The correct installation of child seats
The best child seat is useless if it is not installed and used correctly. Unfortunately, only about 30 percent of all child seats are properly attached. It is therefore all the more important that you find out what you have to consider when installing a child seat so that your child sits safely and is really protected.
Correct installation of child seats: more safety
In a traffic accident, 83 percent of the children secured in the car remain unharmed. An age-appropriate child seat is therefore an absolute must for the little passengers. However, more than 70 percent of parents make mistakes when installing child seats with the normal vehicle seat belt, which lead to insufficient safety for their offspring.
Installation of child seats: This must be observed
- Placement: It is best to mount a child seat on the back seat in the middle, because that is where your child is safest. Otherwise, the right seat on the back seat is a good choice so that you can let your child get out on the sidewalk side or get them out there.
- The instructions for use: Instructions for use are neglected again and again. It serves as a reliable aid during assembly and should be followed exactly so that errors can be avoided.
- Some additional information: The weight class, the installation direction, the course of the belt and the permitted or not permitted seating positions should also be taken into account.
- The front passenger seat: Great care should also be taken when installing child seats on the front passenger seat. If it is not certain whether the airbag is switched off or can be switched off, rear-mounted child seats should be avoided in this seat.
Fastening the child seat: belt or ISOFIX?
Child seats can be secured with ordinary (three and two-point belts) or special belt systems (ISOFIX). The three-point belt, found on the driver’s seat, for example, is the most common (securs at three points). The two-point belt can be found in most cars on the middle seat in the back seat and, as the name suggests, secures at two points. ISOFIX is a fastening system that can only be used in conjunction with a designated anchorage inside the car. However, not every car is equipped with an ISOFIX bracket and is therefore not always compatible with an Isofix child seat. To learn more about ISOFIX, you can refer to our article What is ISOFIX? ” inform.
Is your child safe too?
After the child seat has been installed, the journey can almost begin. However, there are still some important steps to follow that are necessary for the safety of your child. Basic aspects of using the child seat should also be taken into account.
- The strap: Don’t put the strap too tight or too loose. An adult’s hand should fit flat between the strap and chest. For this reason, thick winter jackets should be avoided between the harness and the child, because the seat only protects if the harness is tight enough.
- Belt routing: The belt routing and the height of the headrest should also be checked regularly and conscientiously so that both are adjusted to the size of your child.
- The child safety lock: So that your child does not open the car door independently while driving, the child safety lock should be activated on the nearest door.
- Safely buckled up: If your child has unbuckled themselves while driving, you should stop at the next opportunity and only start driving again when your child is sitting securely. Take your time, even if the way home is not far.
- The wear and tear: Even a child seat is worn out one day and its safety is outdated. For this reason, child seats should never be used for more than five to six years.