Child car seats: Graco answers the questions

Wearing a seat belt saves more than 2,000 lives every year. Though people know how important it is for a driver to belt up, shockingly, too many people still feel it is safe enough for them and their children to travel in the back without using a child restraint or even a seat belt.

Children must wear age and height appropriate restraints and the driver is responsible for making sure they do. But there still seems to be an element of confusion amongst parents about what seat should be used and when.

We asked Graco for advice on how to make sure parents were getting the right car seat for their child.

James Harrison is Graco’s resident Training Manager, and is in and out of stores every day to ensure retailers are able to demonstrate to their customers how to fit Graco car seats securely and safely. Here, James addresses some common questions from parents.

What car seats are currently available?
Currently, it is a legal requirement for all children under the age of 12 and less than 135cm tall to be seated in the appropriate car seat.  As a result, car seats have been categorised into four groups which are separated into bodyweight classes, as the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a car seat is a child’s weight.

Group 0+ car seats are suitable for newborns right up until they reach 13kgs (around nine months), are always installed rearward facing and are often compatible with safety bases for easy, safe fitting.

Once a child reaches 9kgs they become suitable for a Group 1 seat, which should last until they reach 18kgs (around 4 years).  These are installed forward facing using the car’s own seat belt.

Finally, for children weighing 15-36kgs (approximately three to 12 years) a Group 2/3 seat is required. Many come in the format of a Group 2 seat which features a detachable backrest to leave a Group 3 booster seats for older children. It is of the utmost importance that a child is seated in the correct Group for their weight and size in order to ensure maximum protection.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a car seat?
Safety has to be every parent’s number one priority, so it is essential to check that a car seat complies with ECE-R44, the European safety standard. Many car seat manufacturers also go above and beyond basic standards by including side impact protection and undergoing additional test simulations.

Following safety, comfort and ease-of-use must also be taken into account. It is important that all parents know how to fit their car seat properly, as an incorrectly fitted seat can prevent the seat from acting effectively in the event of an accident.  The easier a seat is to use, the more confident a parent can be that they have installed it correctly.

Children also need to be comfortable whenever they travel, to enable them to feel as ease. Padding should be comfortable and allow your child’s skin to breathe. A seat with recline positions will also allow your child to watch the world go by or sit back and relax.

Which seat is suitable for my car?
Choosing the right seat is about finding the best fit for your vehicle, and the most appropriate for the height, age, weight and comfort of your child, so we would recommend consumers choose a responsible retailer that offers free fitting advice. This way they can make an informed decision when making their choice.

Can I use a second-hand seat?
It is strongly advised that the use of second-hand car seats is avoided where possible, particularly if the history is unknown. It is important to determine whether a second-hand seat is in full working order as quite often seats which have been involved in an accident do not display any visible signs of damage, but they may harbor stretched harnesses or internal damage that could seriously reduce the effectiveness in the event of another accident.  In addition, second-hand seats are often supplied without fitting instructions or essential parts and may not comply with current safety standards.

Does a car seat need to be replaced after an accident?
A car seat should always be replaced after an accident, however minor. If in doubt, seek advice.

www.graco.co.uk