Tell your child that this is their seat, and belongs to them only. Add that you have brought it for them not only to keep them safe, but as it is higher than their seats, they will be able to see out of the window more easily. The last thing you want to do is to tell them of the horrors that could happen to them if they didn’t allow you to strap them in! You are likely to instil a fear of riding in a car at all!
If they are older, let them choose the colour and become involved in the buying decision. Personalise the seat so it’s easily recognisable and make sure they have play things to keep them occupied.
Some people also attach portable DVD players to the back of the front seat headrest and play one of the child’s favourite films. This will give you over an hour of peace after which, it’s probably time you stopped for a rest anyway and/or the child is likely to be asleep.
Get more tips HERE.
Unfortunately, statistics show that a great deal of us are likely to be involved in some form of car collision at least once in our life. Despite how careful we may be, others seem to have a different agenda.
A lot of people are so thankful that everyone is OK following a collision that they don’t always consider whether the children’s car seats are still safe. So what should you look for?
As a basic rule of thumb, if you are involved in any impact over 10km/h the seat may be damaged. If you own a Britax Duo Plus Isofix car seat, Britax will examine the seat and repair it quickly. While the examination is free, parts are not.
While we hope it won’t happen, if you are involved in any type of collision remember to get your Britax DUo Plus Isofix car seat checked out and keep your children safe. If you need more information, you can email Britax direct at service.uk@britax.com.
As a final thought, don’t forget to regularly check your car seat to make sure it is securely fixed and the belts work properly. Belts are susceptable to dust and dirt so keep them clean.
1. At what age does a child not need a car seat? – ECE R 44 regulations state that car seats for children are recommended up to 12 years of age or 36kg.
2. When can a child sit in the front seat of a car? – It is always considered safer for children to be in the rear of the car and if under 1.5 metres, to be seated on a booster seat. However, other than common sense, there is no law that says a child can not sit in the front seat if using a seat belt.
3. Which car seat is the safest? – Given the current regulations, if you buy new, all seats have to conform to certain standards. Look for seats that are recommended by independent sources such as the Which magazine.
4. Where can I get my child car seat checked? – If you are asking this question you obviously have your doubts or something bad as happened. If the car has been involved in any serious collision get a new one as it is very likely to have been compromised in some way.
5. How do I install a car seat? – You need to refer to the manufacturers instructions carefully. If you buy in the High Street, get a trained member of staff to fit and advise you.
6. When can my child face forward in a car seat? – You need to keep them rear facing for as long as possible to protect their necks. The ECE regulations suggests this is until the baby weighs 13kg or until the baby’s head is above the seat structure. However, in the US, it is suggested that it is until the had is within an inch of the top of the seat structure or until the child reaches the weight limit for the car seat. Please watch the video at the bottom of this post to see why.
7. What is the best infant car seat on the market? – See question 3 although we are very likely to say one of the Britax Duo Plus Isofix range!
8. When can you switch from a car seat to a booster seat? – Booster seats are in Groups 2 and 3. Your child can use a Group 2 booster between 3 and 7 years and between 15 and 25kg. Group 3 boosters are for older children from 6 to 12 years and 22 to 36kg.
9. How much does a child have to weigh to not be in a car seat? – It is mandatory to use child car seats within the EU until the child reaches 1.35 or 1.5 metres in height depending on the individual country.
10. What car seat fits what car? – Ask your car manufacturer but generally, all seats with ISOFIX fixings will fit cars manfacturer since 2006 when the ISOFIX fixings all had to be the same.
Please note the above responses are as a result of personal research. If in any doubt about your babies car seat, do you own research and ask the manufacturer.
