Infant car seat
Encyclopedia
An infant safety seat, also known as a child safety seat, a child restraint system, a restraint car seat, and, ambiguously, commonly known as a car seat, is a restraint
which is secured to the seat of an automobile
equipped with safety harness
es to hold an infant or small stature people in the event of a car crash.
Baby car seats are legally required in many countries to safely transport children up to the age of 2 or more years in car
s and other vehicle
s.
Other car seats are required up to the age of 6 or 7, such as the booster seat.
Generally, countries that regulate passenger safety have child safety laws that require that the child must be restrained depending on their age and weight. These regulations and standards are often minimums and with each graduation to the next kind of safety seat, there is a step down in the amount of protection a child has in a collision. Some countries, such as Australia, forbid rear-facing child seats in a front seat that has an airbag. A rear-facing infant restraint put in the front seat of a vehicle places an infant's head close to the airbag, which can cause severe head injuries or death if the airbag deploys. Some modern cars include a switch to disable the front passenger airbag in case a child-supporting seat is used there.
In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggested that infants “should spend minimal time in car seats (when not a passenger in a vehicle) or other seating that maintains supine position
ing” to avoid developing positional plagiocephaly
("flat head syndrome").
In 1990, the ISO
standard ISOFix
was launched in an attempt to provide a standard for fixing car seats into different makes of car. The standard now includes a top tether; the U.S. version of this system is called LATCH. Generally, ISOFIX system can be used with Groups 0, 0+ and 1.
There are several types of car seat depending on the position of the child and size of the seat. The United Nations
standard ECE R44/04 categorises these into 4 groups: 0-3. Many car seats combine the larger groups 1, 2 and 3. Some new car models includes stock restraint seats by default.
and/or an ISOFix fitting.
Group 0 carrycots hold the baby laying on its back.
Carrycots are secured by both seat belts in the rear seat of the car. Both types have handles to allow them to be easily moved in to and out of the car.
or prone position
with the child's spine perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle. It is so designed as to distribute the restraining forces over the child's head and body excluding its limbs
in the event of a collision. It must be put on the rear seat of the car.
Carrycots generally includes a stomach belt and a connecting to the (three points) safety belt.
system intended to accommodate the child in a rearward-facing semi-recumbent position. It is so designed as to distribute the restraining forces over the child's head and body excluding its limb
s in the event of the frontal collision.
For young infant
s, the seat used is an infant carrier with typical weight recommendations of 5-20 lb. Most infant seats made in the US can now be used to at least 22 lb and 29 inches and some can go to 35 lbs. In the past most infant seats in the US went to 20 lb and 26 inches. Infant carriers are often also called "Bucket Seats" as they resemble a bucket with a handle. Some (but not all) seats can be used with the base secured, or with the carrier strapped in alone. Some seats do not have bases.
Infant carriers are mounted rear-facing, and are designed to "cocoon" against the back of the vehicle seat in the event of a collision, with the impact being absorbed in the outer shell of the restraint. Rear-facing seats are deemed the safest, and in the US, children must remain in this position until at they are least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds.
permanently fixed into the car by an adult seat belt
and can be placed into a pushchair using the integral handle. Rear-facing child seats are inherently safer than forward-facing child seats, because they provide more support for the child's head in the event of a sudden deceleration.http://www.thecarseatlady.com/car_seats/rear-facing_seats.html Although some parents are eager to switch to a forward-facing child seat because it seems more "grown up," various countries and car seat manufacturers recommend that children continue to use a rear-facing child seat for as long as physically possible.
Convertible safety seats can be installed either rear facing or forward facing. There is a large selection available to choose from and weight limits, height limits and extra features vary from seat to seat and by manufacturer. Seats with a 5-point harness are considered safer than those with an overhead shield http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/fivepointshield.aspx
Convertibles aren't considered the best choice for a newborn because the bottom harness slots are often above the shoulders on most newborns. If you want to use a convertible from birth choose a seat with low bottom harness slots. http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/safety/car_seats_safety/baby_car_seats.html
Rear facing weight limits range from 20 lb (9 kg) to 35 lb depending on the manufacturer and country of origin
. Forward facing limits range from 17.6 lb (8 kg) to 65 lb depending on the seat model and the manufacturer and country of origin.
