With peak holiday season approaching, a lot of us are preparing to pack up the car and head away for a memory filled family getaway. Before you hit the road, here are some tips to ensure that you and your family travel as safely as possible.

1.    Take your time: In preparing for your trip making safety your priority.

2.    Ensure you keep a safe distance from the car in front. 

3.    Always travel at a safe speed, within the posted limit and to the conditions of the road. 

4.    For young children travelling in your car, they must travel in a child restraint that complies with the Australian safety standard AS/NZ 1754.  Never use a restraint that is damaged, has been modified or is over ten years old.

 

5.    Always use an appropriate restraint for your child’s age and height.

·      An infant should remain rearward facing for as long as possible.  At a minimum, they must be rearward facing until they are at least 12 months.  If you are thinking of placing them forward facing, their torso must meet the minimum height limits on the restraint.  Many restraints on sale have the capacity to carry a child rearward facing for up to 30 months.

·      A toddler should remain in a full child restraint with a built-in harness until their height and weight reaches the seat marker limits. Only move a child out of their current restraint when they have outgrown the seats limitations. A booster seat can be used at four years of age. However, many restraints can keep a child in a full internal harness up to the age of approximately 8 years old. We strongly recommend children travel in a seat with a harness as they provide far greater protection.

·      We recommend that a child should not sit in an adult seat belt until they are at least 145 cm tall. 

 

To have your car restraint checked or installed, book to visit one of our friendly and experiences Baby on Board staff.

  

Protect your most precious of Christmas cargo and be happy and safe over this holiday period.