| Were you aware that if, as I do, you live in the UK, | | | | type of vehicle. Not all car seats fit all cars. If in any |
| it is illegal to carry a child as a passenger in you car | | | | doubt, ask. |
| without them sitting in a purpose designed children's | | | | Today, most child car seats on the market are |
| car seat, if they are under the age of 12 years old or | | | | secured by utilising the appropriate seat belt. |
| are shorter than 135 cm tall? Additionally, the seat | | | | However, there are some, which mount directly to |
| must be made to suit their particular height, weight | | | | the vehicle's structure. |
| and age. | | | | For those in the fortunate position of having a recent |
| And when carrying infants younger than 15-months | | | | addition to their family, there are convertible car |
| old or who weigh less than 13 kg, the seat needs to | | | | seats. This particular type of seat has a sub frame |
| be rear facing and have the ability to recline. This is | | | | that is secured using one of the car's seat belts. |
| so that, if your car should be involved in a collision, | | | | Then, the actual baby seat clips onto this sub frame. |
| the child's back rather than their shoulders, chest and | | | | They are designed in such a way as to allow the |
| stomach will absorb the force of the impact. If your | | | | seat to be clipped into position either rear or front |
| child falls into this category and you would prefer to | | | | facing. Usually, this type of seat is suitable for children |
| have them riding up front with you and you have a | | | | aged between birth and 4-years. Another nice benefit |
| passenger side air bag fitted, this must be disabled | | | | of this type of seat is that you can get your child |
| before you set out on your journey. The reason | | | | into his or her seat before leaving your home and |
| being, in the case of an accident, the air bag may | | | | once you've reached your destination, the seat may |
| crush the youngster, should it inflate. | | | | be un-clipped and used as a carrycot. |
| A few things to consider prior to buying a children's | | | | Once you've decided on which one suits you best |
| car seat: | | | | and you get it home, read the fitting instructions |
| · Make certain that the seat you are about | | | | very thoroughly and follow them to the letter. As |
| to buy is suitable for your child's age/weight group. | | | | mentioned above, de-activate any air bag, which may |
| Once they have outgrown the seat it must be | | | | cause your child harm. And lastly, if your children's car |
| discarded and replaced with something compatible | | | | seat is secured using one of the car's seat belts, |
| with their age height and weight. | | | | ensure that it as tight as you can get it. This will |
| · And, ensure that it will fit your particular | | | | avoid the seat sliding around whilst you drive. |