It is the absolute responsibility of parents or guardians to ensure the safety of children when they are transported in motor vehicles.
What are child restraint systems (SRI)?
They are devices designed to fulfill the same function as seat belts in adults. In the event of a collision, the child’s weight multiplies several times and if carried by an adult, the child will spread the upper limbs by instinct, releasing the child who can be fired from the car. Chairs installed in the opposite direction of travel are especially effective since the forces of a sudden deceleration (a shock) are distributed in the body and the head of the child in an optimal way. SRI offer a high level of protection in the prevention of traffic deaths, as they reduce infant deaths by approximately 71% and those of young children by 54%. However, even if they are securely fastened, children are at special risk from lateral impacts.
Types of SRI:
There are different models of SRI, they differ in the age and the weight that they tolerate of the child, the lateral protection, the system of anchorage to the automobile and quality of the materials.
How to use SRI?
There are different mechanisms to fix the SRI to the cars, one of them is using the seat belt and another are the upper and lower hooks type LATCH or ISOFIX. The chair should be equipped with an upper and lower anchor and hold the child with a 5 point harness mechanism. If there are spaces between the SRI and the body, they should be filled with pillows, for example.
It should ideally be placed in the middle of the rear seat as it reduces side impact injuries, anchored at the top and bottom of the hooks or seat belts provided by the car manufacturer. Children under 2 years of age should be looking back, up to the maximum weight or height tolerated by the SRI; These limits must be clearly visible on the SRI label, which also includes their approval. Those older than 2 years or those who exceed the weight or size of the stroller, must travel looking forward. Children of school age or above the size of the SRI may ride with the seat belt but must be fitted with an elevator or cushion to fit the child’s body properly.
Which SRI should I choose?
When choosing the SRI, it is advised to take the child and the car. Check how it fits the child and how it is attached to the car. Ideally, it fits in the best way to the child’s body and is well secured to the car seat. It is recommended to use an SRI for children under 2 years and another for the elderly, since those covering the older age range are not well adapted and are less safe. Upon leaving sanatoriums, hospitals or maternities, newborns must already travel in a child restraint system.
