As a busy parent you will spend a lot of time thinking about and worrying about the safety of your child! One of the most important decisions you’ll make with regards their safety is which car seat to go for. To help you make the right choice for you and your child we have given you some points to consider including safety, functionality and longevity.
Children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.
- Understanding the Types of Car Seats:
There are various types of car seats for different ages, with different functions and different safety ratings. To start with, let’s breakdown the different ranges that car seats are divided into; these are called ‘groups’ and depend on the weight of your child.
Weight-based seats:
- group 0+ – rear-facing car seats suitable for babies aged up to to 13kg; some can be clipped on to a pram frame.
- group 1 – rear or forward-facing seats using a harness or safety shield ~ suitable for children who weigh 9-18kg
- group 2 - rear or forward-facing car seat (high-backed booster seat) using a seat belt. harness or safety shield ~ suitable for children who weigh 15-25kg
- group 3 – rear or forward-facing high-backed booster seats using a sea belt, harness or safety harness, suitable for children who weigh 22-36kg
You can also buy combination seats that cover 2 or more groups, such as group 0+/1 seats, which are suitable from birth until your child weighs about 18kg.
You must use a rear-facing car seat up until at least 15 months but if you can, try to use it for as long as your child fits into it, as this position offers better protection in the event of a car accident.
Height-based seats
Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old.
You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child.
- Prioritising Safety Features:
When travelling you want to get your little one from A to B as safely as possible, enter the car seat! Safety is the cornerstone of any car seat design, with manufacturers integrating a range of different features to ensure maximum protection. Some key safety elements include:
- Side-Impact Protection: Reinforced sides and energy-absorbing materials lessening the impact of collisions, shielding vulnerable areas.
- Five-Point Harness Systems: Distributing impact forces across the strongest parts of the body, these harnesses offer superior restraint during accidents.
- Installation and Proper Usage:
Even the most advanced car seat can only be effective if they have been installed and used properly. To ensure optimal safety, it's imperative to:
- Read the Manual: Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer's guidelines, ensuring correct installation and usage.
- Positioning: Rear-facing seats should be placed in the back seat of the vehicle, away from active airbags, while forward-facing seats require secure tethering.
- Tighten Straps Properly: Harnesses should fit snugly against the child's body, with no slack that could compromise safety in the event of a crash.
It is very important to remember that car seats aren’t an accessory but a very important part of keeping your child safe when driving. By understanding the different types, prioritising safety features, ensuring proper installation, and staying up-to-date with the most recent regulations, parents can navigate the world of car seats with confidence; knowing they’re giving their little ones the utmost protection and comfort for the journey ahead.
For further information go to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/child-car-seats-restraints-and-seat-belts