The child seats for little explorers

Infant carrier: Child seat for newborns and toddlers

The importance of a baby car seat: Safety and comfort for the little ones

Baby car seats (up to 13 kg) are among the must-haves if you plan to travel by car with your baby. As a child seat, a baby car seat provides essential protection for your child.

From the hospital and straight home: In an infant carrier, newborns are comfortable on every car journey from day one. With suitable adapters, you can also easily attach your car seat to your pushchair frame and let your baby continue to sleep peacefully after car journeys.

The well-thought-out construction and comfortable design of our my junior® baby car seats ensure that your baby is always stable and protected, even when driving on bumpy country roads.

Whether you secure your baby car seat with an Isofix base or a seatbelt depends entirely on you and the specifics of your car. Regardless of the method of attachment, there are a few aspects to consider during installation.

Would you like to know more about infant car seats, how to install and use them? On this page, we have summarised everything parents should know.

What is an infant car seat?

An infant carrier is a special type of car seat designed for newborns and children up to a certain weight (usually 13 kg) and age. It is characterised by a rear-facing position, which allows you to transport your child safely and comfortably while driving. Usually equipped with a 3-point harness and a special headrest to protect your baby’s delicate head, infant carriers are suitable for car journeys straight after birth.

Baby car seats are secured in the car using a seat belt or a special base (Isofix). It is best to install your baby car seat facing against the direction of travel on the back seat. To keep a good eye on your child, special mirrors are suitable, which you can attach to the headrest of the chosen seat.

An important aspect of infant carriers is that they support and protect your baby’s delicate head, neck and back, especially in the event of sudden braking or accidents.

Most infant car seats are designed to grow with newborns, providing a safe and reliable solution for transporting babies in the car from birth through to toddler age.

If you’re wondering how long your baby can stay in the infant car seat, you can here read up on.

Differences between infant carriers and other child car seats

The main difference between using a baby carrier and a child seat lies in the age and weight of the child for whom the seats are designed. A baby carrier is specifically intended for newborns and infants up to a certain weight and age; this is usually around 13 kg and approximately 12–15 months.

A child seat, on the other hand, is intended for older toddlers who have already outgrown the infant carrier. Child seats or rear-facing seats are available in various sizes, depending on the weight and age of the child. You should initially also install these facing away from the direction of travel and, if possible, secure them on an Isofix base.

If you want to be fully equipped right from the start, you’ll find the perfect all-in-one worry-free set for your needs in our shop. Depending on the set, the package includes a baby car seat with Isofix for newborns, a follow-up child seat, and an Isofix base for your car.

Price of baby car seats

How much does a high-quality baby car seat cost?

The prices of a high-quality baby car seat vary depending on the manufacturer. In our range, you are sure to find the right model for your needs. The price of a baby car seat is determined, among other things, by its features, the use of premium materials, and their flawless workmanship.

Infant car seats with Isofix are generally a bit more expensive. In addition, it depends on whether you buy your infant car seat as part of a set with an Isofix base or separately.

Important: Your infant carrier should in any case have a 3-point harness and an ergonomic lying position.

Are more expensive baby car seats always safer or better?

No, that does not necessarily have to be the case. However, high-quality workmanship and premium materials are important factors when it comes to the safety of a baby car seat. Installation is also often easier with higher-quality baby car seats. Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours.

How can I save money when buying a baby car seat?

You can save money when buying an infant car seat in our shop during our sales. Feel free to check our website regularly or follow us on social media. In addition to prams, buggies and accessories, infant car seats are also reduced during our my junior® sales. We always keep you informed about upcoming promotions.

What additional costs arise from accessories for infant car seats?

The amount of additional costs depends on which accessories you need for your baby. A cosy Ceiling or a Seat liner for your baby car seat These are affordable products that make car journeys or walks in the neighbourhood even more comfortable.

Attention: Sometimes less is more. Make sure that your child cannot pull objects over their head or swallow them.

Choosing the right infant car seat

When choosing your infant carrier, pay attention to your individual needs. Should the option of installation with an Isofix base be available? How much can your child seat cost? Which features should the model have? Which colour do you like best? All these questions affect the comfort and ergonomics of the products.

It is important that you choose the right seat for yourself and your child. To make your decision easier, feel free to write a list of all the dos and don'ts. This will certainly help you make your choice and you will already have created your own personal filter.

Our expert tip: When searching, pay special attention to the ergonomics of individual models. Baby car seats and child seats that are ergonomic contribute to the healthy development of your little one right from birth and are also absolute test winners when it comes to safety in the event of an accident.

Which warranty or guarantee services are included in the price of the infant carrier?

With us, you receive a free 10-year warranty on all my junior® child car seats and baby carriers. You can find all information about the warranty and guarantee for our models here: https://my-junior.com/en/content/99-wie-lange-darf-ein-baby-in-der-babyschale-liegen

From when should I use a baby car seat, and up to what age or weight is it suitable?

You can use our infant car seats for every car journey from day one – that is, as soon as you bring your little one home from the hospital. The Cosmo i-Size infant car seat is suitable for children weighing up to 13 kg and with a height of up to 87 cm. This corresponds to a maximum age of approximately 15 months.

