The safety of our children must be of vital importance to us. Laws have changed in recent years to protect children as much as possible while in the car. There are also other considerations to keep in mind, which are not mandatory but would help keep children safe in the event of a collision. Today we talk about how we should carry the children in the car.
To be taken into account by all
Children often not only ride in their parents 'car, but also in their uncles and grandparents' car. That's why it is It is important that all the people who are going to take your children by car know these considerations so that they are always just as safe.
Safety measures reduce possible head, neck and abdominal injuries by 50-80%, in addition to prevent deaths by 75%. It is very necessary that we know how to protect children as much as possible in the car.
How to take children in the car
- Always carry an approved chair with restraint systems. The restraint systems have to be used from birth until the child measures at least 135 cm, although it is recommended that up to 150 cm a chair with a back is used before starting to use the seat belt.
- They must go in the back seat always. If they measure 135 cm or less, they must be in the rear seats of the vehicle with their restraint system according to their age and weight. exist two exceptions to be able to go in the front seat: that the car is 2-seater or that the rear seats are already occupied by other children of the same conditions. In these cases, the front seat airbag should be disconnected if the chair is in reverse.
- Security systems must always be used, even on short trips.
- It is recommended that children travel against the gear as long as possible, to be able to be until the 4 years. Their neck is still very delicate and when going against gear it prevents them from being injured in the car in the event of an impact.
- Check that the belts or harnesses are properly fitted and are not twisted or kinked. It has to be well secured and without gaps. The diagonal band has to go through the clavicle over the shoulder close to the chest. And the other has to be on the hip. If the band is too high the child will need a lift.
- The chair must be appropriate for your age and weight. If his head sticks out it means that this chair is no longer suitable for him and he needs to move to the next level. Before buying one, check that it is suitable for your car seat and that it is comfortable for the child. You do not buy a chair that is second hand or that is very old. And if it has suffered an accident, it must be replaced immediately.
- If possible use the ISOFIX anchoring system. It is the safest and most practical system there is. If your car has this system do not hesitate and take advantage of it. The most modern cars already usually bring it as standard.
- SIf you have to save, do it in something else but not in the car seat. It is an expensive expense, but think that the safety and health of your baby is at stake. That in the event of an accident you will minimize the risks if it is well protected, and if you buy a cheap or non-approved chair the risks are greater. Go to specialized stores that will know how to advise you which is the best chair for your child.
- Avoid keeping loose objects or pets around children. If there is an impact, they can be thrown towards your children and cause significant damage.
Because remember… it is our responsibility as parents to protect our children whenever it is in our hands. It takes us a minute to check that everything is okay.