Most convertible seats in the USA have at least a 30 lb rear facing weight limit, most now to go to 35 lbs, some 40 lbs, and a few 45. The American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) recommends that children remain rear-facing until they outgrow their convertible seat, regardless of how old they are. You should continue to leave your children rear-facing until they have either outgrown the weight limit for their seat, or the top of their head is within an inch of the top of the shell of the carseat.
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
Car seats are very safe and reliable
It is recommended that children sit rear facing for as long as possible. In Scandinavian countries, for example, children sit rear facing until around 4 years old. Rear facing car seats are significantly safer in frontal collisions which are the most likely to cause severe injury and death. Rear facing group 1 car seats are becoming more widespread but are still difficult to source in many countries.
. Seat belts are engineered for adults, thus being too big for small children. In the United States, for children under the age of 4 and/or under 40 lb, a seat with a 5-point harness instead of a booster seat is suggested.
Booster seats "boost" the child and allow the seat belt to sit firmly across the collar bone and chest, with the lap portion fitted to the hips. If the seat belt is not across the collar bone and the hips, it will ride across the neck and the stomach, causing internal damage in the event of a collision.
There are two main types of boosters: high back (some of which have energy absorbing foam) and no back. A new generation of booster seats comes with rigid LATCH
connectors that secure to the vehicle's LATCH
anchors, improving the seat's stability in the event of a collision...
The consumer group Which? is calling on manufacturers and retailers to phase out backless boosters, as it says they don't provide enough protection in side-impact crashes and could put children at risk. So while backless booster cushions are better than using no child seat at all, they do not provide sufficient protection.
After reaching one year of age or 20 lb
, children may travel in a forward facing seats. Most Scandinavian countries require children sit rear facing until at least the age of 4 years. This has contributed to Sweden
having the lowest rate of children killed in traffic in international comparisons.
By law (in Canada and some US states), children need to be restrained until they are 40 lb or 4 years old, whichever comes first. After the requirement is met, they can move into a booster seat.
. On average, most seats expire 6 years from the date of manufacture, although this can vary by manufacturer. Always obey manufacturer's instructions, because if the seat does not protect your child when the need arises, the manufacturer will not be liable if you went against its recommendations.
Like motorcycle helmet
s, child restraints are tested for use in just one crash event. This means that if the vehicle is compromised in any way (with or without the child in it), owners are strongly suggested to replace it, no matter how big or small. This is due to the uncertainty with how a compromised child restraint will perform in subsequent crashes.
Child restraints are sometimes the subject of manufacturing recalls. (See the list maintained by the NHTSA for details). Recalls vary in severity; sometimes the manufacturer will send you an additional part for the seat, other times they will provide a new seat entirely. Always contact the manufacturer.
The purchase of a used seat is not recommended. Due to the previous concerns discussed about expiry dates, crash testing, and recalls, it is often impossible to determine the history of the child restraint if it is purchased second hand.
Children traveling by plane are safer in a child safety seat than in a parent's arms. The FAA and the AAP recommends that all children under 40 lb use a child safety seat on a plane. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes because they don't have shoulder belts.http://saferidenews.com/html/Airplane_Eng.htm
The move from having car seats in front passenger seat to having them in the back seat, facing backwards, may make it easier for a busy, distracted parent to forget an infant in the car. Each year, between 30 and 50 infants die of heat illness
and hyperthermia in the United States from being left in a car.
Australian laws regarding infants in motor vehicles was revised on November 9, 2009.
By law every child restraint sold in Australia must carry the Australian Standard AS/NZ1754 sticker (pictured right).
Most overseas child restraints, including restraints from countries such as the UK and USA, do not comply with these Standards and cannot legally be used in Australia.
The responsibility for children under the age of 16 using restraints or safety belts correctly rests with the driver. in Queensland, penalties for drivers not ensuring their passengers, under the age of 16, are properly restrained involve a fine of AUD$300 and three demerit points. In Victoria the penalty is a fine of AUD$234 and three demerit points. Possible suspension or cancellation of licence may also apply.
