Children need the same level of attention, comfort, luxury and above all, safety to travel in a luxury airport transfer. We at Elite Airport Transfer understand the importance of child safety and adhere to the strictest local and international regulations on baby car seat in the UK. We have ISOFIX baby car seat standards that ensure the best comfort and safety for your children.
If you are wondering how you can ensure safe traveling for your minors, then worry not. Here is a detailed guide ready to provide you with insights and information on how to do just that.
How long can a baby be in a car seat?
There have been reported multiple instances in the US, Canada and the UK, where parents or drivers would keep their children stranded in the cars for several hours, leading to severe burns from heat. Due to global warming and the car becoming a metal brick when turned off, it is now illegal to have your minors left stranded alone unsupervised in the car.
Why the 2 hour rule?
There are multiple reasons for this. One, research shows that bacteria multiplies every 20 minutes, and in extreme heat, it thrives and multiplies exponentially, making it dangerous for children to remain inside the car.
Second, children under the age of 10 are still considered minors as they are in the developing phases. Sitting for prolonged periods of time in a car can have a devastating impact on their spine, which is still in the developing phases. It is for this reason a baby car seat is recommended by the UK law enforcement authorities to ensure minimum impact on the baby’s spine.
Another reason is that sitting for long periods of time could lead to breathing difficulties when there is no fresh air going inside. That is why motorway police always encourage the motorists to roll down the car windows every few minutes to let some fresh air inside the vehicle. This crossing affects bacteria multiplication and ensures a fresh supply of air inside the air-tight vehicles. A car seat baby that is sanitised well can reduce the bacterial multiplication.
Can my baby sleep in the car?
Unless you are driving, or if the car is parked and you are inside the vehicle for all time, you should not let your child sleep in the car unsupervised at all costs. While cat seats for babies are comfortable and can induce sleeping in babies when they are tired, never leave your minors unattended.
Everytime you park, you need to take your babies out of the car with their baby car seat toys, if any, even if they are sleeping. Don’t forget the 2-hour rule. But in extreme heat, never leave your children unattended.
What the research says about how long your baby should be in a car seat
Most of the car manufacturers state that within any 24-hour time period, your child should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours. Even with car seats for babies, you need to ensure that there is enough ventilation and proper air conditioning so that your minors do not feel uncomfortable at all times during the entire duration of the road trip.
How long can my child use a car seat for?
Baby car seat toys provide a great tool for your children to enjoy during the entire ride. Just make sure that when you hop off, take your kids with you. You should not leave them unattended. Always use the best baby car seat for maximum comfort and safety. Children should also continue using baby car seats for up to 10 years of their age.
Key car seat safety points
Here are some key car seat safety points for your children:
1) Fasten properly
Always fasten the seat properly. Make sure you are using the straps so that the seat is in place firmly with the car. Baby car seat toys add a level of comfort to children as they can pass time productively while on the move.
2) Find the right car seat
Find one with ISOFIX technology as it has a choice of ample baby car seat covers, alongside safety and comfort built right in.
3) Avoid travelling for long periods
Always avoid travelling for long periods of time. Take frequent breaks, and take your children out with you so that they can always get fresh air.
4) Do not leave babies unsupervised
We cannot emphasise just how important it is not to leave your babies unsupervised. Children cannot be trusted with a car, even if its engine is running with AC on full blast. You cannot be sure what kids can do, such as put the car in gear.
5) Use a mirror
Always use a backmirror to constantly monitor your children so that they are safe at all times during the ride.
6) Do not use the car seat as a sleeping area outside the car
Keep the car seat inside the car and do not take it out of the vehicle for sleeping.
7) If the baby slumps, take them out of the car seat
If the baby feels any bumps, it is better to stop the vehicle, take them out of the car seat, and use the regular seat with seat belts fastened on.
8) Take breaks
On any given day, drivers need to take frequent breaks, especially on a long trip. During the summers of England, it can get quite hot for the car, leading to overheating problems. Take breaks, get out of the vehicle, walk for a few minutes, do some stretching and then get back inside the vehicle.
9) Ensure your baby is appropriately dressed
You need to ensure that your baby is appropriately dressed. The fabric should be loose and breathable so that during the heat, your baby can breathe without much difficulty.
Conclusion
Last but not the least, using a car baby seat is imperative for your short or long drives. Child safety can never be compromised, and if you follow the tips above, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for your children, just as you would do for yourself.
