Ensure your baby’s safety on the road
Raising awareness among parents on the importance of car seats is critical
Every parent’s primary concern is their child’s safety, and this responsibility becomes even more critical when traveling in a car. Road safety statistics highlight that proper car seat usage significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries in children during accidents. Despite this, many parents either delay investing in a car seat or misuse it due to lack of awareness.
Every baby needs a car seat
Car seats are specifically designed to protect infants and young children from the impact of collisions. Unlike regular seat belts, which are built for adults, car seats securely hold your child in place and reduce the risk of injury. Studies have shown that car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger vehicles.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that holding your baby in your arms is not a safe alternative. In the event of a crash, even at low speeds, the force of impact can make it nearly impossible to hold onto your child. A properly installed car seat, on the other hand, provides the necessary restraint and cushioning to protect your little one.
How to install a car seat
While owning a car seat is essential, proper installation is equally crucial. Misuse or improper installation is alarmingly common, often reducing the effectiveness of the car seat. Here are a few tips to ensure your car seat is installed correctly:
1. Read the manual: Both the car seat and your vehicle come with manuals that provide specific instructions for proper installation.
2. Check the position: Infants should always ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the manufacturer’s height or weight limits. This position offers better support for their neck and spine.
3. Ensure a tight fit: The car seat should not move more than an inch side to side or front to back. Use the seatbelt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system to secure it tightly.
4. Harness properly: The harness straps should be snug and lie flat on your child’s body, with chest clip at armpit level.
Raising awareness
Parents, caregivers, and even society as a whole share the responsibility of promoting car seat safety. Public campaigns and school programmes can play a significant role in educating families about the importance of car seats and how to use them effectively.
Where to start
Retailers like Babyshop provide a range of certified car seats for every age and stage, offering parents access to reliable and affordable options starting from Dh249. From private labels such as Giggles and Juniors to international brands such as Joie, Graco and Nuna, Babyshop offers 100+ options across 50 stores in the UAE. They can also be purchased from the comfort of one’s home, online by visiting babyshopstores.com. The products offer a 2-year warranty, meet American, European and global safety standards, and are crash-tested. Babyshop also offers free installation for their car seats. Complemented with the right guidance, such as in-store demonstrations and expert advice, Babyshop helps parents make informed choices tailored to their child’s needs.
Investing in a car seat is not just about compliance with the law; it is a commitment to your child’s safety and well-being. By understanding the importance of proper car seat use and installation, parents can create a safer travel environment for their children and take a proactive step toward preventing accidents.