Thousands of children are seriously injured or killed in car accidents every year. That's why in most of the countries in the world, there are car safety requirements for children, no matter which seats they use, front or rear. Since parents are responsible for their children's safety during travel, they must learn about certain rules and follow them. One of the best safety measures is to use a child safety car seat, but many people do not know how to use them correctly.
Child Safety Seats
A child safety seat should be bought according to your child's age, weight, and size, as well as the type of vehicle that you are using. The instructions for using a child safety seat should be read very carefully, so that you can provide the best protection for your child. In case you do not know how to install the seat properly, you can always call a certified child passenger safety technician to help you with the installation.
Rear Facing Seats
Rear Facing car seats are the safest for children and particularly for newborns and infants. Most children should be able to remain in rear-facing car seats until they the age of 1 year or until they reach the maximum height and weight allowed by the seat's manufacturer.
Infant Only Seats
Infant-only car seats must be installed to face the rear of the car, and they should be used by children who are no heavier than 10 kilograms. They should be installed in the back seats, where they should fit securely and stably. The most effective way to use the child safety seat can be found in the car safety manual. Before traveling, you should always check if the seat is properly fitted.
Convertible Seats
Convertible seats are used by newborns and children who weigh up to 19 kilograms. These seats convert form rear-facing to forward facing as the child grows. You should choose a convertible seat that suits the age and size of your child. The child safety seat manual should be read very carefully, and instructions regarding proper installation should be followed properly.
Forward Facing Seats/ Booster Seats
Forward facing car seats are used by children who weigh up to 20 kilograms. Bear in mind that children should use full harness seats until they are at least 4. After the age of 4, they can use booster seats. Booster seats are for children around 8 years of age, 37 kilograms, and about 150 cm tall. When they are big enough, they can start using ordinary seats with seat belts. However, you should keep in mind that you cannot secure two people with one seat belt, whether they are children or adults.
Seat Belts
Once a child is older, usually between the ages of 8 and 12, they can safely rely on standard car seat belts. It is imperative though, that children utilize seat belts in both the front and back seats. But remember the seatbelt should be securely across the shoulder and not the neck, and the lap belt should lay across the child's lap and not around the stomach.
Air Bags
In order to ensure passengers' safety, most of the cars today have air bags. However, air bags may cause injury to children. In order to avoid that, you should follow these rules:
- Children should use the back seats, and sit in the middle, if possible.
- A rear-facing child seat should not be installed in the front seat of a vehicle with air bags.
- If, for one reason or another, you have to install the child safety seat in the front seat, you should push the passenger seat back as far as possible.
- If you have to install the child safety seat in the front seat, it is advisable that you disable the air bag.
For more detailed information about child car safety, see below:
Children are the most precious things, and parents have to do everything they can to protect them. When you are traveling with your children, you must take the necessary measures to make sure that your children are safe in your vehicle. Remember to ask car hire Australia companies about child seats and airbags when you book any vehicles.
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