Baby car seats are mandatory in UK. When the new law was introduced in 2006, it became obligatory for vehicles carrying babies to provide them with proper car seats. Age appropriate car seats are available to offer safety to the babies during car journeys. It is therefore necessary for the families to have baby car seats even if they do not own cars, as the utility will be useful whenever they travel in a hired car.
Baby car seats of different types and sizes are available in the market for the customers to choose from. They are to be chosen according to the age and weight of the baby. As the baby grows up, the seats are to be changed accordingly to suit the purpose. The sizes of the seats are indicated on them for the benefit of the customers. Categorized as groups or stages, the seats are designed in such a way to facilitate safe travel for the babies and children up to twelve years. For example, a baby of nine months and weighing up to 22 lbs will have to use a car seat of group ‘O’ and if the weight is above 22 lbs the seat should be ‘O+’. If the child is between 9 months and 4 years, a car seat of group ‘1’ is to be provided. Even though there cannot be rigid rules to this formula, the size of the seat should be safe and adequate for the child.
Age and size appropriate car seats are to be selected. For babies up to 2 years rear facing seats are the best option. Usually children sleep through out the journey and as such the position will be comfortable for them. This portable facility can be taken out of the car easily during brief halts. Some of the car seats will provided with handles for the purpose. There are special types of baby seats which can be used as rocking chairs while at home. They can also be fitted on to the perambulators.
Some types of car seats available are convertible to front facing. This type is suitable for babies above three years. Forward facing car seats with suitable headrests are required for children above 25 lbs. Such car seats provide support to the neck and head of the child.
Baby car seats which can be used as carry cots are also available for the convenience of the parents who alight from the car for shopping or sight seeing. Such seats can be fitted to the rear seats of the car where the baby can be secured safely with straps across the body.
The parents should keep watch on the babies who sleep for long periods during journey, especially while on the rear facing seats. The posture of the baby will cause strain to the spine if remain in the same position. It is better to take the baby out of the car for a short while during the long journey.
The parents should make sure that the baby car seats are secured safely while traveling. The straps should be properly fastened. Care should be taken to see that sharp metallic part of the baby seats do not cause harm to the tender body. Baby car seats are now insisted by hospitals and nursing homes, who will not permit the babies to be taken out in cars without suitable car seats. They are considered as an absolute safety aid. |