The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) advises parents to be careful when purchasing and using a baby comfort seat, mandatory equipment to ensure the safety of newborns and babies during transport in motor vehicles. 
According to the institute, the first aspect to be observed is whether the product has the Inmetro certification seal, which indicates that the equipment has undergone testing and meets the mandatory technical requirements.
According to the director of Conformity Assessment at Inmetro (Dconf), João Nery, it is also important to check the information provided by the manufacturer, such as age range, weight and height indicated in the manual. In Brazil, the use of a baby seat is mandatory for transporting children up to 1 year old, up to 13 kg or up to 75 cm.
“These specifications determine whether the model is compatible with the child’s characteristics and must be strictly respected, as choosing inappropriate equipment may compromise the protection offered by the device. It is essential that these products are purchased in formal markets and that consumers check the presence of the Inmetro brand.”
The director also highlights that the correct use of baby comfort is essential for safety. Installation must be carried out in the rear seat of the vehicle, always facing backwards (with your back to the driver), a position that significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking or collisions.
“In addition to installation, the internal straps must be adjusted to the child’s body, neither loose nor excessively tight, ensuring that retention is effective in the event of an impact. The manufacturer’s manual and the equipment’s own indicators guide correct use”, emphasizes Nery.
It is also recommended that newborns do not spend more than an hour on these devices at a time. “The baby comfort was designed exclusively for vehicular transport, and it is not recommended to keep the child for prolonged periods in the device outside the car”, highlights the director.
In addition to the baby seat, other devices for use by children, such as safety seats and booster seats, must also be used according to the child’s age, weight and height, always in accordance with safety guidelines and current legislation.
The safety seat is recommended for children aged 1 to 4 years, or weighing up to 18 kg, and must also be installed in the rear seat of the vehicle. In this equipment, the child remains seated and positioned facing the movement of the car, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Some models support heavier weights, reaching up to 36 kg.
The booster seat is intended for children weighing between 15 kg and 36 kg, generally aged between 4 and 7 years. Its function is to elevate the child so that the vehicle’s seat belt is correctly positioned over the appropriate parts of the body, such as the hips, center of the chest and middle of the shoulder.
