What Car? Q&A - How should I fit a child seat?

Q: Any advice or links in finding the most suitable car seat for a child and also for correct fitting in the car?
Jennifer King (mum of four children, aged seven months and two, seven and eight years)

A: The Britax website has an excellent database which provides fitting details for all makes of cars. It will let you know which seats you can fit in your car. The address is www.britax.co.uk.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has a great website with lots of tips on choosing and fitting child seats at www.childcarseats.org.uk.

Here are the key things you should consider:

• Never fit a rearward-facing child seat in front of an active airbag – it’s a lethal combination.
• Always use a child seat that’s appropriate for your child, no matter how short the journey is or how much of a rush you’re in. Be aware that children less than 135cm tall need some kind of seat or booster cushion.
• Child seat manufacturers will be able to tell you which seat use in your car, and stores such as Mothercare should have a trained staff member who can advise you.
• Children grow at different speeds but broadly speaking you’ll be looking for a Group 0/0+ seat for newborns and babies up to 15 months (up to 29lbs), a Group One seat between nine months and four years (or 20-40lbs), a Group Two seat for kids between four and six years old (33-55lbs) and a Group Three seat up to age 11 (or 79lbs).
• Make sure you know how to use your seat. Read the instructions carefully and seek advice if you don’t understand them. Pull belts and buckles tight and check them before each journey to ensure they haven’t slackened off.
• If your car has ISOFIX mounting points, it’s best to use them – but remember that you may need to use an additional top tether or foot to secure them properly.