Child Restraints - New Law
New regulations governing the use of child car seats are due to come into force in September 2006.
We will be running advertising in the Summer to advise parent and carers about the new regulations governing the use of child car seats.
Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister said:
"Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough.
"Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions.
"We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year."
Child car seats - children up to eleven still need child seats
Children aged up to and including 11 years aren't big enough to travel without a child car seat or booster seat/cushion until they are about five feet (150cm) tall. Until then, the adult belt will not fit safely and they are safest using a suitable child car seat. Using adult seat belts before children are old enough may put them at higher risk of injury, in particular to internal organs if the belt does not fit properly across the pelvis.
This leaflet is a guide to help you make sure that your child is properly protected every journey and to help you decide when to move up to the next child car seat.
Please keep this information with the user guide. You may find it useful when you come to buy a new car seat for your child.
Up to 13kgs (approximately birth to 9 to 12 months)
A rear facing baby seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car. DO NOT use on a passenger seat fitted with an active front airbag. In some vehicles, it may be possible to switch off the airbag - check the handbook.
Keep your baby in a rear facing baby seat as long as possible. Move your child up to the next car seat when they have reached the weight limit of their baby seat or when the child's head can no longer be contained fully within the baby seat. Don't be tempted to move to a forward facing restraint simply because your child's feet are pressing against the adult seat back.
9-18kgs (approximately 9 months to 4 years)
A forward facing child car seat with integral harness that can be used in the front or rear of the car.
15-25kgs (approximately 4 to 6 years)
A forward facing booster seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car and which is designed to raise the child so they can use an adult seat belt safely across both their chest and pelvis.
22-36kgs (approximately 6 to 11 years inclusive)
A forward facing booster cushion which can be used in the front or rear of the car and which is designed to raise the child so they can use an adult seat belt safely across both their chest and pelvis. In many cases booster seats can be converted to booster cushions as the child develops.
For more information check the web site http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/ca...arseats.htm#01
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