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.
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Check all the belts, harnesses and connections. Straps should not show any signs of fraying and there should be no cracks or tearing of the seat itself. Get yourself a copy of the manual from the seat manufacturer if it isn’t available.
Check that your car and the seat are compatible and if you are unsure, again contact the manufacturers.
Nowadays, you will normally find mostly five-point harnesses which are deemed to give the most protection to your child. This is because this arrangement secures the child more tightly and in the event of a collision, this would prevent excessive movement that would harm the child. The t shield and the over-head fittings do not secure the child as securely and could allow the child to be thrown from the seat in a collision.
A tether is normally a strap that is made of the same material as the seat but also has a clip that secures a forward facing baby seat again to prevent excessive movement of the child in the event of a collision.
