Even if your child has outgrown the infant carrier ("egg shell" seat), it is still recommended to transport the child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible—ideally up to the age of four. To ensure a child’s safety during car rides, it is crucial that the car seat is appropriate for the child’s age and motor development, properly installed in the car, and that the child is correctly secured in it. Therefore, never transport a child in a forward-facing seat if they weigh less than 10 kg, are under 15 months of age, and cannot walk independently.
How to choose a car seat for your child
Before purchasing or using a second-hand car seat, check the following:
- The car seat has a valid certification label (R44/04 or R129)
- The car seat includes a label with pictorial instructions for installation
- The car seat has all its original parts
- The car seat is within its usable life span (look for the manufacture date on the plastic shell; expiration info is in the manual)
- The seat has been tested in a car and can be installed correctly
- The seat has not been involved in a car accident.
Only a functional car seat, within its expiry date and not previously involved in a crash (if you are borrowing or getting a used car seat), will properly protect your child.
Proper car seat installation
Children over 15 months of age may be transported in either rear-facing or forward-facing car seats. What is most important is that the car seat is installed exactly as instructed by the manufacturer.
Basic rules are always the same:
- The car seat is positioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- The seat can be installed using one of two systems, depending on the vehicle and the seat
○ 3-point seat belt system – the seat belt should pass through the blue guides on the seat and be tightly secured so the seat doesn’t move more than 2 cm side-to-side where the lap belt passes through, or
○ Isofix system – the connectors are latched into the hooks between the seat back and base, and either the top tether or support leg is properly installed, with all indicators showing green.
A small number of car seats for this age group require both systems—Isofix and the car's seatbelt—especially those that use their own harness system up to 25 kg. Always check your seat’s manual to be sure.
Properly securing your child
When placing a child into the car seat, make sure thir bottom is positioned in the deepest part of the seat.
The harness straps must not be twisted at any point and should be threaded through the slots at shoulder level or slightly below for rear-facing seats, or at shoulder level or slightly above for forward-facing seats. Only original pads may be placed on the straps.
Once the straps are connected at a single point and buckled into the crotch buckle, they must be tightened so that only one finger can fit between the strap and the child’s collarbone — in other words, you should not be able to pinch the strap lengthwise.
The headrest should be adjusted so that the top is just below the midpoint of the child's ears.
During both hot and cold weather, the same safety principles apply as for infants.
Outgrowing the car seat
Bent legs in a rear-facing position or a head slightly above the headrest in a forward-facing seat are not signs that the car seat has been outgrown.
Instead, pay attention to the height and weight limits stated on the car seat. A child has outgrown the seat if:
- They exceed the weight limit listed on the car seat
- They exceed the height limit listed on the car seat
- The harness straps come out from below the child’s shoulders and cannot be raised any further, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines
If the child meets any of these criteria and has outgrown the seat, they should be at least 4 years old and weigh at least 15 kg before transitioning to a booster seat with a backrest. If they are not yet at that stage, look for a car seat with an own harness system that supports a higher weight or height limit until the child meets the minimum requirements for a booster.
If you are unsure about the proper installation or use of your car seat, the organization Roda can help! Contact us via email at autosjedalice@roda.hr.
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