The modern market is not lacking in a variety of designs designed to increase children's car safety. This is the so-called child restraint. These include various overlays and devices for seat belts, chairs, cradles, boosters.
AT traffic regulations any country can find points that all passengers must be wearing seat belts. This applies to everyone, including small passengers. And when it comes to children, I want to add that the belt is relevant even for the smallest. It is this category that suffers most of all from minor accidents. Let's figure out how to choose the right child restraint, consider their types, and also find out what the traffic police and the government think about this.
Types of child restraint systems
Today, the fourth edition of the ECE 44 04 safety standard is valid, adopted and fully approved. The standard provides for the classification of devices. They are divided into groups based on the parameters of weight, height and age of the child. Also in this standard there are groups that are divided by type of car. If you consider that the child restraint for a car varies in modifications, then you need to choose it according to certain characteristics. Consider the types of children's automotive equipment to improve safety.
"Cradle", or 0
This group of equipment is often called that among car enthusiasts. The child restraint itself is located in the opposite direction to the car. These seats are necessarily equipped with seat belts or other solutions that could limit the movement of the baby by 70 cm in a supine position. Such devices are allowed for use for small car passengers, whose age is from 0 to 6 months.
Group 0+
In this group are holding devices, which are also located in the direction opposite to the movement of the car. There are also mandatory seat belts. The belt used in these structures should enable the child to move at a distance of 80 cm. This equipment is allowed to be used if the passenger is under 1 year old.
Group 1
This is a child restraint that is mounted in the direction of travel of the machine. It is recommended to use these devices to transport babies aged 9 months to 4 years.
Group 2
In this group the equipment is located in the direction of travel. It can be used for children aged 3 to 7 years.
Group 3
A child restraint for a vehicle that belongs to this group is set in the direction of travel. Recommended for transporting passengers aged at least 6 and not more than 12 years. As the child grows, it is allowed to remove the backrest in these car seats. As for security, it is provided only by the standard back of the chair and the seat, which is called the booster.
Convertible Devices
This is a special category of child restraint equipment. These devices are installed in the opposite direction with respect to movement. Such equipment is designed to transport newborns. When a small passenger grows up, you can change the position in the direction of travel.
Reversible seats
It should be borne in mind that such equipment, which is intended for installation in the opposite position, can be used for children of various ages. These devices are used for babies under the age of 2 years. It is also allowed to transport children in them whose weight is not more than 12 kg. But when the child reaches a critical weight, it is imperative to change this seat to any other child restraint devices permitted by the traffic police. These seats are tested, participated in many crash tests, and transporting passengers in the opposite direction to the movement significantly increases the safety level of the child.
Selection rules
When choosing a car seat for a child, it is necessary to pay attention to height, weight and age. Based on these data, a suitable group of devices is selected. When buying, it is also recommended to pay attention to crash tests. 
Each restraint equipment intended for a child must be certified and bear a mark of compliance with safety standards. Specialists advise purchasing only child restraint devices approved by the traffic police. Before buying, you should carefully inspect the equipment for signs of wear. Torn belts, broken plastic parts can talk about this. Damaged chairs will not provide the necessary level of security. Make sure that the buckle and all adapters are fully functional. You also need to know that in developed countries, devices for transporting children with Velcro fasteners are not sold. Such equipment is usually leased.
A good car seat or an inexpensive equivalent?
Specialized devices cost several thousand rubles. For most Russian parents, this amount is quite substantial, and many would not mind saving at all. For example, instead of a good quality chair, you can buy an inexpensive analog or even a substitute. In the role of such substitutes, very often special lining for the standard seat belt is offered. This pad shifts the strap from the face of the baby on his shoulder. Most of these solutions are products made from dense fabrics. Sometimes there are foam rollers in the abdomen and attachments - Velcro or buttons.
Straps are also sold that allow you to tighten the belt or move the clasp closer to the baby’s stomach. Such a device is sold under the brand name "Emelya". The most popular pad is the FEST child restraint devices. GIBDD allowed, quite aggressive advertising, low price. All this makes FEST so popular in our country. However, the same crash tests and reviews of those who purchased and managed to use these products show that they are not only ineffective, but cannot guarantee the child’s safety. Often, a device can cause serious damage to the body and internal organs. FEST can be purchased for some 500 wheels in official stores. Price depends on model and size. Let's try to figure out if this FEST is as good as they say.
Belt "FEST" - what is it?
The standard seat belts in the car are three-point and have a lumbar and shoulder section. The standard belt is calculated on the minimum characteristics of a person’s height of 150 cm. When it comes to children, the standard belt for a child is strictly contraindicated. The strap will not go where it is intended. She will be in a very dangerous proximity to her neck. In essence, this child restraint device advertised by the STSI itself is the most common adapter. He puts on a belt and moves the strap from the neck to the chest of the child. The idea of FEST products is very simple. 
When fastened, this device takes the form of a triangle, and in the event of an accident, the load is evenly distributed over the body.The company in Kostroma produces two main options. The first - with a branded strap, which is necessary to girth the hips. It is designed for a mass of 9 to 18 kg. The second - without a strap. This option is designed for weight from 18 to 36 kg.
How are FEST approved child restraints advertised? Among the advantages of compact size compared to bulky car seats. This solution is also universal. It is suitable for use in any car with regular seat belts. And finally, FEST is simplicity. The main thing the manufacturer focuses on is the reliability and high security characteristics of the adapter. Tests were conducted at AvtoVAZ, the result of which showed that the risk of death in accidents with FEST is reduced by 50%. And the risk of serious injuries is reduced by 90%.
Is it allowed?
Yes, it’s allowed. The adapter has all the necessary certificates for Russia. Traffic police officers will not issue any fines if they see that the child is fastened with the FEST device. And in the SDA there is no point than to fasten the child. The main thing is that the device is appropriate for the height and weight of the baby.
Should I buy FEST?
Reviews of experts do not recommend the use of FEST for children. The device does not protect the child from a side impact. In addition, the baby is not fixed in place and will constantly slide off. Expert reviews say that even at low speeds, the child risks serious damage. Just look at the crash tests to have an understanding of the quality of the product.
Conclusion
FEST can only protect against fines for violation of traffic rules regarding the carriage of children. If an accident occurs, its consequences can be dire. You should not purchase a child restraint device "FEST". The traffic police draws attention to the fact that an imported car seat is still more reliable. And more recently, Rosstandart said that the popular FEST guide webbing is really dangerous for the child. The authorities amended the SDA and thereby changed the rules for transporting children in a car. Now the provisions on other means by which you can fasten your child with seat belts have been removed. And this means that dangerous devices will become illegal.
