Nowadays, many families with young children have started to realize the necessity of using car seats because they want their children to travel more safely. It can be seen that most parents’ cars usually have a car seat installed, which is a good thing.
However, it cannot be denied that many people still have misunderstandings about installing car seats because the use of car seats or installation for children at different ages varies. If installed incorrectly, in the event of an emergency or accident, it may cause harm to the child as well.
How to install car seats for each age group
Newborn – 2 years old
- When traveling by car, an infant car seat should be used, installed on the back seat, and facing the rear of the car.
- For pickup trucks or vehicles without a back seat, install the car seat in the front passenger side and do not use airbags because airbags deploying during an accident can injure the child.
Children aged 2-5 years
- Use a safety seat on the back seat, facing the rear of the car as long as the child does not exceed the height or weight limits specified by the manufacturer.
- If the child outgrows the safety seat’s specifications, switch to a forward-facing child seat, which faces the front of the car but still must be used on the back seat only.
Children over 5 years old
- Children aged 4-7 years should continue using a child seat until they exceed the height or weight limits of the safety seat used, then switch to a booster seat, which raises the child to properly use the car’s seat belt as a restraint. Children of this age must still sit in the back seat only.
- Booster seats should be used until the child can properly use the seat belt, generally over 9 years old or taller than 140 cm, to ensure maximum safety.
- Children under 13 years old must sit in the back seat only.
Precautions when traveling with children
Infants 0-1 year
- Never leave a child alone in the car. The heat inside the car can be dangerous.
- Children of this age should not ride or be carried on motorcycles or bicycles.
Children aged 1-3 years
- Before reversing the car out of the house or in residential areas, check behind the car for small children who may not be visible in the rearview mirror.
- Children aged 1-5 years riding bicycles should have a special child seat firmly attached to the bicycle, with a harness to secure the child, footrests to prevent feet from getting caught in the spokes, and the child should wear a helmet.
- Children aged 2-6 years, even with helmets, should not ride motorcycles alone on the back seat behind the driver. It is recommended to avoid this.
Children aged 3-6 years
- Do not allow children to ride tricycles or bicycles or play on the road or sidewalks.
- Teach proper and safe bicycle riding (ride on the side of the road, in the correct direction, not against traffic, and follow traffic rules).
Children aged 6-15 years
- Teach and demonstrate how to use public transportation systems such as buses and trains.
- Teach safe walking on sidewalks.
- Teach safe street crossing, only crossing at pedestrian crossings with adult assistance, traffic signals, or pedestrian bridges.
- When riding motorcycles, always wear a helmet.
- Do not allow children to drive motorcycles before the age of 18.
Teach children about the dangers of drinking alcohol before driving any vehicle.
Dr. Panida Saweangsak
Children’s Health Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital