In 2004, more than 2000 children aged four and under were killed or injured in car accidents in Britain. Many were in seats that were unsuitable or fitted incorrectly. On September 18, the government is introducing legislation to better protect our children in the event of an accident. All children under age 12, or shorter than 135cm, must now use an appropriate child restraint.
Volvo cars spokesman John Lefley says: “A child's journey starts in the womb.” If you are pregnant, ensure you wear the seat belt correctly: the lap belt should go across the ties, not ride up your tummy; the diagonal should route between the breasts and down the side of the belly. Once your baby is born, use only the correct seat for his age, height and weight (see page 79). Volvo researchers found that “there is a five times greater risk of fatality or serious injury if using a forward-facing seat if the child is under three years old”.
A child's weight distribution differs vastly from that of an adult: 25 per cent of a nine-month-old baby's weight is in his head; his underdeveloped neck, spine and pelvis are ill-equipped for impact. Facing rearwards, though, any sudden force is spread across his back, reducing the risk of whiplash.
There are two fitting options for car seats: ISOFIX and conventional. If your car has ISOFIX fittings, buy an ISOFIX seat (see page 82). While more expensive, they are easier to fit. Fitting a conventional seat is scarily easy to get wrong. A simple rule: when a seat is installed you shouldn't be able to move it.
Before buying, bring your car to the shop to make sure the seat fits properly. Most good shops will have an expert on hand to explain the process and ensure you understand how to install and remove the seat. Make sure it has adequate side-impact protection. Many now also offer padding to keep the spine as flat as possible - crucial for newborns.
It is your legal and moral duty to ensure your child is properly restrained. Fitting
a child seat, ensuring it's properly installed and strapping your child in safely, all take only a few minutes. No matter how much of
a rush you are in, take the time to ensure your child is safe. It could save his life.
Do…
Ensure that the seat is correct for your child.
Ensure you understand how to fit it securely.
Opt for an ISOFIX seat if you possibly can.
Ensure that the head restraint is in the correct position.
Take your time when strapping your baby in.
Ensure that the seat straps are properly adjusted and never twisted.
Check that you can slide a finger between your baby's belly and the buckle.
Don't…
Ever fit a child seat where there is an active airbag - it is both illegal and highly dangerous.
Ever buy or use a second-hand child seat - you don't know its true history.
Ever use a child seat after an accident - any impact, no matter how small, can affect it.
Say 'that'll do' after strapping your child in - his safety is worth a couple more minutes.
How do I know which is the correct seat to buy for my child?
There are five groups for child restraint, each covering different ages, weights and heights. As every child is different, the group system is
only a guide and you need to ensure that your child doesn't outgrow
his seat. As a general rule, if your child's head is higher than the back
of the seat, it's time to move up to the next size.
Group 0
Age range: 0-9 months
Weight Range: 0-10kg
Type: Seat
Group 0+
Age range: 0-15 months
Weight Range: 0-13kg
Type: Seat
Group 1
Age range: 9 months-4 years
Weight Range: 9-18kg
Type: Seat
Group 2
Age range: 4-6 years
Weight Range: 15-25kg
Type: Booster Seat
Group 3
Age range: 6-11 years
Weight Range: 22-36kg
Type: Booster Cushion
Why the car seat is just for travel
Health professionals now recommend that babies should not be left in
a car seat for longer than two hours, and ideally less than one hour. This is because research suggests that sitting small babies in semi-upright positions may have serious health risks. Babies 'tummy breathe' - so squashing them into unnatural positions, as in car seats, restricts their breathing and maybe their digestion. Restricting a baby's breathing can lead to oxygen desaturation - i.e, when blood oxygen levels fall so low that not enough oxygen reaches the vital organs, especially the brain. Experts believe, variously, that this can affect a baby's development;
or cause bradycardia (slowing of the heart) and apnoea (temporary suspension of breathing), both linked to cot death. Newborns, low birthweight and premature babies are most at risk.
For further information and advice, visit www.childcarseats.org.uk
