Car seats - common problems
When fitting a car seat, the most common of problems
can turn a relatively simple procedure into a frustrating nightmare. Here
we list some familiar problems, and attempt to provide you with a suitable
solution.
Seat belt too short?
One of the most common problems with rear facing car seats
is that the car's seat belts are not long enough to fit around the seat.
There is no minimum standard length for adult seat belts, and it would
take a large adult to use as much of the seat belt as one of these seats
when fitted properly.
Non-reclining and two-way seats may require more length
of seat belt than equivalent reclining seats, which can be installed in
the upright position and then reclined against seat belt tension once
the belt has been fitted. Two-way seats are generally larger.
Solution:
- Check with the car seat and vehicle manufacturers that the car seat
is suitable for your car
- Try the car seat in every seating position in which you are likely
to use it and ensure that a sufficient length of the seat belt is available
- In some cars, it is possible to adjust the height of the seat belt
(on the door pillar) - try lowering the height adjuster if one is fitted
- Some seats have an alternative belt route that can be used when the
belts are too short for normal installation - the manufacturer's instructions
will show this
- If not, use a different child car seat (or car) that is compatible
Sloping Seats?
If the seats in your car slope, and you purchase a non-reclining baby
car seat, the combination of the angles can result in your baby lying
in a near vertical position. It is important that you take this into consideration
before investing in a car seat.
Solution:
- Buying a reclining car seat should help you to overcome this problem.
Buckle crunch?
If the car's seat belt buckle lies across the frame of
the car seat, then it will be prevented from being tightened and could
break or open in a crash. Only seat belt webbing should be in contact
with the frame of the child car seat.
Solution:
- An 'alternative belt route' for the seat belt can help you to avoid
the buckle touching the car seat, as can moving the seat to a different
location in the car
- Make sure you have fitted the child car seat according to the manufacturer's
instructions and that the seat belt has been fitted through the correct
route guides on the seat
- Check with the child car seat and car manufacturers that the car seat
is suitable for your car. If not, use a different child car seat (or
car) that is compatible
Harness does not fit?
Car seats usually have an integral harness to hold the
child securely in the seat. This should fit snugly, so that only one or
two fingers can fit between the harness and the child's chest.
If the harness is loose, the child could be thrown from
the car seat in a crash, or work their way out of the harness while you
are driving. The harness buckle should not rest over the child's tummy.
Solution:
- Make sure the child car seat has been fitted according to the manufacturer's
instructions and that the harness is not twisted or tangled
- On many car seats, it is possible to raise the position of the top
of the harness as a child grows
- Clothing can also affect how snugly the harness fits
Child Seat is too loose?
One of the most common mistakes when fitting a car seat
is to leave the car seat held loosely by the seat belt. By doing so, you
are putting your child's life at risk, and in a crash the car seat will
be thrown forwards, causing serious injury and even death.
Adult seat belts are designed to be comfortable and provide
protection for adults, rather than for installing child car seats. In
some cars the belts mounting point (the opposite end of the lap-belt to
the buckle) in the car is located so far forward that the seat belt does
not pull the child seat frame backwards and downwards sufficiently into
the car seat.
Solution:
- Ensure that the car seat has been fitted according to the manufacturer's
instructions
- Check that the seat belt has been fitted through the correct route
guides on the car seat, and that it has been pulled tight enough
- Many car seats have a lock-off device to prevent the seat belt slipping
once it has been tightened - make sure this is in the lock position
- Check that the child car seat rests on the car seat properly
- Check with the child seat and car manufacturers that the child car
seat is suitable for your car
- If not, use a different child car seat (or car) that is compatible.
Buying Your Car Seat
Fitting Your Car Seat
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