Safety issues: how to properly assemble a child car seat after washing?


A child car seat is designed to protect the child while he is in the vehicle. To prevent it from becoming a source of germs and dust mites, it must be cleaned regularly.

To do this, the device is completely disassembled. After washing, you need to assemble the car seat according to the user manual.

Otherwise, it will not be able to fulfill its main function - to ensure the safety of the little passenger who will be in it.

Let's take a closer look at how to assemble a child car seat after washing, what problems you may encounter and how to resolve them correctly.

The need to wash the product

Cleaning a child's car seat should be carried out on a regular basis, because a dirty object in the car interior not only looks sloppy, but also accumulates a huge number of pathogens. The fact that the car seat is intended for a child says a lot: there will be crumbs, stains from spilled drinks, and sand from the baby’s clothes. All this together forms an excellent environment for the proliferation of bacteria, which can serve as carriers of dangerous diseases. This is why regular cleaning of car seats is necessary.

Error eight. Using car seats that have been discontinued or have been in an accident

Check your chair: A large number of models have been discontinued in recent years, but many remain in use. Check the brand, serial number and date of manufacture (all of which are indicated on the seat) with the list of discontinued car seat models.

Danger: A car seat may be removed from sale for a variety of reasons, including faulty latches or flammable upholstery fabric. And while some recall reasons do not pose a serious threat, others can be deadly. A faulty fastener can lead to disaster.

Remedy: If you find that your car seat has been discontinued, contact the manufacturer for further instructions. Do not buy second-hand car seats - it is quite possible that you will buy a seat that has been taken off the market or has been in an accident.

How to disassemble a car seat to make it easier to reassemble later?

You need to remove the cover from the child car seat carefully and slowly, without sudden movements. Before removal, you need to carefully look at how the key elements of the product are connected to each other. The seat belts must be removed from bottom to top. After this, you can start removing the covers.

The seat belts are disconnected first. To perform the process correctly, you need to press a special button at the junction of the belts. There is no need to pull them by force or tear them out of the cell without pressing a button - this can damage the structure. After removing the belts, you need to detach the upholstery and liner.

If you quickly and inattentively disassemble the chair, you may encounter the complexity of its subsequent assembly. Often parents forget in what order they disconnected all the elements, and there are no step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer. In this regard, it is recommended that when disassembling elements, record the order on a piece of paper. Just write down the name of the element, numbering the order.

If this is your first time disassembling the car seat, you can take pictures of the process to simplify further assembly. You can also record all the actions on a video camera.

Recommendations

Parents should consider the following recommendations:


  1. Covers are washed as needed. There is no need to be afraid to disassemble the car seat. Its assembly is simple and accessible to everyone.

  2. If the contamination is not too intense, you can refuse to remove the covers. They are treated with soapy water and a sponge directly in the car.
  3. The soft lining, which is located under the covers, is best cleaned dry. It may become deformed due to exposure to moisture.
  4. During the assembly process, you need to monitor the condition of the lining. It should lie flat and not bunch up. Otherwise, the chair will need to be disassembled again.
  5. It is convenient to assemble the lower part of the chair if you place it horizontally. This will make it easier to thread the straps through the holes.
  6. Only dried covers can be put on the chair. Damp fabric may develop mold, causing the device to produce an unpleasant odor.

How to reassemble the car seat after cleaning?

After the car seat has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it needs to be assembled and returned to its original place in the car. The algorithm for assembling the product is as follows:

  1. The upper part of the cover is put on and securely secured with Velcro on the back side.
  2. The same is done with the other part, and you need to make sure that the cover is put on correctly and does not form wrinkles.
  3. The soft pad must be returned to its place so that the slots for the straps are opposite each other.
  4. The central locking belt is threaded through the slots and secured in this position. It is important to check how secure this mount is.
  5. The upper padding is attached slightly higher than the lower one and should be located just between the slots for the shoulder straps.
  6. The shoulder straps are threaded through the corresponding slots, and pads are attached to them to reduce friction.
  7. The side straps pass through the pads of the shoulder straps, and they must also pass through the cover itself and the car seat. After this, they are securely fastened at the back. The mounting bracket can be either metal or plastic, but in any case it must be handled with care.
  8. It is important to check the degree of tension of the belts - it should be sufficient to securely hold the child, but at the same time comfortable for him.
  9. The straps coming from the back of the backrest are connected to the straps coming from the front. There is also a special lock for this.
  10. The seat is assembled and can be returned to its place in the car.

