Using your Child's Car Seat Wrong Could Land You £500 Fine

Experts Say You Could Be Using Your Child's Car Seat Wrong

• Kat Gemmell, Car Safety Technologist at Silver Cross sorts fact from fiction when it comes to car safety
•  Google searches for “best family christmas getaways” up 200% year on year as families prepare for holiday trips

It’s almost the Christmas holidays, which for many means it’s time to get on the road and visit family and friends for the festive period. When travelling with children, there’s nothing more important than their safety, but with so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s true when it comes to car seat installation. 

To help parents feel and be safe, The Edit by Silver Cross caught up with Car Safety Technologist Kat Gemmell to sort the fact from the fiction.

“Airbags must be turned off when car seat is rear facing at all times.” 

This is a FACT.

Google searches for “Car seat legal requirements UK” are up 300% year on year, showing lots of people are seeking answers to questions such as this one.

“You legally must deactivate your airbag when your child is rear facing in the front”, says Kat.

 “If your child is forward facing in the front, you need to consult your vehicle handbook for advice on airbag activation and front seat position – check the child safety section for this information.”

“It’s OK to put your baby in a car seat in a winter coat.” 

This is A MYTH.

Google searches for “car seat jacket safety” are up 100% year on year, showing again this is of national interest.

“A thick coat or snowsuit creates a gap between the child and harness which prevents the harness being adjusted correctly”, warns Kat.  “This leaves the harness loose in a collision and unable to provide optimum protection.”

“To keep your little one warm in winter, tuck a blanket around them after they are safely strapped in – thin fleeces, jumpers and cardigans are all safe to wear in a child seat.”

“ISOFIX is safer than belt-fit seats.” 

This is a FACT.

Searches for “is isofix safer than seatbelt” are up 320% year on year, and the answer is yes.

“ISOFIX seats are safer than belt-fit seats – this is because the risk of fitting an ISOFIX seat incorrectly is far lower. To properly protect your child in a collision a seat must be fitted correctly,” says Silver Cross’ expert, Kat. 

“ISOFIX simplifies fitment, and the green indicators clearly show that the seat is installed correctly. Silver Cross’ car safety collection utilises Easy Lock ISOFIX, which is designed to make fitting and removing your ISOFIX seat as easy as possible.”

“Babies must be put in a forward-facing car seat after 15 months.” 

This is a MYTH.

Even after little ones have reached 15 months in age, they will still benefit from travelling rear facing” says Kat.  

“The Silver CrossMotion All Size 360 offers extended rear facing up to 105cm – approx. 4 years old.”

“Toys are safe in the car.” 

This is a MYTH.

Google searches for “Cat seat travel toys” are up 200% year on year, showing lots of parents are looking to keep their kids entertained on those long drives. However, make sure they’re safe.

“If you are involved in a collision, any loose items will travel at the speed you were doing before you crashed – a sippy cup or book suddenly becomes a very heavy object potentially hitting passengers in the car”, warns Kat. 

“When travelling, opt for soft toys which won’t cause injuries in a collision.”

“Every seat fits every car.” 

This is a MYTH.

Google searches for “is my car seat compatible with my car” are up 100% year on year, showing this is a worry for many parents.

“This is a common belief with child seats, and while compatibility is getting better, it still isn’t always guaranteed”, says Kat. 

“The only time you can be really confident a seat is compatible, is if you are fitting an i-Size approved car seat into an i-Size approved car – or the vehicle is listed as compatible on the Silver Cross app’s fitting guide.”