Safer Roads : The Law : Advice : Child Seats

Child safety checklist - Make sure your child is safe in the car

Use only an approved restraint suitable for the child's weight and size
Use restraints approved to the latest standard, (UNECE Regualtion 44.03) - these fit better in modern cars and provide improved protection for your child
Ensure that the restraint is compatible with your car. Check the seat meanufacturer's application list, ask the retailer to demonstrate or install the seat, or ask for advice from the car manufacturer
Make sure that the restraint is fitted securely and firmly in the car - follow the instructions and retain them in the car for future reference
Carry children in the rear seat of the car if possible
Adjust the harness for a tight but comfortable fit each time your child uses the seat
Check the restraint installation regualrly to ensure that fixing straps or seatbelts have not worked loose
Check the restraint condition regularly and renew it if there are any signs of cracking in the shell or of fraying or cuts in webbing
Ensure that your child understands the importance of being safely strapped in for every journey
Cover the seat when parking on hot days to avoid burning the child on hot metal fittings when you return

Don't

Carry children unrestrained, no matter how short the journey
Fit a rear-facing baby seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag - death or serious injury can result. Forward-facing seats should be set well back from the airbag
Buy a restraint unless you are certain that it will fit properly in your car. No 'universal restraint' fits correctly in all cars
Buy a second hand restraint unless you know its history and it is complete wih all its instructions
Use a restraint that has been involved in a crash
Hold a child in your arms or put the seatbelt around both of you. In an accident your weight will crush the child
Allow children to release buckles ot climb out of seat belts
Modify child seats or buckles - this could have serious consequences in an accident
Use an ordinary cushion instead of a booster cushion. In an accident it could fly out and the child could slide under the seat belt
Leave your children unattended in a car