Using the correct child car seat sizes for the age and weight of the child is crucial. Harnessing an infant in a seat that is too big is dangerous, as is trying to fit a child into a seat that they have outgrown.
You should always follow the installation instructions in the car seat manual and never leave your child unattended in a car seat. Wheel Well offers the following rules:
- Never place a child in a position where airbags can be deployed such as in the front passenger seat.
- Once installed, the seat must be fastened securely and should not move more than 2.5cm in any direction.
- Place the child car seat facing towards the rear for as long as possible, until around the time they reach 13kg.
- The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest, and not the neck or face.
- Make sure the shoulder straps of the harness are not twisted.
- The shoulder straps of the harness must go over and below your child’s shoulder for seats that are rear-facing.
- The shoulder straps of the harness can sit at shoulder height or slightly above the shoulder for seats that are forward-facing.
- Use the correct harness slots: rear-facing slots at or below your child’s shoulders; front-facing slots are at or above the shoulders.
- The harness must fit snugly but not too tightly. There should be no slack when you pinch the strap at the child’s shoulders. To test, slide your hand in between your child’s tummy and the buckle.
- The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs, and not the stomach.