Car mount

The seat can be secured with seat belts.

There are two commonly used methods of fixation, depending on the brand of car seat - using standard three-point belts and the Isofix system. Such methods are considered effective, safe and universal. Used in almost every model of chairs

It is worth paying attention that the belts and the holes for them should be located at the top point, namely above the child’s shoulders. This is the only way to travel in a car will be not only safe, but also comfortable.

Using standard belts

This mount is considered simple and convenient, but has its drawbacks. It is believed that such a system is not highly reliable, and during the installation of some categories of seats the belts are often not long enough. Before attaching the car seat with standard products, you need to check the presence of appropriate marks for the passage of belts (indicated in different colors depending on the purpose). If there are no mounted fasteners (internal five-point belts), you should make sure that the standard belts are of reliable quality.

Application of the Isofix system

This system is suitable for seats of any brand; it is the most reliable and safe. Special brackets make it possible to place the chair between the cushion and the backrest, on the front and rear passenger seats. Category 0 seats are easy to remove as the locks release gently. It is recommended to additionally use an anchor belt to protect the child from involuntary nodding, since with this system the upper part of the car seat will not be fixed.

Possible problems and their solutions

Often mistakes and problems happen after the first cleaning of the car seat. If any difficulty arises, you need to know how to resolve it. Let's look at the most common situations.

Incorrect assembly of the car seat

To understand what exactly was done incorrectly and how it can be corrected, you need to carefully read each point of the instructions again and check all the actions performed. It’s even better if you have the opportunity to watch video instructions - sometimes it’s enough to see how to do it once to understand your mistake. Under no circumstances should you use an incorrectly assembled seat - this can lead to child injury, even when driving quietly in a car.

The straps are located inconveniently

It is clear that the seat belts are located at the level of the baby’s shoulders. The inconvenience may consist in their tension being too strong or, conversely, they do not stay in place. Most likely they are not connected correctly. It is necessary to check all connections again and adjust the degree of tension of the belts for the child.

The child is uncomfortable sitting in the chair

This defect may also be due to improper assembly, especially if the child did not complain before cleaning. In this case, you also need to disassemble the chair and reassemble it, following the instructions exactly.

Child takes off seat belts

According to established rules, the locking device must be such that the child cannot open it independently. If it does this, it means the straps are not fastened correctly or are too loose.

The covers are deformed

If this happens, it means that the product was washed using the wrong program. If the deformation is very severe and hard folds form, you will most likely have to purchase a new cover - the child will not be able to sit comfortably on the crumpled material. You can, of course, try to use the chair without covers, but then all the dirt will quickly penetrate inside and it will not be so easy to wash them off.

Reassembling the car seat after washing is not difficult if you do it carefully and slowly, following all the steps and securing all the elements correctly.

The article was published in the Household section

Children may only be transported in a car in a special car seat. During use, the chair becomes dirty and needs to be washed. Cleaning requires dismantling the structure, after which many drivers often encounter difficulties and wonder how they can reassemble the car seat after washing.

Step by step guide

This device is an indispensable thing for parents who love to travel with small children.

The chair can be washed in a washing machine. The main thing is to observe the temperature regime and not use the sports mode, jeans and other aggressive types of washing.

Assembling a child car seat usually goes without problems if you have instructions. If it's not there, you'll have to work hard.

Not everyone can handle quick installation; some take a week to assemble it. If you don’t want this to happen to you, don’t throw away the instructions or put them in a visible place where your baby can get to them. Keep this manual with all other documents.

How to reassemble a child car seat after washing?

