Car Seat Safety Tips
Choosing the correct car seat ( child restraint ) is an important part of keeping your child safe . All car seats are different ; some will fit your child and vehicle better than others . For your children to be safe the car seat needs to be fitted correctly . Always read the manufacturer ’ s instructions . Do not put a car seat in the front seat if the vehicle has an airbag . If you have no choice but to put an older child in the front always ensure the seat is pulled as far away from the airbag as possible or disable the airbag . Never put a rear facing seat in the front with an airbag . Remember the back seat is always safer .
A locking clip needs to be used if you only have emergency locking seat belts . The locking clip should be applied within 2 cm of the latch to prevent any gradual loosening of the seat belt . If you can get the locking clip on the seat belt while it ’ s done up it ’ s not tight enough . When installing the car seat put some weight into the seat and pull the seat belt as tight as possible . While holding the tension release the seat belt latch , then apply the locking clip . To do up the latch you will again need to apply some weight to the car seat .
If you have static seat belts ( i . e . lap belt ) or automatic locking seat belts the locking clip is not required . Remember also apply some weight to the seat to ensure it is tight and don ’ t forget to activate the seat belt so it locks .
If the vehicle car seats are sloped , use a tightly rolled-up towel to prop up the car seat and fill any gaps . This helps ensure the seat is in the correct position and fits firmly . If you can ’ t get a firm fit seek professional advice . If a car seat is fitted with a tether it must be used .
If borrowing a car seat or buying second hand , always have it safety checked for age , damage to the plastic , fraying of harness , cracked or rusted buckles . If no instruction booklet is provided , you will be able to locate many of these online or get a trained professional to show you the correct installation .
There are 3 car seat stages your child will go through . There are some seats that will overlap these stages . Always remember , every seat is different . Each will have specific weight and height restrictions , as well as an expiry date . Always be aware of these details .
Birth to 1 year
Babies are far safer and better protected in a rear facing car seat until they are at least 1 year of age , however , it is now highly recommended to rear face to 2 years of age or as long as possible .
Baby Capsules with or without bases ( these rear face from birth to between 9kg & 13kg )
Capsules are an easy way to get baby in and out of the vehicle , but again remember to check the seat in your vehicle before purchasing or hiring . Many vehicle seat belts do not fit around capsules without bases . Capsules with bases , require the base to be installed firmly into the vehicle . And then the capsule clicks into this . The bases only require the lap belt portion of the seat belt and need a locking clip .
Also available are Toddler Convertible seats which go both rear facing and forward facing to a specified weight . Some seats rear face to as high as 25kg and others as little as 9kg . Some babies reach 9kg as early as 6 months of age , so always bear this in mind when upgrading your car seats .
Tips
• If the seat has a chest clip use it
• Make sure the harness fits snugly ; you should only to able to fit one finger between
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