbles in these materials act as cushioning as air bags, thereby protecting children and reducing injuries. Shock absorbing materials require comfort, breathability, environmental protection, good cushioning performance, and the most widely used are these three: polyethylene (EPE), polystyrene (EPS), polypropylene (EPP).
- Polyethylene (EPE), also known as pearl cotton, is formed by a physical foaming process of low-density polyethylene, which has a good shock absorption and cushioning effect. The disadvantage is that it is waterproof and moisture-proof, and it is not breathable enough in the seat, and it is easy to bend during use. Because of its low price, it is used more in low-end domestic child safety seats.
- Polystyrene (EPS) is a plastic foam that we often see in our daily life, with good cushioning and shock absorption performance, light weight and moderate cost. However, it is very easy to break into small particles when subjected to collision, and it is not durable in terms of cushioning performance.
- Polypropylene (EPP) is a highly crystalline polymer with good structure and properties, and is much better than EPE and EPS in terms of environmental protection, impact strength and high temperature resistance. However, because of the high cost, it is generally only used in high-end brand child safety seats.
From the perspective of comprehensive sound insulation, heat preservation and shock absorption effects, polypropylene (EPP) is the most ideal shock absorbing material. Child safety seats made of this shock-absorbing material can better protect children from accidental injuries.
Second, the soft index of child safety seat selection: improve comfort and increase ease of use
1) The shape design is ergonomic, and the child is not tired after sitting for a long time
Using ergonomic "wrapped" and "egg-type" designs, combined with energy-absorbing and breathable filling materials, such child safety seats can perfectly fit the child's hips, waist, etc., and are not prone to fatigue problems after sitting for a long time. The comfort of the seat is improved, and the child's resistance to the child safety seat will naturally decrease.
2) The function adjustment is simple and convenient, and it is not easy to misoperate
The child's growth and development is particularly fast, and in order to make the size of the seat always suitable for the child, the child safety seat must have many adjustment functions, such as headrest height adjustment, shoulder width adjustment, back tilt adjustment, etc. Through simple function adjustment, to provide children with a more comfortable riding experience, reduce the possibility of children due to seat discomfort and emotions.
The compression type is not easy to use, and it tests the strength of the fingers
However, some child car seats have functional adjustments hidden behind the seat and require firm pressing or pulling. For new mothers with insufficient strength, this wave of operation is really difficult. Therefore, it is best to choose a child car seat that is clearly marked with functions and easy to adjust.
In addition, special attention should be paid to the fact that trying to choose a single child safety seat with a single belt path can effectively reduce the possibility of misoperation.
3) The fabric is breathable and waterproof, making cleaning and care more convenient
As a part close to the child's skin, the fabric of the child safety seat must not only be safe and non-toxic (no azo dyes, volatile organic formaldehyde, and qualified color fastness), but also soft and wear-resistant, comfortable and breathable, waterproof and oilproof, and have good flame retardant performance. In this way, even if the child eats and drinks on the seat, the seat is not easy to get dirty, and it is more convenient to take care of.
The detection of hazardous substances in textiles is already well established, and car seats made of STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics and accessories can provide health protection for children. The test content of STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® covers the hazardous substances mentioned in the EU REACH Regulation (List of Hazardous Substances) and is divided into 4 levels according to the degree of contact with the body, each level has specific standards for hazardous substances and their limit values, the highest of which is class I: infant level. Grade I certified products, color fastness, heavy metals, formaldehyde, azo dyes, chlorinated benzylene and other harmful chemical items content and levels meet infant use standards.
In addition, child safety seats should preferably be equipped with awnings. Even if the sun is strong outside the window, I am not afraid of children with delicate skin.
In order to make the child more comfortable in the car, the well-known mother and baby brand Hakada hagaday has launched an electric child safety seat - HQ8 intelligent safety seat. As an inquiry-based mother and baby blogger, I am so curious about this new smart car seat that I can't help but order it first to "try it early" and do an in-depth evaluation!
Hagaday HQ8 smart car seat
1) Exterior design
From left to right, the accessories decrease one by one and the height of the headrest increases
Hagaday HQ8 Smart Car Seat is a car restraint system for infants and toddlers aged 0-7 years old, available in three colors, Gothic Universe (navy), Barlow Planet (light blue), Rock Galaxy (red). I chose the most gentle color scheme of the planet Barlow, the light blue and gold combination makes this car seat look clean, atmospheric and luxurious.
It also comes with a wide range of accessories, including removable padding pads, extension pedals, awnings, and retractable support legs, so that children can enjoy the most comfortable and safe travel experience at every stage of growth.
The C-shaped ridge guard cockpit is more comfortable
At the same time, it supports both forward and reverse installation. Babies under 6 months of age must be padded for rear-facing installation, maximum inclination and just the right wrapping sensation to make the child feel as safe as lying in the mother's arms. Children over 6 months old can remove the inner padding and install it forward, so that the interior space will be more spacious and the view from the child in the car will be wider.
This car seat can also achieve 360-degree rotation with one hand and 90° hovering, making it super convenient for children to get in and out of the car. Holding the baby with one hand and operating the car seat with one hand, mom and dad drive the baby alone, so they don't have to be busy anymore.
2) Security
Safety is the first principle that moms and dads consider when choosing a car seat for their children. As mentioned earlier, I don't know how to buy, just check whether the label on the child safety seat has i-Size (i.e. ECE R129) and 3C certification.
