Ensure that your child’s car seat provides the best protection

Toys R Us and Babies R Us have noted that sales of car seats and car seat-related queries have increased since the new legislation was announced.

“As a baby product retailer, we prioritise child safety and strongly advocate this new legislation,” said Michelle Burke, marketing manager at Toys R Us South Africa.

She said it was crucial for parents and guardians to ensure that they were using the appropriate car seat for their child’s weight and age.

Burke provides tips for ensuring that a child’s car seat provides the best protection:

•  A car seat is suitable if it fits your child’s size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle and is used properly every time the child is secured in it
•  A securely fastened car seat should not move more than two-and-a-half centimetres forward or to the side. If it wobbles or slides, it is too loose.
•  Do not place an infant in the seat wrapped in a blanket; rather place the blanket over the whole seat
•  Rolled blankets can be placed on either side of the infant once placed in the car seat and a small diaper or blanket placed between the crotch strap and the infant
•  Do not place padding under or behind the infant or use any car seat inserts, unless it comes with the seat or was made by the manufacturer of the seat.

She added that in a bid to cut costs, parents may opt for a secondhand car seat, however she said there were risks associated with used car seats that parents should be aware of:

•  The label on the product should provide the date the car seat was made and parents can check with the manufacturer to determine the recommended usage of the seat
•  Do not use a car seat that has any visible cracks on it
•  Do not use a car seat that is missing parts
•  Some car seat manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any vehicle collision, even a minor one.

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