Assembling a child car seat using the example of tarti trt un:

  1. First you will need to put on the main cover. First, pull the top part tight and secure it. It is attached with Velcro on the back side.
  2. Then put on the second part and do not forget to put on the seat belts. Straighten the cover and make sure it fits well.
  3. Then you need to put the soft pad in place so that the slots for the belts are opposite each other.
  4. Next, pass the central locking belt through them and secure it with a metal bracket (buckle, this is the point where the belts meet). Be sure to check whether this part is securely fixed.
  5. The next step is to attach the top padding. Place it just above the bottom pad, opposite the shoulder strap slots.
  6. Thread the shoulder straps and don't forget about the special pads to soften friction.
  7. Pass the side five-point harnesses through the padded shoulder straps. They are threaded through the cover itself and the frame of the car seat. On the back side of the product, fasten them with a metal bracket, it can also be plastic, be careful not to break it.
  8. Check the tension of the belts so that they are not too tight or, conversely, weak. They must ensure the safety of the child and prevent him from falling out.
  9. Finally, connect the straps coming from the top of the back with the straps going through the front. The latter are also put on a metal retainer.

Now everyone knows how to assemble a car seat after washing. Then the product is attached to the machine. There shouldn't be any problems with this.

A similar assembly mechanism can be used for another washed car seat.

Only instead of Velcro, which hold the case in place and prevent it from twisting, there may be buttons or other mechanisms. The rest of the assembly is the same.

If even the detailed instructions did not help solve the problem, ask for help from friends who have disassembled and assembled this device for their child more than once.

Assembling the chair quickly and correctly is not a problem at all. Follow the procedure and everything will work out. And over time, it will not cause any trouble at all; you will assemble it in almost 5 minutes and without outside help.

Children may only be transported in a car in a special car seat. During use, the chair becomes dirty and needs to be washed. Cleaning requires dismantling the structure, after which many drivers often encounter difficulties and wonder how they can reassemble the car seat after washing.

Need for cleaning

With constant use, dust and lint from clothing accumulate on the child seat, food crumbs and drink stains, shoe marks and other types of dirt remain.

Even a small amount of dirt causes bacteria to multiply. It is recommended to carry out cleaning even in the absence of visible dirt on an ongoing basis - at least once a month.

The most convenient way to wash the chair is in a washing machine in a disassembled state.

Error three. The child is placed facing the direction of travel of the car too early

Check: The child must remain in a rear-facing position in the vehicle until he is one year old or until his height and weight exceed the maximum allowed by the child car seat manufacturer. Many parents make the mistake of considering only age or only height and weight, when it is necessary that both conditions be met. In other words, if your baby weighs 20 pounds on their first birthday, they should continue to ride rearward until their height and weight reach the maximum allowed for the car seat.

Danger: The spine of a small child is not yet sufficiently developed. In the event of an accident, when the child's back is in the direction of travel, the impact energy will be absorbed by the entire back - the strongest part of the child at this age. In the forward-facing position, the child's still disproportionately heavy head will tilt forward and downward and can injure the weak bones of the spine and spinal cord.

Remedy: Drive your child backwards in the direction of travel of the car until he reaches one year of age or exceeds the maximum permissible height and weight for the car seat.

Instructions for assembling a car seat

When disassembling the car seat, it is recommended to record or videotape the process of detaching each part, so that you can then reassemble it in the reverse order. If all the parts have already been washed and difficulty arises, you need to follow the following instructions:

  1. Take the seat cover and connect it to the straps on the sides and at the fastener locations.
  2. Pull the cover and make sure that all the parts are placed in their grooves, then fasten the latches.
  3. Place the cover over the back and slide it over the sides. After tightening, you need to fasten all the buttons.
  4. Thread the shoulder straps into the grooves located below and attach pads designed to soften friction.
  5. Bring the straps to the backrest and insert them into the slots, and then fasten them to the chair.

Error four. The baby bassinet is not installed at an angle of 45 degrees

Check: Most baby car seats have a built-in level that helps you position the seat at the right angle. However, parents often place the chair too upright. If your chair doesn't have a built-in level, take a square piece of paper and fold it in half to create a right triangle. Place the long side of the triangle - the hypotenuse - against the back of the chair. When installing the chair correctly, the top edge of the triangle should be parallel to the ground. Adjust the chair until the correct installation is achieved.

