Britax Duo Plus Isofix

Now when I found that the question, “why are car seats good for children” is one that is regularly asked in google, I was gob smacked to say the least! To me, and most people it is blatently obvious, but I guess that if you are a very young mum without much experience of life, then you may be tempted to think that you are the safest driver and nothing will happen. You may also be unsure of what to look for and what type of seat to get.

Even if you were the safest driver on this planet, that does not account for the billions of other people on the road who may not be, for weather conditions, pot holes and a miriad of other possibilities! All you have to do is look on the Internet and see just how many babies and children are saved from potentially fatal or life changing injuries by being secured in child car seats. Thankfully, as it is law in most countries that a child be secured in the appropriate seat, you rarely hear of babies and children being thrown from cars.

Put Your Child In A Car Seat – Now! Never assume nothing will happen even on a short journey. Even in a minor collision a child can suffer neck and brain injuries, let alone being flung through the windscreen like a missile. Being held by an adult is not a compromise either, as in some circumstances, injuries can be worse. Even a second hand car seat one is better than nothing but read these tips.

For newborns, try not to use the seat too often until they are about 6 weeks old. They should also be in a rear facing seat for as long as possible or until at least 1 year old and/or 20lbs when the seat should be a forward facing one until 4 years and/or 40lbs.

If you can stretch to a new seat then find one with ISOFIX fittings unless you want one that is part of a travel system that comes in and out of the car easily. ISOFIX seats will usually fit most cars, but do check before you buy if you car is pre 2006.

Any seat must have a 5 point harness for very young children, as they grow, a 3 point will suffice and they may move onto a booster seat. A booster seat allows a bigger child to wear an adult selt belt by raising their position and allowing the seat belt to slip through a clip so that the belt does not cut across their neck.

Our favourite seat is the Britax Duo Plus, only available in the UK but out of all the ISOFIX seats it has a unique pivot link system that in addition to holding the seat secure at the base, also stops excessive movement at the top of the seat in any impact situation.

As I realise most of you will already have your children safely secured, I apologise if I offend. But having found this question being asked in Google I thought I’d just vent my emotions!