Safety tips for using and fitting Group 0 car seats
- Check that the seat you are buying meets current safety standards.
- Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and keep a copy of the
fitting instructions in the car.
- Always check that the carry handle is in the correct position before
driving off.
- Purchase your car seat well in advance of your babies due date so
you can get plenty of practice at taking it in and out of the car.
- Always check that the seat you purchase fits securely in your car.
Belt routing should be straightforward and provide a sensible amount
of room for you to strap the seat in.
- Never use an infant car seat on a seat with an air bag. If you were
to have an accident the pressure from the airbag would hit your child's
car seat and could cause serious injury.
- Once your baby is in the car, double check that the belt is routed
properly and the harness is secure. Having your child in an incorrectly
fitted car seat could increase their risk of injury - even at low speeds.
- Keep an eye on your child's weight. If they weigh around 10kgs and
their head is above the top of the seat, they're likely to be ready
for a Group 1 car seat. The following guide shows the ages/weights for
each stage:
|
Group
|
Weight
|
Age
|
Facing
|
| Group
0 |
birth-10kgs
|
0-9 months |
rear facing |
| Group
0+ |
birth-13kgs |
0-12/15 months |
rear facing |
| Group
1 |
9-18kgs |
9 months - 4 years
|
forward facing |
| Group
2 |
15-25kgs |
4-6 years |
forward facing
or booster seat |
| Group
3 |
22-36kgs |
6-11 years |
booster seat |
Don't keep your baby in their seat for too long unless absolutely necessary.
If you travel long distances regularly, consider a seat with a lie-flat
mechanism. Flat surfaces offer a better level of support for baby's back
and they can sleep more comfortably on the go.
Rear-facing car seats offer the best protection for babies so it's advisable
to keep them in their first car seat for as long as possible.
Where to next
|
