Baby Carrier Advice

Estimated 12% (6 annually) of deaths in children under 5 related to nursery products were due to infant or child car seats and baby carriers in the US 1999-2001 (US Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, 2003).

Advice for choosing a carrier

Avoid buying a second hand child restraint unless you know its history and have the instructions, so that you can fit and use it correctly. Instructions can usually be obtained from the manufacturer. Never buy a seat or carrier if you suspect it has been in an accident or if it is damaged in any way - it is worthless.

Rearward facing infant carriers

1. From birth to 9 months (approx weight up to 10kgs).
2. From birth to 15 months (approx weight up to 13kgs)

• Two age/weight ranges of carrier are available from birth to 9 months and birth to 15 months.
• The rear facing infant carrier includes an integral harness, held in place by the car's lap and diagonal seat belt, for use in the front or rear seat.
• The infant carrier allows driver/baby eye contact, when fitted to the front passenger seat.
• Low birth weight babies may require extra support to prevent them rolling around in the infant carrier.
• It is safer to carry your baby rear facing for as long as possible.
• Two-way seats are rear facing until approximately 9-15 months (check manufacturer instructions), and are then forward facing until approximately 4 years.
• Never use a rear facing infant carrier or rear facing child seat on the front seat in a car with a passenger airbag.

Forward facing child seats with integral harness

• This is a conventional frame type child seat and is forward facing.
• The seat is held in place by a lap and diagonal seat belt, in either the front or rear of the vehicle. Some seats can be used with lap belts or manufacturers fitting kits.
• If only one of these seats is in use, it is best fitted in the rear nearside of the vehicle, to avoid the need for parents to remove children from the offside of the vehicle.

Booster seats

• This seat is normally held in place by lap and diagonal seat belts which also retain the child.
• Ideal for children who are too small for a booster cushion and seat belt alone. The sides provide head support.
• One piece seats with a play table are preferable.

Booster cushions

• These are intended for use with lap and diagonal seat belts which hold the cushion in place and restrain the child.
• The cushion lifts the child and locates the belt correctly over the pelvic girdle and shoulder.
• The 'Vario' lap restraint, for use with lap and diagonal or centre lap belts, holds the belt in place and protects thighs and abdomen, by spreading potential loads over a much greater area.

Most importantly, remember, it is your responsibility to ensure your child is strapped in securely. Always check seat belts and harnesses yourself. Do not let your child do it. The statistics above are freightening, but many deaths and injuries can be avoided by use the correct baby carrier and using it correctly.

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