Monday, Jul 03, 2017

Dubai: Belted or Isofix (child seats with attachment points)? What are weight groups? How should it be fixed? When it comes to car child seats, it’s not as simple as buy, fix and drive. There are many features that you need to look for on which the safety of your child depends. More importantly, ensuring the right type of car seat and its perfect installation is just as important as simply having one. Utilising an unsuitable seat or even installing it incorrectly can put a child’s life in danger. There are several types of car child seats available but be guided by the tips below to pick the right one for your child or children.

Infant

Curved, rearward-facing infant car seats offer the best protection for babies and are suitable for a child of around 12 months. Lightweight, portable and with a safety harness and carry handle, you can remove your baby from the car without taking them out of their seat. Some models also function as rockers. From birth up to 13kg.

Convertible

These are suitable from birth to around four years. Use the rearward-facing seat from birth to 9kg (around 12 months) depending on model; then use forward-facing once your child can sit up unaided, from 9kg to 18kg (around 12 months to four years). Rearward-facing seats offer better protection for baby’s head, neck and spine. From birth up to 18kg.

Forward-facing, toddler

An ideal follow-on from an infant car seat, these are suitable from around nine months to four years. Optimised for protection, most have multi-recline positions so your tot can sleep in comfort. The harness keeps your child safe and the seat is secured in the car by the adult seat belt. From 9-18kg.

High back booster with harness

These are a longer term investment as they are suitable from nine months right through to 6 years. The integral harness is used until your child is 15kg or 18kg. At this stage, it can be removed and the adult seat belt used instead. From 9-36kg.

High back booster without harness

Suitable from around four until 12 years, the seat gives proper support and side-impact protection. Your child is raised up so that the adult seat belt fits more securely, safely and comfortably. The extra height also gives a better view, helping to relieve boredom and travel sickness. From 18-36kg.

Booster

These lightweight, portable seats without a back raise your child to adult seat belt level. Suitable from around four until 12 years, your child is assured a comfy ride thanks to the padded seat and armrests. Your child can look out more easily, helping to prevent travel sickness. From 18-36kg.

Your child’s car seat should not be undermined as it only provides maximum safety once it is cautiously selected and appropriately utilised. With these optimum tips, all parents should have a good idea of what to look for when making this crucial purchase.

Information Courtesy: Babyshop

Staff Report

Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.