Car safety is one of the greatest concerns for parents, especially when it comes to transporting the youngest passengers. Every year, thousands of children are involved in traffic accidents, many of which result in serious or even fatal injuries. However, most of these accidents could be prevented if children were properly secured in age, weight, and height-appropriate safety devices.

This guide provides all the information you need to know about child car safety, including the latest regulations, types of car seats, how to choose the best one for your child, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Why Is Child Car Safety Crucial?

Children are more vulnerable in a car accident due to their small size, fragility, and the immaturity of their bones. The forces generated in a crash can be far more dangerous for a child than for an adult, which is why it is essential to use child restraint systems (CRS) that minimize risks.

Studies show that child restraint systems (CRS), such as car seats and specific seat belts, reduce the risk of injury and death in children during a crash. According to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), the mortality rate in children traveling correctly restrained is reduced by more than 70%.

2. Spanish and European Regulations on Child Car Safety

In Spain, the UNE-ISO 13216 regulation governs child restraint systems and sets the safety requirements they must meet. Additionally, the traffic law mandates that children must travel in a child restraint system appropriate for their weight, height, and age until they reach 12 years old or 135 cm in height, whichever comes first.

It is important to note that current regulations encourage the use of rear-facing car seats until 4 years old, as this position is much safer in the event of a frontal crash. According to the latest safety recommendations, children under 3 years old should travel exclusively in a rear-facing car seat, while children over 4 years old, if they have enough muscle strength, can travel in a forward-facing seat.

3. Types of Car Seats by Age and Weight

Group 0 (0-13 kg)

Recommended Age: From birth to 12-15 months.

Type of Seat: Rear-facing car seats, typically in the form of a "bucket" or "egg" seat.

Features: Provides a suitable fit for newborns with a very secure harness, usually a 5-point harness system.

Safety: Babies must always travel rear-facing, as this position significantly reduces the risk of severe head, neck, and spine injuries in the event of a frontal crash.

Group 0+ (0-13 kg)

Recommended Age: From birth to 12-15 months.

Type of Seat: Similar to Group 0, but typically lighter and more convenient to use.

Features: These seats are usually easier to install, and some models offer the option to be removed for easier carrying.

Safety: As with Group 0, babies should travel rear-facing. Make sure the seat is properly secured, and the harness is tightly adjusted.

Group 1 (9-18 kg)

Recommended Age: From about 9 months to 4 years old.

Type of Seat: Forward-facing car seats, although it is recommended that children travel rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until the age of 4.

Features: This type of seat is designed for children who have outgrown Group 0+ seats but still need a strong restraint system. Some models in this group allow rear-facing travel up to 18 kg.

Safety: Although children in this group can travel forward-facing, it is recommended they remain rear-facing until at least 4 years old for better protection.

Group 2 (15-25 kg)

Recommended Age: From about 4 to 7 years old.

Type of Seat: High-back booster seats or booster seats that lift the child so the vehicle's seatbelt fits correctly across the child's chest and hips.

Features: These seats help the seatbelt fit the child's body properly, but some models still have a backrest for extra head and neck protection.

Safety: The child should continue to use the seat until the seatbelt passes correctly across their chest and hips.

Group 3 (22-36 kg)

Recommended Age: From about 6 to 12 years old.

Type of Seat: Booster seats without backrests.

Features: These seats are simpler and allow the child to use the vehicle's seatbelt correctly.

Safety: It is crucial that the seatbelt fits correctly across the child's shoulders and hips. If the belt crosses their neck or abdomen, it's not properly adjusted and won't provide sufficient protection.

4. Tips for Correctly Choosing and Using a Car Seat

• Proper Installation: Ensure the car seat is correctly installed in the vehicle. Some seats have the ISOFIX system, which is a simpler and safer anchoring system for installation.
• Rear-Facing Position: The safest way to ensure your child’s protection is to keep them in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 4 years old, if possible.
• Use of Seatbelt: As your child grows and uses a booster seat, make sure the seatbelt fits correctly across their body.
• Avoid Thick Clothing: Do not place your child in the car seat with bulky clothing, as it can prevent the seatbelt from fitting properly. Use lightweight clothing and cover them with a blanket after securing the harness.
• Regular Checks: As your child grows, make sure to check the seat regularly. Verify that the harness is secure, that your child is well-adjusted, and that the seat is still appropriate for their weight and height.

5. Common Mistakes in Child Car Safety

• Placing the car seat in the front seat.
• Using a car seat not suited to the child’s weight or height.
• Not using the restraint system properly.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When should I change my child’s car seat?

You should switch car seats when your child exceeds the weight or height recommendations for their current seat group. It is also recommended to continue using a rear-facing seat until the child is at least 4 years old.

2. Do I only need a car seat for long trips?

No. Even on short trips, the risk of an accident is always present. Children should always be properly secured, regardless of the length of the trip.

3. Can I use a second-hand car seat?

If you decide to use a second-hand car seat, ensure that it has not been involved in an accident and is in good condition. Car seats have an expiration date, so check if the seat is more than 6-10 years old.

4. Why should children travel in the back seat?

The back seat is safer than the front seat, especially if the vehicle has airbags that could cause serious injury to a child if deployed.