VOV.VN - Children sitting in cars without seat belts or in seats that are not the right size are often seriously injured or even killed in an accident.

According to research, in the event of an accident, having a child sit in the front seat can increase the risk of injury by 40% compared to sitting in the back. In some other countries around the world, there are also regulations on a certain age when letting children sit in the front seat.

Cars are a popular means of transportation for families today. Camping trips and short car trips for relaxation are increasingly chosen by young families.

Many questions arise before these vacations. How old should a baby be before taking a long car trip? What is the safest position to place the baby? How to take care of the baby during the car trip?

To ensure the safety of children in cars, equipping them with car seats is essential. (Illustration: Babycenter.com)

Car seat safety

Child car seats must meet safety standards. Some seats may have additional features that make them easier to install and remove, such as buckles on the seat belts or anti-twist leather seat belts.

However, for standard seats, your baby's safety is also guaranteed if you assemble it properly.

Where should the baby sit?

– For babies under 1 year old and weighing less than 9 kg, you should place them facing backwards for maximum safety.

– For children from 10 kg to 18 kg, you should place them facing forward.

– For older children, weighing from 18 kg to 30 kg, you can let them sit in a booster seat but must use a seat belt across the chest and abdomen.

Some points to note

– Before choosing to buy a child safety seat, you need to know the type of car and the size of the car seat.

– Make sure the child safety seat is installed correctly in the car seat. When installed correctly, the seat should not move more than 2 cm.

– Seat belts should be fastened tight enough across the knees and below the shoulders.

– For children under 1 year old, when the car seat is placed facing backwards, you need to recline the seat to avoid the baby's head from bending forward because at this age the baby's neck bones are not yet stable.

– While the vehicle is running, the safety seat handle must be pushed down and fastened.

– To avoid the baby being crushed by the seat belt, you should use a thin pillow or towel to wrap around the baby.

In addition, adults need to pay attention to the following to ensure the safety of young children:

1. Before departure, check that the child seat is securely installed.

2. Check the seat belt, if it is too loose, shorten it to fit the child. If the seat belt is still loose, you can add a cushion for the child to help the child sit more securely.

3. All children in the car must be securely seated in a child seat. Older children must be buckled in.

4. Do not move the vehicle until everyone has fastened their seat belts.

5. Lock the car doors before moving to prevent naughty children from opening the car doors unexpectedly.

6. Remind children in the car not to shout, this can easily distract the driver.

7. Only adults are allowed to unbuckle the child's seat belt and children should not be allowed to unbuckle the seat belt while the vehicle is moving.

8. Do not place large and heavy objects, especially on the rear seat or luggage rack, as they may be thrown forward and cause injury to children or passengers in the event of an accident. Large and heavy objects should be placed in the trunk.

9. Do not leave children alone in a car seat as they may accidentally injure themselves or wrap the seat belt around their neck, leading to suffocation.

10. Never let your child sit on the driver's lap because the child may be naughty and distract the driver or affect the steering wheel or cause an obstacle when the driver needs to handle the situation. In addition, letting your child sit on the driver's lap is the cause of many child deaths in accidents./.

Basic lessons for new drivers

VOV.VN - When you first drive, you have to learn basic lessons like driving a small car, driving in the correct lane, keeping a safe distance, and backing up and parking properly...

Deadly mistakes drivers should avoid

VOV.VN - Being careless, subjective, braking during a curve, using headlights in foggy weather... are deadly mistakes for car drivers.

According to VOV