Child safety

Looking after a Diva's most precious passengers

Child seats, booster seats, booster cushions and seat belts. Who needs what and what's best for whom? These simple tables tells you everything you need to know.

Types of child seats

Stages & Groups	Approximate age range	Type of restraint	Weight range
Stage 1 Groups 0 & 0+	Group 0 - from birth to 6 - 9 months Group 0+ - from birth to 12-15 months	Rearward facing baby seats	Group 0 - up to 10 kg / 22 lbs Group 0+ - up to 13 kg / 29 lbs
Stage 2 Group 1	9 months - 4 years	Forward facing child seat	9 kg / 20 lbs - 18 kg / 40 lbs
Stage 3 Group 2	4 years - 6 years	Booster seats	15 kg / 33 lbs - 25 kg / 55 lbs
Stage 4 Group 3	6 years - 11 years	Booster cushion	22 kg / 48 lbs - 36 kg / 79 lbs

The Law

	Responsibility	Front seat	Rear seat
Driver	Driver	Seat belt must be worn	N/A
Child under 3 yrs	Driver	Correct child restraint must be used	Correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, then the child may travel unrestrained.
Child from 3 rd birthday, up to either 135cms in height or 12 years old.	Driver	Appropriate child restraint must be used	Where seat belts fitted, correct child restraint must be used. Must use adult belt if the correct child restraint is not available in three scenarios: in a licensed taxi/PHV over a short distance for reason of unexpected necessity two occupied child restraints prevent fitment of a third. In addition, a child 3 and over may travel unrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicle if seat belts are not available.
Child over 1.35 metres or 12 or 13 years	Driver	Adult seat belt must be worn	Adult seat belt must be worn, if available.
Adult passengers	Passenger	Seat belt must be worn	Seat belt must be worn, if available

Diva tips for in car safety with seat belts

• It is your responsibility to ensure all passengers wear a seat belt.
• Never purchase a baby seat, child seat and booster seat or cushion that does not carry the UN 'E' mark or BS Kitemark.
• Always follow the manufacturers' instructions when fitting a child restraint to your car.
• Try fitting the child restraint to your car before purchase. Check that it fits snugly and securely, without too much forwards or sideways movement. Make sure that the seat belt buckle does not rest on the frame of the restraint.
• It is best not to purchase second-hand child restraints that may be damaged and are unlikely to meet safety standards.
• Baby seats facing towards the rear of the car are generally safer than those that face forwards. However, rear-facing seats should never be used when airbags are fitted in front of the seat as these could cause damage to the child in case of an accident.
• It has been proven that it is slightly safer to use child safety seats in the rear, rather than the front of the car.
• Some baby seats available can be converted into forward-facing child seats, hence lengthening its life span and saving you money.
• If no child restraint is available to a child under the age of three then it is generally accepted that it is safer for them to use an adult seat belt in the back seat as opposed to nothing at all.
• If you are pregnant, then you are still legally required to use a seat belt, unless your doctor has certified exemption. The belt might not be particularly comfortable but it will dramatically improve the safety of both you and your unborn baby.
• Never put a seat belt around more than one person.
• Seat belts that fasten diagonally and across the lap are safer than those that fasten only across the lap.
• Drivers and passengers in the front seats should sit as far as is reasonably possible away from the front seat.

Source

www.childcarseats.org.uk