Child Seats Usage, What To Consider
If you are installing a child seat into your vehicle, it’s important to consider a few factors when deciding what type of car to purchase. Here are a few pointers:
- Consider a car with a centre lap/sash and not a lap only seat belt. If your car doesn’t have one, it is possible in some cars to have the back seat lap-only belt replaced with a lap/sash belt. But if you want to use that position for a restraint, make sure there’s a centre rear anchorage point.
- Ensure the anchorage points are available and accessible and aren’t too close to the seat back so that the tether strap can be adjusted properly.
- Make sure you choose a car that will carry the number of restraints you need. Not all cars have wide enough back seats to carry three restraints at once.
- Restraints come in many different shapes and sizes so always try the restraint in the vehicle before purchasing.
Here are some considerations for various types of cars:
Station wagons
- Make sure you fit a cargo barrier that complies with Australian Standards. Ensure that the cargo barrier has the required opening for the upper tether strap to pass through to the anchorage point.
Hatchbacks
- Check there’s a clear path between the back seat and the rear anchorage point so the parcel shelf doesn’t interfere with adjustment of the tether strap.
- Luggage and some large items carried in the back often obstruct top tether straps.
- Some hatchbacks can also be fitted with cargo barriers or cargo nets.
MPV/People Movers/7 seaters
- Child restraints may reduce the seating capacity and accessibility in some people movers, so make sure the restraint won’t interfere with your requirements.
- People movers don’t always have anchorages for every rear seating position. Check this first, especially if you are going to carry a number of children in restraints.
Two-door cars
- It’s often difficult to fit and use restraints in two-door cars. You may also hurt your back getting children in and out.
Small cars
- A small car may not have enough room to comfortably fit a rearward facing restraint and a front passenger at the same time. You may only be able to fit a restraint on either side of the vehicle with the front seat all the way forward.
About the Author
Daniel Sherman Fernandez www.dsf.my is a service to the public and other website owners. www.dsf.my is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within the site www.dsf.my. While the information contained within the site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this website is correct, complete, and up-to-date. www.dsf.my is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained inside.
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