With UK Road Safety Week taking place this month, it’s the perfect time to highlight a crucial aspect of child safety - car seats. Car accidents remain a leading cause of injury for children under 12, with In Car Safety Centre reporting that 70% of child car seats are either unsuitable for the child or incorrectly fitted, or both. A quality car seat, correctly installed and used, can significantly improve safety. Below, Maxi-Cosi’s guide highlights key tips for keeping little ones safe on the road during every journey. 

 

Why Choose a Reputable Manufacturer?  

 

Opting for a car seat from a reputable manufacturer is more than a brand choice - it’s a commitment to safety. Reputable brands design seats to rigorous standards, often exceeding UK safety regulations (i-Size, also known as UN R129/04). These manufacturers conduct extensive testing to ensure the seat’s materials, structure, and features protect children in a collision.  

 

Reputable manufacturers continually innovate to improve car seat safety, adding features like robust side-impact protection. These systems absorb and redirect crash forces, effectively shielding a child’s head and torso in an accident and significantly reducing the risk of serious injury.   

 

Understanding ISOFIX 

 

ISOFIX is a system that connects car seats directly to the vehicle’s chassis, reducing the risk of incorrect installation. UK cars made since 2013 have ISOFIX anchor points, making installation easier and more secure than traditional belt-fitting. With proper installation, an ISOFIX seat stays stable, helping limit excessive movement in a crash. Not all cars are ISOFIX compatible, so it’s important to check the car’s manual and confirm compatibility.    

 

Installing Your Car Seat Safely with the Vehicle Seatbelt

 

Correct installation is crucial for car seats to work effectively. Incorrect fitting is common, which can compromise safety in a collision. Read the instruction manual carefully, and consider having the installation checked by professionals - many retailers offer this service free of charge, or have online toolkits like Maxi-Cosi's, enabling parents to choose a car seat that will fit in their car. For belt-fitted seats, ensure the seatbelt passes through the right points with no twists or slack. Misrouted or loose seatbelts can greatly reduce a seat’s effectiveness. For queries related to ISOFIX or seatbelt installation, please visit a local retailer for further advice.  

 

Securing Your Child Correctly 

 

Securing your child properly is just as important as installation. The harness should lie flat, with no twists, and fit snugly; only two fingers should fit between the harness and the child’s chest. Avoid thick coats or bulky clothing that prevent a close fit; instead, dress children in thinner layers, and add a blanket over the harness for warmth if needed. 

 

Rearward-Facing

 

Rearward-facing seats are widely regarded as offering enhanced protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine during frontal collisions. UK regulations require children to remain rearward-facing until at least 15 months if using an i-Size seat. However, circumstances vary, and some families may need to transition to a forward-facing seat earlier. While experts recommend rearward-facing travel for as long as possible - ideally up to age 4 - forward-facing seats are also designed to meet stringent safety standards and provide secure, reliable protection for children.

 

Regular Checks and Maintenance 

 

Regular routine checks are essential to ensure the car seat remains safe and effective. Inspect straps and buckles for wear and tear, confirm the seat hasn’t shifted, and adjust the fit as your child grows. Whilst it is never recommended to purchase second hand seats, should parents choose to do this, it is essential that they are able to access the seat’s full history to ensure that it has never been in an accident, and that its integrity has not been compromised. Following the event of an accident, Maxi-Cosi offer a Seat Swap service for non-second hand seats, whereby parents can receive expert advice on whether the seat needs replacing.

 

By following these tips, parents can help protect their little ones on the road and have peace of mind that every journey is made safer. Parents can visit www.maxi-cosi.co.uk to find out more about Maxi-Cosi's range of car seats from birth up to twelve years.