Things to keep in mind when choosing a car seat for your child

Every year, thousands of children are injured in traffic accidents. Keeping children safe in the car can reduce deaths by at least 80%. Choosing the right car seat for your child can also help control destructive behavior. Thereby reducing the number of accidents caused by children that distract you while driving.

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• 1. Types of car safety seats
• 2. Use LATCH ONLY
• 3. How to choose a car seat for your child: Use an airbag
• 4. Pay attention when choosing a car seat for your child about how to use the airbag 

1. Types of car safety seats

There are many styles and sizes to choose from for your child's car seat. You should make sure the seat will fit your car and that your car seat belt will fit the seat. 

There are several types of car safety seats for children:

1.1. Infant chair

These are back-only seats. They can be used from birth until the baby weighs about 10 kg. Most of these seats are designed to be removable from the car seat. 

With compact design, smart design, many car seats also function as cradles for babies. The straps can be adjusted according to the sleeping position of the child. The knots always ensure the most safety and certainty. The covered type can be flexibly movable such as being covered or pulled in easily. It should be noted that the top of the child's head must be at least 3cm from the top of the seat . This helps protect your child in the event of an accident.

1.2. 360 degree swivel chair

These seats can be used in either the same or opposite position as the adult seats. You can rotate the seat in reverse until your child is over 2 years old and reaches the allowable weight. As your child gets older, you can rotate the seat in the same direction so your child can sit like an adult. It is recommended that you use a five-point safety belt to limit excessive movement of the child.

Figure 1: Choosing a car seat for children: 360-degree swivel seat (Source: Internet)

1.3. Choosing a child car seat: booster seat

These are directional seats that raise the child higher so that the car seat belt fits the child. The booster seat is usually for children over 20 kg. If your child's car seat does not have a headrest, you should choose a seat with a high back. It is very dangerous for a child to sit in a chair without a headrest.

Post instructions on how to use the car safety seat in a visible place such as the back of the seat. .

2. Use LATCH ONLY

Most vehicles and car safety seats have a LATCH attached. This is a system designed with the aim of making the chair easy and safe to use. LATCH stands for “Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children”. It allows you to attach the seat to your vehicle without using a seat belt. However, never use both the vehicle seat belt and the LATCH system at the same time.

3. How to choose a car seat for your child: Use an airbag

Airbags are standard equipment required in most new vehicles. They are designed to increase occupant protection in the event of an accident. The electronic control unit will receive signals from the sensors when a collision occurs, and then provide the corresponding airbag detonation current. The airbag inflates rapidly and then deflates immediately. They act as cushions that help prevent or reduce contact with potentially injurious vehicle parts such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Thanks to this function, many lives have been saved.

In addition, there is also a side-mounted airbag that only works in the event of a side collision. At that time, the side airbags will protect the head and shoulders from injury. The airbag can inflate rapidly in less than a second at speeds up to 250 km/h. This means that they inflate with considerable force. A occupant in a vehicle too close to the airbag could be hit as it inflates, posing a risk of injury. As a result, air bags can be very dangerous for babies and children. 

Figure 2: Airbags are installed for the purpose of protecting occupants in the event of an accident (Source: Internet)

4. Pay attention when choosing a car seat for your child about how to use the airbag 

Do not allow children under 13 years old to sit in the front row. This is very dangerous because the belt system does not have enough traction, so when the airbag system deploys, it will be very dangerous. Because the explosive force of the airbag is very strong, it can cause injury or even death to a child.

If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, the child's seat in the front should be placed as far away from the airbag and dashboard as possible. A five-point fixed seat belt is recommended. Because it helps the child stay away from the airbag in the event of a collision. Some vehicles may come with an airbag ON/OFF switch. Always read the instructions for the use of safety devices before using the vehicle.

Children sitting near the side airbags are also at risk of injury. Make sure the child seat is securely attached and that your child is using it correctly. Remind children to avoid leaning against the window, sit in the correct position. Also, always keep your feet on the floor and fasten your seat belt. Choose a chair with side wings that will help prevent your baby's head from sleeping against the side window.

Figure 3: Do not place a forward-facing child seat in a vehicle equipped with an airbag in the front seat (Source: Internet)

While you're driving in the car, this is a good time to talk and teach your child how to be safe in the car. Choosing the right seat and seat belt for your child is the best way to protect your child while traveling.

Dr. Huynh Nguyen Uyen Tam