Danger: the child's airways are still very small, their diameter is no larger than a cocktail straw. If the backrest is too upright, the baby's heavy head may fall forward and block the airway so that he cannot breathe.

Remedy: Car seats are usually tilted slightly back to ensure adult occupant comfort. If it is possible to adjust them, place them in a horizontal position. If this is not possible, place under the back edge of the chair (where the child’s legs are) a “noodles” stick made of foamed polyurethane for swimming in the pool (you can buy it in sports stores) or simply tightly rolled towels.

Possible problems

After assembling the seat or during the process, various problems may arise. This is especially true for drivers who are washing a child car seat for the first time. To eliminate problems that have arisen and prevent their reoccurrence, it is worth studying possible errors.

The car seat is assembled incorrectly

Neglecting the rules of the instructions or accidentally making a mistake often leads to incorrect assembly of the structure. To fix the problem, you need to completely disassemble the car seat and reassemble it. For convenience, you can watch a video instruction that clearly shows the entire process. Using an incorrectly assembled infant carrier can result in injury and parts failure.

Inconvenient placement of belts

Seat belts on child seats must be positioned strictly at shoulder level . If the belts cause discomfort to the child or are too tight and do not stay in place, the likely cause of the problem is that they are not connected correctly. It is necessary to check whether the bases of the belts are secured in the grooves and, if necessary, re-fasten them.

Discomfort when sitting

Inconvenience when a child is in a car seat is often associated with improper assembly of the structure. If this problem did not arise before washing the seat, you will need to disassemble the infant carrier and reassemble it, following the instructions in the instructions.

Child kicks off seat belts

According to safety regulations, belts must be securely fastened in the fastened position. If your child can release the harness on their own, it is likely that the harness is not fastened properly and is too loose.

Deformation of covers

The reasons for the deformation of covers after washing are an incorrectly selected program on the washing machine or mechanical impact. A deformed cover creates discomfort for the child while in the chair and also increases the risk of injury. It is possible to restore the original condition of the covers by smoothing them.

If the deformed areas cannot be eliminated, you will need to purchase new covers. It is not recommended to use the infant carrier without covers, as this will cause dirt to get onto the inner upholstery.

The stains didn't come off well

Severely ingrained stains from the surface of a child car seat may not be removed on the first try. To remove stains, you can re-wash, use more powerful cleaning products, or have your car seat covers professionally dry cleaned.

Incorrect fastening of the chair

Incorrect fixation of the chair often leads to breakage of individual seat elements and increases the risk of traumatic situations. When securing the seat, you need to check each fastening and follow the instructions. After fixing the structure, you should make sure that it is securely and correctly positioned.

Watch your belts

Particular attention must be paid to belts. It’s difficult to confuse them: the long ones are fixed on the back, the short ones go from the bottom

But it is better to check the fastenings again after installation.

If the belts are tightened too tightly, the child will feel uncomfortable in the seat. To correct the situation, it is necessary to loosen the blades using specially provided regulators. We remember that the straps should not only squeeze, but also dangle - the optimal distance between them and the baby is 2-3 cm. If the holders are too long, you can shorten them to a comfortable size.

The correct placement of the belts also plays a role. At the top, the straps should “come out” of the back at the level of the child’s shoulders. If the holes are located too low, under the shoulder blades, then you should think about buying a new chair. On some height-type models, the position of the holders can be adjusted.

Sometimes belts cause inconvenience due to knocked down or bent “pads”. In this case, you should remove the pads, straighten them, steam them and return them to their place.

