If you need to travel with children in your car then it is essential that you ensure they are seated safely and securely. This will often mean fitting the correct child car seats to your vehicle. There are four main groups of car seats for children as defined by the UNECE Regulation 44.03. The first is the infant carrier which is known as group 0. This group contains baby carriers from birth up until 12 months or 13kg. Group 1 is the child seats that are suitable for children from the ages of about 9 months to 4 years or 9 to 18 kg. Group 2 is the booster seat, which is suitable for children weighing 15kg and upwards or from about the age of 4. The final group is group 3, which is the booster cushion and they are suitable for children that weigh upwards of 22kg, which is approximately 6 years and upwards.
Child car seats are tested based on the weight of the child rather than the age, but most will give an indication of the age range that they cover to help you pick the right one.
So what are the dos and don’ts when picking a child car seat? First you should make a note of the weight of your child in kilograms before you go shopping for a car seat. Knowing your child’s weight will mean you can pick the most appropriate seat. When you have found a child seat you like you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as they will provide you with more information concerning the suitability of the seat for your child. Ensure that the child seat you choose is approved to the latest UNECE Regulation standard. Those that do meet these standards will often fit better in newer modern cars and will provide enhanced protection for your child. The child seat needs to be compatible with the make and model of your car so check the manufacturer’s application list to ensure your car is on there. If you are unsure you can always seek advice from the manufacturer themselves or alternatively the retailer should know. When you have bought the seat make sure that it is fitted well.
You should never drive a car with a child in it that is not in the appropriate car seat or worse still not restrained at all. If you do so, you are putting the child at grave risk as well as invalidating your
motor insurance. Also, you should be aware that rear-facing infant carriers should never be used in a front passenger seat that is fitted with an airbag. If the car was involved in a crash and the front passenger airbag inflated the infant in the carrier could be severely hurt. Fitting the right child seat is important to ensuring the safety of a child in your vehicle. Follow these dos and don’ts and you should be able to get it right however, always seek further advice if you are unsure.
Rochelle Martinez, Freelance Web Content Article Writer for three years. Some of her articles are about
http://www.quinn-direct.com.