2003/20/EC of the European Parliament and the Council has mandated the use of child-restraint systems in vehicles effective May 5, 2006. Children less than 150 centimetres (59.1 in) tall in vehicles fitted with safety systems must be restrained by a child restraint system suitable for the child's mass, up to 36 kg (79 lb). In practice, child-restraint systems must be able to be fitted to the front or the other rows of seats. Children may not be transported using a rearward-facing child restraint system in a passenger seat protected by a front air bag, unless the air bag has been deactivated.
Where a child-restraint system is used, it must be approved by the standards of UN-ECE Regulation 44/04, Directive 77/541/EEC or any other subsequent adaptation thereto. However, until May 9, 2008 member states may permit the use of child-restraint systems approved in accordance with their national standards. EuroNCAP
has developed a child-safety-protection rating to encourage improved designs. Points are awarded for universal child-restraint anchorages ISOFIX
, the quality of warning labels and deactivation systems for front-passenger airbags.
. In a 2005 article in the New York Times Levitt suggests that the available data does not support the necessity of child safety seats for children over two years old, arguing that the cheaper and simpler alternative of seat belts offers similar protection. Levitt was a guest at the TED
conference in the same year, and gave a lecture making the same case.
Restraint
Restraint may refer to:* A personal virtue. See self control.* Physical restraint, the practice of rendering people helpless or keeping them in captivity by means such as handcuffs, ropes, straps, etc....
which is secured to the seat of an automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
equipped with safety harness
Safety harness
A safety harness is a form of protective equipment designed to protect a person, animal, or object from injury or damage. The harness is an attachment between a stationary and non-stationary object and is usually fabricated from rope, cable or webbing and locking hardware...
es to hold an infant or small stature people in the event of a car crash.
Čar
Čar is a village in the municipality of Bujanovac, Serbia. According to the 2002 census, the town has a population of 296 people.-References:...
s and other vehicle
Vehicle
A vehicle is a device that is designed or used to transport people or cargo. Most often vehicles are manufactured, such as bicycles, cars, motorcycles, trains, ships, boats, and aircraft....
s.
Other car seats are required up to the age of 6 or 7, such as the booster seat.
Generally, countries that regulate passenger safety have child safety laws that require that the child must be restrained depending on their age and weight. These regulations and standards are often minimums and with each graduation to the next kind of safety seat, there is a step down in the amount of protection a child has in a collision. Some countries, such as Australia, forbid rear-facing child seats in a front seat that has an airbag. A rear-facing infant restraint put in the front seat of a vehicle places an infant's head close to the airbag, which can cause severe head injuries or death if the airbag deploys. Some modern cars include a switch to disable the front passenger airbag in case a child-supporting seat is used there.
In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggested that infants “should spend minimal time in car seats (when not a passenger in a vehicle) or other seating that maintains supine position
Supine position
The supine position is a position of the body: lying down with the face up, as opposed to the prone position, which is face down, sometimes with the hands behind the head or neck. When used in surgical procedures, it allows access to the peritoneal, thoracic and pericardial regions; as well as the...
ing” to avoid developing positional plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is a condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion of the skull.-Causes:It is a common finding at birth and may be the result of a restrictive intrauterine environment. If there is premature union of skull bones, this is more properly called craniosynostosis...
("flat head syndrome").
In 1990, the ISO
International Organization for Standardization
The International Organization for Standardization , widely known as ISO, is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization promulgates worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial...
standard ISOFix
ISOFIX
ISOFIX is the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in passenger cars. The system has various other regional names including LATCH in the United States and LUAS or Canfix in Canada...
was launched in an attempt to provide a standard for fixing car seats into different makes of car. The standard now includes a top tether; the U.S. version of this system is called LATCH. Generally, ISOFIX system can be used with Groups 0, 0+ and 1.
There are several types of car seat depending on the position of the child and size of the seat. The United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
standard ECE R44/04 categorises these into 4 groups: 0-3. Many car seats combine the larger groups 1, 2 and 3. Some new car models includes stock restraint seats by default.
