Based on the World Well being Group, an acceptable youngster automotive seat can present higher safety for kids. Within the occasion of a collision, it could possibly cut back the damage danger for kids underneath 4 years outdated by 50%. The Taiwan Ministry of Well being and Welfare additionally notes that youngster automotive seats can cut back the influence pressure on a toddler’s neck by 73% and the loss of life fee by 71%. On this article, we’ll share 6 suggestions from the Shopper Council on how to decide on the suitable automotive seat, advocate appropriate automotive seats, and talk about the right set up and placement.
Is the Use of Little one Automotive Seats Mandated by Regulation?
Based on Hong Kong’s Street Site visitors (Security Tools) Rules (Cap 374F) Part 7, present laws requires kids underneath 3 years outdated to make use of a protecting youngster automotive seat (often known as a toddler security seat) when sitting within the entrance seat of a non-public automobile. Nonetheless, this safety is usually inadequate for many younger kids. Final yr, the federal government proposed legislative adjustments to reinforce highway security, mandating that each one non-public vehicles transporting kids underneath 8 years outdated should be outfitted with youngster automotive seats.
Really helpful Age for Utilizing Little one Automotive Seats
Though there is no such thing as a necessary requirement for kids over 2 years outdated to make use of a toddler automotive seat, in accordance with the Police Division’s “Keep in mind to Put on Seatbelts” leaflet, infants underneath 9 kg (20 lbs), who can’t sit upright on their very own (about 12 months outdated or youthful), ought to lie in a transportable toddler seat (infants underneath 9 months can use an toddler provider). Youngsters weighing between 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs), who can sit upright on their very own (about 9 months to 4 years outdated), ought to ideally use a toddler automotive seat.
6 Suggestions from the Shopper Council for Shopping for a Little one Automotive Seat
Final yr, the Hong Kong Shopper Council examined 15 youngster automotive seats appropriate for kids underneath 12 years outdated, with costs starting from HK$2,520 to HK$6,498. The check evaluated security, ease of use, consolation, and dangerous substances. Not one of the fashions obtained a 5-star score; solely 2 fashions obtained 4.5 stars, 6 fashions obtained 4 stars, and the remaining 7 fashions obtained 3 to three.5 stars. The Shopper Council additionally supplied 6 suggestions for selecting a automotive seat:
- Choose Based on Product Specs: Select primarily based on the peak and/or weight vary of the product.
- Compatibility with Strollers: Some automotive seats suitable with particular stroller fashions could make it simpler to hold the newborn out and in.
- Verify for Impartial Bases: Some automotive seats include a separate base. Guarantee whether or not the bottom is included within the worth.
- Take a look at Changes: Attempt all adjustment options to make sure ease of operation.
- Keep away from Used Seats with Unknown Historical past: Even when a used seat appears intact, its mechanical construction is likely to be compromised. Be cautious with second-hand seats and inquire about any historical past of accidents.
- Ask Concerning the Historical past: For seats utilized by pals or household, ask if they’ve ever been in an accident.
Sorts of Little one Automotive Seats
Because of various muscle improvement in kids of various ages, the main focus of security safety differs. At the moment, youngster automotive seats are primarily divided into 4 sorts primarily based on age:
- Toddler Carriers / Rear-Dealing with Seats: Appropriate for newborns to 4-year-olds. They supply most help for the neck and again, lowering neck stress throughout frontal impacts.
- Ahead-Dealing with Seats: Appropriate for kids aged 4 to 12 years (18 kg to 36 kg), outfitted with devoted security belts.
- Booster Seats: Appropriate for older kids or these over 135 cm tall, utilizing the automobile’s seat belt.
- Convertible Seats: Appropriate from delivery to 10 years (1.8 kg to 45 kg), providing numerous recline positions and changes.
10 Really helpful Little one Automotive Seats for 2024
Peg Perego VIAGGIO 2-3 FLEX
Appropriate for 15 kg to 36 kg kids
Options: Extremely adjustable, can be utilized with automotive’s 3-point belt or ISOFIX
Value: HK$2,190
Dimensions: (Folded) 250 x 440 x 600 mm, (Unfolded) 660-820 x 440-540 x 600-660 mm
Weight: 6.7 kg
Combi WEGO Lengthy
Appropriate for 0 to 7 years outdated
Options: ISOFIX 2 specs, EggShock influence absorption system
Value: HK$2,899
Dimensions: (Ahead-facing) 480 x 621 x 635 mm, (Rear-facing) 480 x 761 x 537 mm
Weight: 5.6 kg
Chicco MySeat I-size Air
Appropriate for 76 to 150 cm kids
Options: Top adjustable, air circulation vents, stomach belt positioning
Value: HK$3,698
Dimensions: 440 x 490 x 620.3 mm
Weight: 12 kg
Stokke BABYZEN YOYO BeSafe
Appropriate for 0 to 12 months
Options: Dynamic Pressure Absorber know-how, UV safety, magnetic security belt
Value: HK$2,590
Dimensions: 380 x 420 x 680 mm
Weight: 4.8 kg
Silver Cross Dream i-Dimension
Appropriate for newborns to fifteen months
Options: Bamboo fiber materials, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, heat-dissipating
Value: HK$3,899
Dimensions: 440 x 395-586 x 550 mm
Weight: 5 kg
Britax Römer ADVANSAFIX i-SIZE
Appropriate for 15 months to 12 years
Options: Pivot Hyperlink ISOFIX system for influence pressure redirection
Value: HK$4,980
Dimensions: 440 x 600-830 x 470 mm
Weight: 11 kg
cybex Cloud Q
Appropriate for newborns to 18 months
Options: Linear aspect influence safety, real-time security alerts
Value: HK$2,899
Dimensions: 440 x 396-564 x 670 mm
Weight: 6.3 kg
Recaro Mako Elite 2
Appropriate for 3.5 years to 12 years (100 to 150 cm)
Options: Adjustable headrest, aspect influence safety, extendable leg help
Value: HK$2,959
Dimensions: 440 x 470-530 x 605-805 mm
Weight: 7.2 kg
Maxi-Cosi Pria Max All in One
Appropriate for newborns to 10 years (1.8 to 45 kg)
Options: Detachable toddler insert, adjustable reclining, fast adjustment of headrest and straps
Value: HK$3,000
Dimensions: 505 x 640 x 610 mm
Weight: 10.2 kg
Nuna aace lx
Appropriate for 100 to 150 cm kids
Options: 3D development system for leg help, 17-position headrest adjustment
Value: HK$2,920
Dimensions: 450-570 x 430-470 x 640-850 mm
Weight: 6.7 kg
Little one Automotive Seat Set up Suggestions
- Placement: Set up youngster automotive seats within the again seat of the automotive, not within the entrance passenger seat, because of potential airbag deployment dangers.
- Shake Take a look at: After set up, shake the seat firmly to make sure it’s securely connected.
- Learn the Handbook: Comply with particular set up directions supplied by the seat producer, together with any extra buckles or automobile belt changes.
- Gown Appropriately: Take away heavy jackets when securing the kid within the seat. Guarantee the security belt is comfortable with simply sufficient room for one finger between the belt and the kid.