Push-pull ISOFIX unlocking method
HQ8 intelligent car seat has passed the I-SIZE certification and 3C certification of 40cm~105cm, 100cm~135cm at the same time, and adopts ISOFIX rigid fixing method, which is quite high in terms of safety guarantee factor.
Moreover, it also does a fairly good job of side collision avoidance. Both sides of the side are filled with EPP shock absorbing material, and honeycomb invisible side protection design is additionally made on both sides of the head and chest position, which is filled with slow rebound latex foam foam + thickened energy-absorbing EPP + imported PP particles integrated injection molding, which can effectively strengthen the side anti-collision safety factor of the safety seat.
The most important thing is that it has also passed the C-NCAP certification, and the measured safety data far exceeds the test standard (the lower the value, the higher the safety factor). Taking the head injury index as an example, the value between 500~700 is considered to meet the standard, and the head damage value of HQ8 is only 168; The neck force between 1.555~2.84 is considered to meet the standard, and the neck force value of HQ8 is only 1.115... It can be seen that the HQ8 smart car seat is a child safety seat that can really protect children's lives at critical moments!
3) Comfort
The headrest is filled with EPP+ memory foam and the back has many ventilation holes
The HQ8 Smart Car Seat also pays great attention to seat comfort. Using EPP+ memory foam spliced into a C-shaped spine protection cockpit, which can disperse back pressure and shock absorption well, better care for the child's spine and head and neck, plus the jelly cotton cushion in the zone, the overall comfort of the seat is greatly improved!
HQ8 waterproof test of seat fabric
Considering that infants and young children have a strong metabolism and are prone to sweating, HQ8 also adopts a hole-type seat back design and OEKO-TEX baby-grade skin-friendly and breathable fabric, which not only effectively improves the breathability of the seat, but also makes the seat achieve the effect of waterproof, oilproof, and dirt-proof. Even if your child eats or drinks and accidentally drips a drink on the seat, they are not afraid to stain the seat.
With the addition of an awning, the child sleeps more securely
When the child is older and does not like to use the five-point restraint system that comes with the seat, he can also directly remove the five-point restraint system on the seat and use the three-point restraint system of the car seat belt instead. In this way, the child will be given more freedom of movement in the seat.
4) Functionality
There are quite a few child safety seats on the market that advertise "smart", but most of them are pseudo-intelligent, and the function of adjusting the seat tilt still relies on manual operation, and there is no hint of seat installation errors.
Seat recline adjustment, the left picture is the upward adjustment, the right picture is the downward adjustment
The HQ8 smart car seat is a real smart seat, which not only can adjust the seat tilt electrically, but also adds ventilation, heating, child anti-forgetfulness, support legs, correct seat installation direction, seat installation in place and other functions. There are also multiple power sources to choose from, which can be connected to the USB interface on the car for charging, can be connected to the mobile power supply, and can also be used with dry batteries.
The picture above shows that the support legs and ISOFIX installed on the seat are not in place, and the picture below shows that the seat is fully installed
Some people may think that there is air conditioning in the car, and the ventilation and heating functions of the child safety seat are not necessary. But I tell you, the back seat of an ordinary car only has an air conditioning outlet in the middle, and the uneven air in the car is a common situation.
Infants and young children have delicate skin and are usually sensitive to the temperature response of their surroundings. In summer, the skin that has more contact with the seat sweats more, which is easy to cause skin diseases such as prickly heat and warm rash; In early autumn, it feels hot to turn on the air conditioner and blow the heating, and it feels cold if you don't turn on the air conditioner. If the child car seat can be blown or heated directly, there is no need to worry about the discomfort of the child sitting alone in the back seat due to the uneven hot and cold air in the car.
With the HQ8 smart car seat powered on, functions such as ventilation, heating, and seat tilt adjustment can be easily achieved by pressing the function keys on the seat. If it is inconvenient to operate on the seat, you can also connect to the seat through mobile phone Bluetooth, directly check the status of the seat on the mobile phone, and carry out functions such as ventilation, heating, and tilt adjustment of the seat.
Judge the wind by the fluttering of paper towels
In order to test the ventilation wind of the HQ8, I put a light tissue strip behind the seat and did a simple wind test. Turn on 1 gear, the paper towel only flutters in the crack; Turn on 2 gears, and the paper towel immediately floats outside; Turn on 3 gears, and the paper towel floats even more, directly sideways.
The 1 and 2 pictures from the left adjust the ventilation and heating gears on the mobile phone respectively, and the right picture is the children's anti-forgetting reminder
The anti-forgetting function for children is also practical. After getting out of the car, leaving the child safety seat for more than a certain distance will trigger the forgetting reminder function, and a warm reminder will be sent on the mobile phone APP to remind parents - please do not leave the baby alone in the car. This effectively prevents the accidental danger of children being stranded alone in the car.
With the development of science and technology and the progress of the times, the functions of child safety seats are really more and more complete and advanced. Under the premise of ensuring the safety of children, the design of Hagaday HQ8 intelligent car seat on artificial intelligence is indeed eye-catching, not only can you check whether the installation of the safety seat is wrong at any time, but also realize the tilt of multiple gears adjustable, hot and cold adjustable, it is very convenient! The child sits comfortably, and it is more secure for us to travel alone with the baby by car.