On this page we aim to provide parents with appropriate sources of information about car safety and the new car seat regulations coming into effect on 18th September 2006.

General Tips on Car Safety

Buying a second hand car seat is not recommended, as you will not know it's history and whether it has been involved in an accident. If you do use a second hand car seat from a friend or relative and know that the seat has not been dropped or involved in an accident and is in good repair, still follow the manufacturer's instructions for fitting an.

Not every seat will fit every car. Try your child in the baby or child seat before you buy it. Also make sure that it fits exactly how the manufacturer's instruction says it should. Don't be bullied by assistants, and never buy a seat without trying it in the car first. Make sure it does not wobble, it if does it is either wrongly fitted or not suitable or your car.

Do not choose a seat that is difficult to fit. If it is awkward you might be tempted not to bother with it on short journeys. It is vital that you use your child car seat on every journey - most accidents happen within a short distance of home.

Safety around the Car

Be careful that your child's fingers are not caught in windows or doors when they are getting in or out of the car. Teach your children from an early age to keep their arms well tucked in when you close the doors and do not let them play with windows - use the locks if you have them.

Ensure that your children are aware of the dangers of the car. Most accidents happen when reversing on driveways or manoeuvring in car parks. Ensure that your child is either in the car or with an adult before you move the car.

Teach young children that cars can be dangerous even when they are not moving, or are moving very slowly. Hold you toddler's hand in car parks just as you would when crossing the road.

Children has not concept of speed and cannot judge how fast a car is moving, you must do this for them and never leave them unattended in a car.

Other pages to look at

Read about the New Car Seat Regulations - Sept 18th 2006

How to wear a Seat belt when pregnant

Read the results of the survey on car seats

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