So-called reboarders or follow-up child seats are models that are best suited for slightly older children. You can find exact details on the recommended weight and height on the respective product pages on our website.

What is the difference between a baby car seat that is secured with the seat belt and one with an Isofix base?

When securing with the seat belt, the infant carrier is held in place by the car’s seat belt. This requires threading the belt through special guides on the infant carrier and tightening the belt to securely fix the carrier in the car.

In contrast, a seat with an Isofix base is connected directly to the Isofix anchorage points in the car. The Isofix base is securely installed in the vehicle, and the infant carrier is then clicked onto the base station. This provides a very stable and secure attachment, without the need to use the car’s seat belt. The Isofix attachment reduces the risk of installation errors and ensures easy handling, as the carrier can simply be clicked in and out.

Questions and answers about infant carriers and their use

Common mistakes when using a baby car seat and how to avoid them

When using a baby car seat, there are some mistakes you should avoid to ensure your child's safety.

Install your child seat correctly: Whether securing it with the seat belt or using an Isofix base, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a safe and stable installation.

Take off your baby's thick jackets: The padding of a winter jacket can cause the harness not to fit snugly enough against your baby's body and its position may not be ideal, which can be dangerous in the event of an accident. Instead, your baby should ideally be placed in the seat wearing normal clothing. In cool temperatures, you can keep your little one warm with a blanket.

Do not leave your baby in the infant car seat for too long: Babies should not sit or lie in an infant car seat for excessively long periods, as this can lead to sleep problems and potential developmental issues. It is recommended that children do not remain in the car seat for more than two hours, unless it is during longer car journeys where regular breaks are taken.

How do I make sure that the baby car seat is correctly installed in the car?

To ensure that the infant carrier/child seat is correctly installed in the car, it is important to follow key steps.

If you are using an infant carrier with a base station, start by positioning the Isofix base in the car according to the manufacturer's instructions. The base should sit firmly in the car without any play. Once it is installed, click the infant carrier correctly onto the Isofix base. Check that it is securely locked in place by trying to move it gently.

If you are using an infant carrier without Isofix in the car, correct fastening with the car seat belt is crucial. Place the infant carrier on the car seat facing against the direction of travel. Thread the seat belt through the designated belt guides on the carrier and pull it tight. Make sure the belt is not twisted and lies flat without squashing the carrier. Then tighten the belt so that the infant carrier sits securely on the car seat and does not move. Check the installation by trying to move the carrier gently. There should be hardly any play.

Can infant car seats be installed on any seat in the car, or are there restrictions?

Babies and toddlers are safest in the car when seated rear-facing on the back seat. If you want your newborn or child to travel in the front passenger seat of your car, you should take certain safety aspects into account. For example, the airbag must be deactivated and there should be no objects on the dashboard.

By the way: Legally, your child is allowed to sit in the front passenger seat from the very first day of life. However, experts advise parents not to do so.

If you want to know more about this topic: We have provided you with information in our Guide Everything you need to know about safety in the vehicle, summarised.

How can I check if my infant car seat still meets current safety standards?

You can find out whether your baby car seat or child seat still meets current safety standards by carrying out one or two tests.

Check the ECE test mark: This will tell you whether your child seat or baby carrier complies with European safety standards.

Check the manufacturing date: You will usually find this on a label on the infant carrier or seat. Safety standards are regularly updated, so the infant carrier/seat should not be too old. As a rule of thumb, car seats should be replaced after about ten years, as materials age and safety may be compromised.

Contact the manufacturer: If in doubt, you can simply ask the manufacturer of your baby car seat whether the model you own meets the current safety standards.

At my junior®, you will find child seats and baby carriers that combine comfort, safety, and the latest technologies for both parents and children. The protection of your little one is our highest priority, which is why every component of our products is tested beyond industry standards – including in our my junior® QualityLab. This way, we offer you the best companions for you and your family.

What role do airbags play when using a baby car seat in a car?

If you want to secure a baby carrier or a child seat for your newborn or child on the front passenger seat in the car, you should always remember to switch off the airbag. You should also ensure that the seat is installed facing against the direction of travel and that there are no objects lying on the dashboard.

Do I have to strap my child into a baby car seat even for short distances?

Yes, regardless of whether it’s a baby or a toddler. Your little one must always be strapped in, even for short journeys, whether you’re travelling by car or pushchair.

Our baby car seat models feature a practical three-point harness, which parents can open and close within seconds. This makes every short stroll around the neighbourhood or long journey an absolute breeze, and your child sits safely and comfortably in the car.

How do I clean and care for the baby car seat properly to ensure safety and hygiene?

With a baby or child, dirt simply comes with the territory – all parents know this. Whether it’s sand from the playground or children’s leftover food, baby car seats that were just clean can quickly become dirty.

How convenient that our my junior® child car seats are easy to clean. Simply use a damp cloth and a little mild soap to effectively treat stains. Gently rub the soiled areas and then allow your seat to dry. Avoid using bleaching agents, as these may affect the colour. You can repeat this process if necessary.

You can also remove your newborn insert made of 100% cotton from your baby car seat and wash it by hand in soapy water to achieve even better results.

Our tip: For light stains on the Isofix base or the 5-point harness, you can use baby wipes. These usually work wonders.