Car Seat Safety

In Ireland as many as 4 out of 5 child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision.

By law all children under 150cms in height or 36kgs (79lbs) in weight must use a child restraint system (CRS) suitable for their height and weight which travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi). An example of a CRS would be a child car seat or booster cushion.

Rear facing child car seats must not be used in passenger seats protected by an active frontal airbag. An airbag which deploys ( opens up ) in front of a rearward facing child car seat can cause serious injury or even death if there is a collision.

Newborn car seat Basics:
Straps – at or just below the shoulder
Angle of the seat – infants required the most reclined angle
Handle of the carseat – make sure that this is locked in the correct position, as specified by the manufacturer.
Height / weight limits – Make sure that the infant meets the specified height and weight limits for the car seat.

Ex Prem /Newborn Considerations
Angle of seat = more reclined is better for head slump
Bulky Coats
Diminutive stature
Lower Tone
Take breaks – recommendation is a short break every 30 minutes ( 30-60)
Parent riding in the backseat for the initial car trips

Additional safety Factors to consider:

Check the expiration – car seats expire, typically in 6-10 years but its recommended not to use one that is more than 5 years old if you’re not sure of the expiration

Some brands differ so check with the manufacturer
Your child should use the car seat for every single journey no matter how short.
Take time to get your child comfortably strapped in
Make sure the seats harness or seatbelt is correctly adjusted for your child.
The harness / seatbelt should be quite tight

If a harness is being used in rearward facing seats it should be tight enough so that only two fingers can fit between the top of the child’s shoulders and the harness but your fingers should be able to rotate in that position

If a harness is being used in forward facing seats, it should be tight enough so that only two fingers can fit between your child’s breastbone and the harness – but your fingers should be unable to rotate in that position.

Clothing can affect how snugly the harness fits, so you should use blankets instead of bulky jackets in the winter. This makes sure that the harness is making contact with your child’s body and you should check this before every journey