Are you aware of all these car seat safety points?
Which? Outline these safety points for car seats that all parents need to consider
You can strap your child into their car seat several times a day without thinking too much about it. However used to your car seat you are, there are some essential things you probably didn’t know. Take a look at these five things from Which? many parents don’t necessarily realise about their child’s car seat.
1. Don’t assume all seats fit in all cars
Be sure you have checked that the car seat you are buying fits the models of cars you will need it for. It’s not enough to see the label ‘semi-universal’ or ‘universal’ and assume that covers all makes and models of cars. Do check the manufacturers’ website to be absolutely certain your car is suitable for your chosen seat.
2. Change seats at the right time
The protection needed for babies in car seats is different to the protected needed for toddlers so be wary of moving up a seat size too early. Although it’s important not to exceed the weight limit for a smaller seat, it is better for your little one to be heavier in a smaller seat than too quickly moved on to the next seat up.
3. Be clear on where the handle needs to be
Car seats that have carry handles have specific locked positions they need to be when travelling in the car. Be sure you check your car seat’s manual to know which setting is right when you are on the move.
4. Check adjustable harnesses and headrests
Before you jump to buying a new seat for your baby as they are starting to appear overly snug in their seat, do check that the headrest and harness have been adjusted correctly. Most seats will have varying settings to adjust as your baby grows. Some better car seats have an automatic adjust that adjusts the harness too when you pull on the headrest.
5. Differences of Isofix on Group 2/3 seats to understand
Isofix connectors on Group 2/3 car sears work in the same way as they do for Group 0+ or Group 1 seats. The Isofix connectors are designed to keep the seat in place when not being used. The force from a crash is kept away from your child’s body by the adult seatbelt in these seats. Although car seat tests have revealed that Isofix on Group 2/3 car seats do improve the seat’s safety.