Tips for parents

One of the main criteria when choosing a child car seat is its safety and high quality. In order to use the seat for a long time and not encounter problems, you should pay attention to designs from the following manufacturers:

  1. Siger. The Russian manufacturer produces comfortable child seats that comply with established standards and regulations. All designs are pre-crash tested and tested.
  2. Zlatek. To create the seats, non-toxic hypoallergenic material is used, which is absolutely safe for children. Injection molding technology reduces costs and reduces costs.
  3. Stiony. The anatomical shape of the seats with additional padding ensures safety by absorbing the force of impact that occurs during collisions.
  4. "Bebeton". This brand produces a wide variety of designs for children of different weights and ages. Modern technologies are used in production, which has a positive effect on the quality of products.
  5. "Mishutka." The most economical and affordable option is the Mishutka chairs, which are an order of magnitude lower than most alternatives. Despite their low cost, they meet safety regulations and undergo standard testing.

The place in the car where the car seat should be placed and secured

The safest place in the car is the center passenger seat in the back. In the event of a frontal collision, the inertia will be restrained by the seat belt; in a side impact, the risk of injury from the door is eliminated.

A car seat with both the Isofix system and fastening with standard seat belts can be easily installed in the central passenger seat.

How to fit two or three child car seats in a car

Two child car seats in one car are installed on the rear outboard seats. Fasteners for all three locations using the Isofix system are provided by many brands of cars, so it is possible to place devices for transporting children in each of the three places.

Two car seats with Isofix system in one car

Conditions for transporting a child in the front passenger seat

  1. It is prohibited to transport children in the front passenger seat against the direction of the vehicle, i.e. in a car seat, if the car has an airbag installed.
  2. When installing a frame car seat, it is necessary to move the passenger seat as far back as possible.
  3. In the front seat, children under 12 years of age can be transported strictly in a frame car seat of a suitable size (from 01/01/2017);
  4. Other restraint devices (FEST, booster, frameless seat) in the front seat are prohibited for use at any age (from 01/01/2017).

Peculiarities

The car seat is made of lightweight impact-resistant plastic. It allows the models not to overload the car and protect the baby from various problems during the trip (impacts and shaking on bad roads). The structure can be easily attached to the seat of a vehicle. The car seat is firmly secured with straps. In order for the model to provide the highest level of safety, it must be installed using special instructions.

The chair has a comfortable cover that can be easily washed both by hand and in the washing machine. There are many different color options for models, so parents can easily choose a car seat that matches the design of the car interior. “Mishutka” fits perfectly into any car. Parents can secure the backrest in four positions. The backrest helps the child form correct posture.

If the baby gets tired and wants to rest, you can arrange a comfortable sleeping place. The model has seat belts with soft pads that prevent the belts from causing discomfort to the child.

The chair is made of high-quality materials, so it can last a long time. The model has a convenient pocket in which you can put things you need during the trip or a bottle of water.

How to secure a child seat in a car with a standard seat belt

Each certified car seat is supplied with detailed instructions in Russian, which must be protected and stored with documents at home or in the glove compartment of the car. The rules of care and fastening are required to be read upon purchase; this is not the case when the instruction manual should be opened after a breakdown. The installation method is duplicated on the device itself.

Car seats for newborns and infants

The principle of fastening the car seat with standard belts is the same for most manufacturers - side fastenings and fastenings on the back, although minor external changes are possible.

When installing a car carrier, you need to carefully monitor the correct position of the standard seat belt

Video instructions for installing a baby carrier - video

Installation of the base for the cradle

A device with a base gives an advantage to those who are constantly on the go with a child. It is attached to Isofix or standard belts, and the car seat/car seat can be removed with one click.

As in the case of a car seat, the base of different manufacturers is attached with a seat belt in approximately the same way:

  • one end passes through special grooves in the device;
  • the second is on the back of the cradle.

How to install the database - video

Chairs without base (category 9–36 kg)

With this group of chairs everything is somewhat more complicated. There are a lot of types of devices and installations, so you need to carefully study the instructions supplied with the device.

Universal car seats: installation instructions - video

Frameless car seats: step-by-step instructions

The frameless car seat is attached to the back seat of the car with two belts that the device is equipped with.

Installing a frameless car seat is easy for all parents

Where should the baby seat be installed?

According to the rules of the road, children can be kept in a secured car seat in any seat. Therefore, there are no strict restrictions on the installation location of the accessory.

