Child Car Seats and Safe Travel

Choose the restraint for the child

• Use the child’s current size and the restraint manufacturer’s stated limits rather than moving to the next stage early.
• Keep babies and young children rear-facing for as long as they remain within the approved rear-facing limits of their seat.
• After rear-facing is outgrown, use an appropriate forward-facing seat with its harness for as long as the child remains within its limits.
• Use a suitable booster until the vehicle lap-and-shoulder belt fits correctly without it.

Check seat-belt fit

When a child is large enough to use the vehicle belt alone, the lap belt should lie low across the upper thighs rather than the abdomen, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder rather than the neck or face. The child should be able to remain correctly seated throughout the journey.

Install and use it correctly

• Read the restraint instructions and the vehicle manual before installation.
• Use only the approved installation method for that seat and seating position.
• Secure the harness so it lies flat and fits as the manufacturer directs; remove bulky clothing that prevents a secure fit.
• Check the seat regularly and after it has been moved, cleaned, or used in another vehicle.
• Children should usually travel in an appropriate rear seating position; never place a rear-facing restraint in front of an active frontal airbag.

Before buying or reusing a seat

• Confirm that the restraint meets standards applicable in India and is compatible with your vehicle.
• Check labels, instructions, manufacturing information, stated period of use, missing parts, recalls, and visible damage.
• Avoid a second-hand restraint if its crash history, completeness, storage, or condition is uncertain.
• Seek trained fitting help where available if you are unsure about installation.

Safer travel habits

• Use the correct restraint on every journey, including short local trips.
• Everyone in the vehicle should use an appropriate restraint or seat belt.
• Do not hold a child on an adult’s lap or place two people within one seat belt.
• Never leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle.
• Recheck current Indian road-safety requirements because legal rules and applicable standards can change.

After a collision

Follow the restraint manufacturer’s instructions and obtain appropriate advice before reusing a seat involved in a collision. Damage may not always be visible.

When urgent medical assessment is needed

Medical disclaimer

References

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seats and Booster Seats guidance.
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seat Use After a Crash.
3. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Car seat safety information for families.
4. World Health Organization. Road traffic injury prevention resources.