Group 0
Group 0 baby seats or infant carriers keep the baby in a rear-facing position and are secured in place by a standard adult seat beltSeat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
and/or an ISOFix fitting.
Group 0 carrycots hold the baby laying on its back.
Carrycots are secured by both seat belts in the rear seat of the car. Both types have handles to allow them to be easily moved in to and out of the car.
- Position: Laying (in carrycots), rear facing (in infant carriers), no airbagAirbagAn Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
s (with the exception of curtain airbags). - Recommended weight: Birth to 10 kg (22 lb)
- Approximate age: Birth to 12 month
Fastened carrycots
'Carry cot' means a restraint system intended to accommodate and restrain the child in a supineSupine position
The supine position is a position of the body: lying down with the face up, as opposed to the prone position, which is face down, sometimes with the hands behind the head or neck. When used in surgical procedures, it allows access to the peritoneal, thoracic and pericardial regions; as well as the...
or prone position
Prone position
The term means to lie on bed or ground in a position with chest downwards and back upwards.-Etymology :The word "prone," meaning "naturally inclined to something, apt, liable," has been recorded in English since 1382; the meaning "lying face-down" was first recorded in 1578, but is also referred to...
with the child's spine perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle. It is so designed as to distribute the restraining forces over the child's head and body excluding its limbs
Limb (anatomy)
A limb is a jointed, or prehensile , appendage of the human or other animal body....
in the event of a collision. It must be put on the rear seat of the car.
Carrycots generally includes a stomach belt and a connecting to the (three points) safety belt.
Infant carriers
'Infant carrier' means a restraintRestraint
Restraint may refer to:* A personal virtue. See self control.* Physical restraint, the practice of rendering people helpless or keeping them in captivity by means such as handcuffs, ropes, straps, etc....
system intended to accommodate the child in a rearward-facing semi-recumbent position. It is so designed as to distribute the restraining forces over the child's head and body excluding its limb
Limb (anatomy)
A limb is a jointed, or prehensile , appendage of the human or other animal body....
s in the event of the frontal collision.
For young infant
Infant
A newborn or baby is the very young offspring of a human or other mammal. A newborn is an infant who is within hours, days, or up to a few weeks from birth. In medical contexts, newborn or neonate refers to an infant in the first 28 days after birth...
s, the seat used is an infant carrier with typical weight recommendations of 5-20 lb. Most infant seats made in the US can now be used to at least 22 lb and 29 inches and some can go to 35 lbs. In the past most infant seats in the US went to 20 lb and 26 inches. Infant carriers are often also called "Bucket Seats" as they resemble a bucket with a handle. Some (but not all) seats can be used with the base secured, or with the carrier strapped in alone. Some seats do not have bases.
Infant carriers are mounted rear-facing, and are designed to "cocoon" against the back of the vehicle seat in the event of a collision, with the impact being absorbed in the outer shell of the restraint. Rear-facing seats are deemed the safest, and in the US, children must remain in this position until at they are least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds.
Group 0+
Commonly have a chassisChassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
permanently fixed into the car by an adult seat belt
Seat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
and can be placed into a pushchair using the integral handle. Rear-facing child seats are inherently safer than forward-facing child seats, because they provide more support for the child's head in the event of a sudden deceleration.http://www.thecarseatlady.com/car_seats/rear-facing_seats.html Although some parents are eager to switch to a forward-facing child seat because it seems more "grown up," various countries and car seat manufacturers recommend that children continue to use a rear-facing child seat for as long as physically possible.
- Position: Sitting, rear facing, no airbagAirbagAn Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
(with the exception of curtain airbags). - Recommended weight: Birth (2–3 kg) to 13 kg (29 lb).
