Travelling Safely with Baby

The car journey is often a source of anxiety during the first months of our child's life. Will they cope with the journey? Is their seat safe enough? Is it risky to have them facing forward? In short, a mountain of questions! Here are some tips for travelling safely with baby!

1. Choosing the right car seat

A very important first point: choosing the car seat. It prompts no end of questions and has us spending hours online searching for the PERFECT car seat for baby! Here are some selection criteria:

• A seat suited to your child's age and size. The "group" rating will indicate the child's weight range.
• An Isofix fitting if your car allows for it
• No second-hand car seats
• Good reliability and strong crash-test scores — which leads us on to point number two!

2. The Sécurange website

This website will give you invaluable advice on choosing your baby's car seat. You can find ratings and reviews there to help you weigh up all the criteria.

3. Forward-facing or rear-facing?

This is the subject of much debate among parents! Technically, it depends on your seat's approval category.

• For R44/04 seats, rear-facing travel is compulsory until 9 months.
• For i-Size R129 seats, rear-facing is compulsory until 15 months.

But in practice, we strongly recommend keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible — at least until they are 2 years old! To ensure you travel safely with baby.

4. Off with the coats!

Even in cold weather, it's better to use a pram sleeping bag with openings at the back for the harness straps. This will keep your newborn lovely and warm while also being properly secured by the safety harness. A coat tends to create bulk between the harness and your little one's body.

5. Checking the general condition of the car

Needless to say, this point is essential for everyone — whether baby is on board or not! But do schedule regular servicing, and especially before you plan a long journey!