The new child car seat laws
From September 2006, new laws dictate that all children under 135 cm in height, or under 12 years of age, must use car seats or booster seats when travelling in cars. We look at the new laws and explain how they will affect you
Adult seat belts are designed to distribute the force of a crash over the strongest parts of an adult's body. Children are not just scaled down versions of adults - they are proportioned differently and their key organs are in different places. This is why it's essential to use the appropriate restraint for your child's age, weight and height. Ages are given for guidance only, as all children grow at different rates.
Travelling with infants
Infants up to 13kg in weight need a rear-facing car seat to give them the best protection. Their bones are very flexible and not fully formed, making them more susceptible to damage. Any impact on their bones can also damage their internal organs. But remember, never fit a rear-facing car seat on a front seat with an active front airbag.
Children up to the age of three must use the correct child restraint when travelling in either the front or back of cars. The only exception is if the child is travelling in a taxi and a child restraint is not available. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the child is correctly restrained. Children aged between three and 12, or under 1.35m in height must also use the correct restraints.
Child safety seats
Younger children get better protection in child safety seats, which spread the forces of impact over as wide an area as possible. The integral harnesses hold the child securely. These seats provide protection for children up to 18kg in weight, or until they grow too tall for the adjustable harness.
If a child restraint is not available, an adult seat belt must be worn. The only acceptable times for this are when travelling in a taxi, over a short distance because of unexpected necessity or when two occupied child restraints prevent the fitting of a third.
Booster seats
Older children need booster seats. These are designed for weights between 15 and 36kg. These raise the child's sitting position so that the adult seat belt lies low across the pelvis and fits well across the chest. If the belt is too high, the child may suffer internal injuries in the event of a crash or may slip underneath the belt. Many manufacturers are now making booster seats with backs which can protect against side impact crashes.
Tips for buying a child car seat
- Buy a reputable make. A car seat that doesn't protect your child is a false economy
- Look for deep side wings which will protect your child's head in a side impact collision
- When fitting the restraint, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you're not sure how to fit it properly, ask for a demonstration at the shop before you buy
- Make sure the seatbelt is tight around the car seat. If it's loose, the seat may slide around. Push your knee into the seat when fitting to make sure the seatbelt stays taut
- Never buy a second-hand car seat. Although the price may look attractive, you don't know if it's been in an accident before
- Never fit a rear-facing car seat where there is an active airbag. Make sure it is switched off, or fit the car seat in the back of the car
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