Practical Advice

What to do:

 

  • Always use an appropriate child car seat for transporting a child in the car, even for short journeys.
  • On long journeys, it is necessary to make frequent stops as children tire very easily in child car seats. Stop the car in a safe place before removing the child from the child car seat.
  • If you are transporting a child in a carrycot/pram that has an adjustable inner backrest, this must be reclined completely to the horizontal position.
  • Always follow carefully the instructions for use enclosed with the product. A correct use (fitting the child car seat into the car and fastening the child into it) is the only way to avoid the risk of serious injuries in the case of accidents.
  • Always check that the child car seat if fitted correctly with the car safety belts, and that the latter are tensioned correctly.
  • According to car accident statistics, the rear seat, in particular the central rear seat, is the safest position where to fit the child car seat. However, if it is not possible to use the central rear seat of the car (most child car seats must be fitted with a 3-point safety belt, but not all the cars have a central rear seat equipped with a safety belt), it is recommended to fit the child car seat into the right rear seat (pavement side).
  • If the car has been left in the sun, check that the different parts of the child car seat are not too hot before placing the child into it.
  • Check periodically that your child does not unfasten the buckle of the safety harness, or that it does not tamper with the child car seat or any of its parts.
  • Always replace a child car seat used in a car that had an accident, even a minor incident. It may have suffered structural damages which could compromise the safety of the product.
  • The safety harness of the child car seat must always be tensioned correctly, but should not exercise too much pressure on the child’s chest. A safety harness is tightened correctly when an adult can insert his or herhand between the back of the child and the backrest of the child car seat.

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What to Avoid:

 

  • Children must never be held in the arms of an adult. Always fasten the child with an appropriate restraint system.
  • Never use second-hand child car seats.
  • Never modify the product, add components or install accessories and/or parts not approved by the manufacturer.
  • Avoid giving food to your child while travelling, in particular lollipops, ice lollies or other foods on sticks: it may injure your child in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
  • Never leave the child unattended in the car.
  • Never leave unsecured objects or luggage on the rear shelf. In the event of an accident or sudden braking they may injure the passengers.


The Paediatrician Advises

The first general indication is: ALWAYS USE AN INFANT CAR SEAT on every single trip you take, even short ones, starting with your baby’s first ride home from the hospital. The law in force requests the obligatory use of an infant car seat until a child reaches a height of 150 cm.

It is very important that parents understand the importance of the use of infant car seats as a form of prevention and protection of their children’s health, as well as a true gesture of love.
Holding your baby in your arms during a car trip may seem a natural gesture, however, in the case of an impact or sudden braking, even if the car is travelling at moderate speed, the child’s body weight increases manifold on account of the force of acceleration, making your embrace ineffective in restraining it. The law indicates different types of infant car seats to be used according to the child’s weight.

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In the case of newborn babies, who, in the first month of life, cannot control the movements of the head due to poor muscle tone (this is especially true of premature or low-weight babies), it may be useful – as recommended in the scientific literature – to ask your paediatrician for advice, before leaving the hospital, on the type of infant car seat best suited for your child: whether a carrycot in which the baby lies on its back, or the classic infant seat, possibly equipped with a mini-insert to support baby’s back. When a baby weighs more than 6 kg, the insert is no longer necessary and can be removed. In any case, it is always best to make rather short trips, or stop for a rest at least once every two hours. Group 0+ infant car seats, for children from 0 to 13 kg, should be positioned in the car in a rear-facing position in order to reduce the risk of injury to baby’s neck in the event of an impact. This is the safest position of all and it is recommended to adopt it for as long as possible. When a child weighs about 13 kg, it begins to feel uncomfortable with the feet touching the seat backrest and, moved by its growing curiosity for the outside world, will try to turn round and watch the road. This is the time to switch to a Group 1 infant car seat. This type of seat should be preferably placed on the back seat of the car, in the middle or on the car side next to the pavement: in fact the car side next to the centre of the road is statistically more dangerous and exposed to impacts. Some models of infant car seats of the groups 1 and 2-3 have a reclinable backrest that allows for a more comfortable position of the head during sleep. There are also special pillows that follow the neck contour: choose those, which are very thin at the back, since excessive thickness may cause, negative repercussions on the neck in case of impact. Always check that the infant car seat is correctly positioned as indicated in the user’s manual and keep the manual in a safe and handy place for future reference. Before purchasing your baby’s car seat, check that it bears the obligatory mark of conformity to the European standards. It is always best to put the child in the car and take it out from the side next to the pavement. For this reason an infant car seat should be preferably placed on the right-hand side of the car, possibly on the back seat. If you place a group 0+ infant car seat on the seat next to the driver’s, remember to deactivate the front air bag, and be careful in placing the infant car seat on the rear seat, if your car has lateral airbags. An inflating airbag produces a violent impact that could be very dangerous for a small child. During the ride never unfasten the seat belts, not even temporarily, and do not take the baby out of the infant car seat for any reason. If the baby cries, or if you have to feed it or change its nappy, make a stop. For safety reasons do not give baby any food while travelling, especially lolly pops, ice lolly pops or other foods on sticks. In case of an impact or sudden braking, the stick might injure the child or obstruct its airways. Pay attention also to the items you use to amuse your child while travelling, since they might prove dangerous in case of sudden braking or of an accident. For this reason it is recommended to use soft toys. Do not transport any loose objects in the car that might hit the baby in case of sudden braking. If your car has remained parked in the sun for a long time, remember to check the infant seat temperature, so that the child does not get burned when you place it on the seat. Never leave your child unattended in the car, even for few minutes: always take your baby with you. Consider this advice and do not undervalue its importance: consider compliance with these simple rules as an important contribution to your child’s safety and health.

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