Front next to the driver

This option is convenient for both the child and the parents, provided that there is enough space in the front to comfortably place the infant carrier. Children will get a wide view from the street, and adults will be able to monitor their condition and behavior. If you stop in a traffic jam, you will have the opportunity to feed the baby or play with him. But according to statistics, the risk of a fatal outcome in a collision is 2.4 - 3.2 times higher than when placing the seat in the rear.


The seating option in front next to the driver is convenient for a child.

In the case of rapid braking and light impacts, the position of the cradle with its back to the direction of movement is quite safe - the likelihood of injury to the spine of a newborn is minimal.

If we are talking about children over 3 years old, it is not recommended to place a child seat in front.

The child's back will not move, so it will be at risk.

Right back seat

The seat in the right corner is among the most efficient and secure in left-hand drive vehicles. It is located in the opposite direction from oncoming cars, therefore it is maximally protected from damage in the event of a traffic accident.

However, the driver will not be able to see where the child is and how he is feeling in the rearview mirror. To solve the problem, you will need to buy another mirror.

Behind the driver in the back

Among the negative aspects of landing from behind, there is the danger of placing it close to the oncoming lane and roadway. But as statistics say, this is the safest zone, because in the event of an accident, the driver turns the steering wheel all the way in order to protect himself from impact.


The area behind the driver in the rear is the safest.

Back in the middle

If your car's cabin design has enough space to accommodate a car seat in the middle of the rear seat, use it. The safety of center mounting is due to the fact that, regardless of the position of the steering column and the direction of travel, in the event of a rear collision there is plenty of space to prevent injury. In addition, children will be protected from a sudden blow from the pillow. The risk of damage only arises in the event of a direct frontal collision.

Why doesn't it work?

Not everything always goes according to plan: often it is not possible to assemble a chair. The main reason for this outcome is a violation of the order of actions. There is a high probability that confusion occurred at the disassembly stage. Most likely, the person did not follow the given sequence.

You can avoid mistakes if you record all your actions on video or photos. Then it’s easier to stick to the scheme and not forget about the Nth elements.

To avoid confusion, you must strictly adhere to the instructions. Ideally, focus on “your” leadership; in extreme cases, on “someone else’s.” There is no significant difference between the algorithms; the main thing is to be able to adapt to the existing differences, using logic and intelligence.

If you can’t assemble the chair, you should ask for help. First of all, we go to more experienced friends who have already dealt with child seats. They can also provide advice at the store where the device was purchased. There is also an option with the support service on the official website - we find the manufacturer and fill out the application form.

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FAQ

Most often, the question is not about safety, but about whether it is legal to install such a new product? Will they draw up a report for her?

Answer: yes, this is possible, since it does not imply changes to the original design of the car. A traffic inspector who notices extension cords will not fine you.

So, a seat belt extender is a useful new product for people with non-standard sizes, as well as those who have not yet bought a belt with a reel for a longer length. It is risky to use the lock extension on a regular basis - it may not hold a passenger or a child seat - the latter breaks out and tips over in an accident.

Installing a Group 1 Child Restraint

Attention! For children weighing from 9 to 18 kg (group 1), the car seat is installed in the direction of travel. For group 1, the child restraint may only be used in recline positions 1, 2 or 3

  1. Place the child restraint on the car seat and select the desired recline position. Make sure the back of the car seat fits snugly against the back of the car seat.
  1. Pass the vehicle's diagonal seat belt through the belt anchor closest to it and the lap belt through guide 3, as shown in the illustration.
  1. Fasten your car's seat belt to the buckle. Make sure the belt is securely fastened by pulling it upward.
  1. Place the child in the restraint.

Attention! Check the height of the headrest and shoulder straps to ensure they are appropriate for your child's height. Make sure the seat belts are not twisted and are taut.

To change the angle of the car seat, you need to release the diagonal belt from the locking clip and only then adjust the angle. After selecting the required position, you must repeat the operations of securing the car seat with the car’s seat belts. All operations are performed without the child in the restraint.

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