- Approximate age: Birth to 15 months
Convertible seats
Convertible seats can be used throughout many stages. Many convertible seats will transition from a rear facing seat, to a forward facing seat, and some then can be used as a booster seat. Many convertible seats allow for 5-35 lb. rear-facing, allowing you to keep your child in the safer rear-facing position up to 35 pounds.Convertible safety seats can be installed either rear facing or forward facing. There is a large selection available to choose from and weight limits, height limits and extra features vary from seat to seat and by manufacturer. Seats with a 5-point harness are considered safer than those with an overhead shield http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/fivepointshield.aspx
Convertibles aren't considered the best choice for a newborn because the bottom harness slots are often above the shoulders on most newborns. If you want to use a convertible from birth choose a seat with low bottom harness slots. http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/safety/car_seats_safety/baby_car_seats.html
Rear facing weight limits range from 20 lb (9 kg) to 35 lb depending on the manufacturer and country of origin
Country of origin
Country of origin , is the country of manufacture, production, or growth where an article or product comes from...
. Forward facing limits range from 17.6 lb (8 kg) to 65 lb depending on the seat model and the manufacturer and country of origin.
Most convertible seats in the USA have at least a 30 lb rear facing weight limit, most now to go to 35 lbs, some 40 lbs, and a few 45. The American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is the major professional association of pediatricians in the United States. The AAP was founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians to address pediatric healthcare standards. It currently has 60,000 members in primary care and sub-specialist areas...
(AAP) recommends that children remain rear-facing until they outgrow their convertible seat, regardless of how old they are. You should continue to leave your children rear-facing until they have either outgrown the weight limit for their seat, or the top of their head is within an inch of the top of the shell of the carseat.
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
Car seats are very safe and reliable
Group 1
A permanent fixture in the car using an adult seat belt to hold it in place and a five-point baby harness to hold the infant.- Position: Sitting, forward or rear facing, no airbagAirbagAn Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
(with the exception of curtain airbags). - Recommended weight: 9 kg to 18 kg (20 lb to 40 lb)
- Approximate age: 9 months to 4 years (Although older children can fit too sometimes)
It is recommended that children sit rear facing for as long as possible. In Scandinavian countries, for example, children sit rear facing until around 4 years old. Rear facing car seats are significantly safer in frontal collisions which are the most likely to cause severe injury and death. Rear facing group 1 car seats are becoming more widespread but are still difficult to source in many countries.
Group 2
A larger seat than the Group 1 design, these seats use an adult seat belt to hold the child in place.- Position: Sitting, forward facing
- Recommended weight: 15 kg to 25 kg (33 lb to 55 lb)
- Approximate age: 4 to 6 years (Although older children can sometimes fit)
Group 3
Also known as booster seats, these position the child so that the adult seat belt is held in the correct position for safety and comfort.- Position: Sitting, forward facing
- Recommended weight: 22 kg to 36 kg (48 lb to 76 lb)
- Approximate age: 4 to 10 years and even over 10 if your child is not 36 kg yet
Booster seats
Booster seats are recommended for children until they are big enough to properly fit a seat beltSeat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
. Seat belts are engineered for adults, thus being too big for small children. In the United States, for children under the age of 4 and/or under 40 lb, a seat with a 5-point harness instead of a booster seat is suggested.
Booster seats "boost" the child and allow the seat belt to sit firmly across the collar bone and chest, with the lap portion fitted to the hips. If the seat belt is not across the collar bone and the hips, it will ride across the neck and the stomach, causing internal damage in the event of a collision.
There are two main types of boosters: high back (some of which have energy absorbing foam) and no back. A new generation of booster seats comes with rigid LATCH
Latch
Latch may refer to:* Latch , a type of door or window fastener* Latch , a circuit used to store information** A latching relay* Latch , lock on a system data-structure like an index...
connectors that secure to the vehicle's LATCH
Latch
Latch may refer to:* Latch , a type of door or window fastener* Latch , a circuit used to store information** A latching relay* Latch , lock on a system data-structure like an index...
anchors, improving the seat's stability in the event of a collision...
The consumer group Which? is calling on manufacturers and retailers to phase out backless boosters, as it says they don't provide enough protection in side-impact crashes and could put children at risk. So while backless booster cushions are better than using no child seat at all, they do not provide sufficient protection.
Front facing restraints
Used for Groups I, II and III.After reaching one year of age or 20 lb
Pound (mass)
The pound or pound-mass is a unit of mass used in the Imperial, United States customary and other systems of measurement...
