While accident research shows that children who were properly restrained have survived very high-speed crashes with minor injuries or bruising, misuse of child restraints is responsible for a range of serious injuries.

Common misuses of child restraints include placing a child in a seat which is inappropriate for that child’s weight and height; not anchoring the child seat tightly enough; not using top tethers; incorrectly threading seatbelts; loose and unbuckled or twisted and damaged seatbelts.

• The back seat is the safest place for children of any age. Where possible install the child restraint in the centre rear position.
• Where legally allowable, you may install a forward facing child seat in the front seat (without a side impact airbag), but always move the passenger seat as far back as possible.
• Choosing a child restraint is a serious business. Select a model that suits the child’s weight, height and age.
• Not all restraints fit all cars, so try before you buy.
• Fit restraints properly. It’s critically important to follow instructions and make sure the capsule or seat is firmly fitted, with minimal sideways or forward movement on the car seat. Where possible, install the restraint in the centre rear position.
• Follow instructions in the vehicle owner’s handbook.
• Keep the restraint instruction manual for future reference.
• Every trip, make sure that the restraint harness is properly adjusted, checking that only the thickness of two fingers, at most, can be inserted between the harness and the child’s chest.
• Do not use a second-hand restraint without knowing its history. It may have been subject to crash forces and the protective structure and harness could be invisibly damaged. If in doubt, have it inspected by an expert.
• Remember to use the child restraint for all journeys, however short.
• If anyone else is driving your child around, make sure they know how to fit and use the restraint correctly.
• Do not place a child in a restraint in the front seat when a passenger airbag is fitted.
• A baby is not safe in your arms. Even in a minor crash, collision forces may tear the child from your grip.