Safety Tips for Kids in Cars

From an auto safety perspective, the most important consideration for parents is ensuring their precious cargos are buckled up as safely and securely as possible. 

»         To effectively restrain your children, purchase a car seat suitable for the child’s size and weight and which complies with Australian Safety Standards

-         A convertible baby seat is perfect for newborns to children 18kgs and under, as it can be either rearward facing or forward facing and is easy to install.  It is recommended a rearward facing capsule is used from birth to approximately 8 or 9 kgs, as it will allow the baby to lie down with back and neck support.   When the baby is over this weight range, he/she will have developed more strength in their head and neck, and be able to sit in a forward facing position

-         Children in the next weight and age range (14kg to 26kg – approximately three to seven years old), a booster seat is recommended to correctly position a child when using a regular adult sash seatbelt.  You should never only use a lap seatbelt with a booster seat

-         If a child is not big enough for an adult lap/sash seatbelt, a child restraint safety harness is a must, as it provides additional protection in the event of an accident by controlling upper body movement

»         Never place a child who requires a restraint in the front passenger seat.  Similarly, do not hold a child in your arms while driving or as a passenger.  In the event of a crash, you will not be able to protect the child as effectively as a restraint will

»         Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, regardless of how quickly you intend to return

»         Secure loose objects within the vehicle.  Not only could they be thrown around by children and distract you, they may also become projectiles and cause injury in the event of an accident.

Follow the above to keep your kids as safe as houses in the car!