, children may travel in a forward facing seats. Most Scandinavian countries require children sit rear facing until at least the age of 4 years. This has contributed to Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
having the lowest rate of children killed in traffic in international comparisons.
By law (in Canada and some US states), children need to be restrained until they are 40 lb or 4 years old, whichever comes first. After the requirement is met, they can move into a booster seat.
General child safety seat information
All child restraints have an expiration dateExpiration date
Expiration date can refer to:*The shelf life of a grocery item*Expiration *Copyright expiration*Expiration Date , a 2006 comedy* Expiration Date, a novel by Tim Powers...
. On average, most seats expire 6 years from the date of manufacture, although this can vary by manufacturer. Always obey manufacturer's instructions, because if the seat does not protect your child when the need arises, the manufacturer will not be liable if you went against its recommendations.
Like motorcycle helmet
Motorcycle helmet
A motorcycle helmet is a type of protective headgear used by motorcycle riders. The primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is motorcycle safety - to protect the rider's head during impact, thus preventing or reducing head injury or saving the rider's life...
s, child restraints are tested for use in just one crash event. This means that if the vehicle is compromised in any way (with or without the child in it), owners are strongly suggested to replace it, no matter how big or small. This is due to the uncertainty with how a compromised child restraint will perform in subsequent crashes.
Child restraints are sometimes the subject of manufacturing recalls. (See the list maintained by the NHTSA for details). Recalls vary in severity; sometimes the manufacturer will send you an additional part for the seat, other times they will provide a new seat entirely. Always contact the manufacturer.
The purchase of a used seat is not recommended. Due to the previous concerns discussed about expiry dates, crash testing, and recalls, it is often impossible to determine the history of the child restraint if it is purchased second hand.
Children traveling by plane are safer in a child safety seat than in a parent's arms. The FAA and the AAP recommends that all children under 40 lb use a child safety seat on a plane. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes because they don't have shoulder belts.http://saferidenews.com/html/Airplane_Eng.htm
Seat placement
A study of car crash data from 16 U.S states found that children under the age of 3 were 43% less likely to be injured in a car crash if their car seat was fastened in the center of the back seat rather than on one side. Results were based on data from 4,790 car crashes involving children aged 3 and younger between 1998 and 2006. The center position according to data was the safest but least used position by parents.The move from having car seats in front passenger seat to having them in the back seat, facing backwards, may make it easier for a busy, distracted parent to forget an infant in the car. Each year, between 30 and 50 infants die of heat illness
Heat illness
Heat illness or heat-related illness is a spectrum of disorders due to environmental heat exposure. It includes minor conditions such as heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion as well as the more severe condition known as heat stroke....
and hyperthermia in the United States from being left in a car.
Australia
By law every child restraint sold in Australia must carry the Australian Standard AS/NZ1754 sticker (pictured right).
Most overseas child restraints, including restraints from countries such as the UK and USA, do not comply with these Standards and cannot legally be used in Australia.
- Children under seven must be restrained in a suitable, approved child restraint or booster seat.
- Children under six months must be restrained in a rear-facing position.
- Children between six months and under four years must be restrained in a rear or forward facing restraint.
- Children between four and under seven must be restrained in a forward facing restraint or booster seat.
The responsibility for children under the age of 16 using restraints or safety belts correctly rests with the driver. in Queensland, penalties for drivers not ensuring their passengers, under the age of 16, are properly restrained involve a fine of AUD$300 and three demerit points. In Victoria the penalty is a fine of AUD$234 and three demerit points. Possible suspension or cancellation of licence may also apply.
Exemptions to the law
- Laws regarding taxis vary by state for infants. For children up to seven, they must use a child restraint if one is available, otherwise they must use a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.
- A child travelling in a police or emergency vehicle.
- If a child has a medical condition or physical disability that makes it impractical to use a child restraint, and the driver has a certificate from a doctor indicating this is the case.
Canada
- Child restraint requirements vary from province to province.
- The strictest province law requires children who are younger than 10 years old and smaller than 4 ft 9 in to use a booster seat.
- It is generally advised to use a booster seat until the child reaches a height of 4 ft 9 in, for safety reasons.
Europe
DirectiveDirective
Directive may refer to:* Directive , a legislative act of the European Union* Directive , a highly-acclaimed poem by Robert Frost...
2003/20/EC of the European Parliament and the Council has mandated the use of child-restraint systems in vehicles effective May 5, 2006. Children less than 150 centimetres (59.1 in) tall in vehicles fitted with safety systems must be restrained by a child restraint system suitable for the child's mass, up to 36 kg (79 lb). In practice, child-restraint systems must be able to be fitted to the front or the other rows of seats. Children may not be transported using a rearward-facing child restraint system in a passenger seat protected by a front air bag, unless the air bag has been deactivated.
Where a child-restraint system is used, it must be approved by the standards of UN-ECE Regulation 44/04, Directive 77/541/EEC or any other subsequent adaptation thereto. However, until May 9, 2008 member states may permit the use of child-restraint systems approved in accordance with their national standards. EuroNCAP
EuroNCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme is a European car safety performance assessment programme based in Brussels and founded in 1997 by the Transport Research Laboratory for the UK Department for Transport and backed by several European governments.-History and activities:Euro NCAP is a...
has developed a child-safety-protection rating to encourage improved designs. Points are awarded for universal child-restraint anchorages ISOFIX
ISOFIX
ISOFIX is the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in passenger cars. The system has various other regional names including LATCH in the United States and LUAS or Canfix in Canada...
, the quality of warning labels and deactivation systems for front-passenger airbags.
Austria
- All children who are smaller than 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) and younger than 14 years old must use a booster or car seat appropriate to their weight. A child must be either 14 years old or 4'11" to ride without a booster seat.
Germany
- All children younger than 12 years or smaller than 150 cm (4 feet 11 inches) must use a booster seat or child-safety seat appropriate to their weight. The Department of Transport advises that children continue to use a seat when they are 12 years or older but smaller than 150 cm (4 ft 11 in).
- It is highly recommended that children younger than 14 years sit in the back seat or use a booster seat in front.
Spain
- Front seats: children younger than 12 years or smaller than 4 feet 5 inches must use a child-safety seat. Persons bigger than 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) may use the adult safety belt.
- Rear seats: persons smaller than 135 cm must use a child-safety seat.
United Kingdom
Since September 18, 2006, all children under the age of 12 who are less than 135 cm (4 feet 5inches) must use a booster seat appropriate to their weight. The Department of Transport advises that children between 135 and 150 cm (4 feet 11 inches) continue to use a booster seat.United States
- Child restraint requirements differ for the various states in the U.S.
- In some states children who are four years or older can use an adult seat belt without a child safety seat and in some states a booster seat is required up to age nine.
- In general the Department of Transportation advises to use a child restraint or a booster seat for all children who are smaller than 4 ft 9 in, regardless of age and weight, or even longer if the belts hit the child at the wrong place. Some booster seats can be used for children up to 60 inches and 100 pounds.
- Many state laws require that children 12 years and younger sit in the back seat.
Criticism
There has been some criticism of child safety seats, in particular by the economist Steven D. Levitt, author of the popular book FreakonomicsFreakonomics
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything is a 2005 non-fiction book by University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt and New York Times journalist Stephen J. Dubner. The book has been described as melding pop culture with economics, but has also been described as...
. In a 2005 article in the New York Times Levitt suggests that the available data does not support the necessity of child safety seats for children over two years old, arguing that the cheaper and simpler alternative of seat belts offers similar protection. Levitt was a guest at the TED
TED (conference)
TED is a global set of conferences owned by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, formed to disseminate "ideas worth spreading"....
conference in the same year, and gave a lecture making the same case.
External links
- New Zealand Child Restraints For information on child restraint use in New Zealand and Australia. Run by a Safe2Go Technician. Registered charity.
- US State Laws For information on child restraint use in the U.S.
- 2007 RTA / NRMA / RACV (Australian) Crash Test Results
- Nordic Road and Transport Reseach The “Swedish Model” Is Recommended in the Nordic Road and Transport Research Journal.