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Child restraints are required for our children's safe automotive travelling, yet unfortunately, are often misunderstood pieces of equipment.

First and foremost these are safety devices. Fashion and other marketing aspects of these devices over the years have diverted the focus from safety for many purchasers. Consumers will often buy these products based on the feel and colour of the fabric and the cushions provided; therefore comfort has unfortunately begun to override safety. Remember they are two completely different objectives.

Secondly, we have a somewhat sanitised perception of the actual risks of car travel. Sure, the chances of being involved in an accident are relatively small, but the chances of being injured are high. Add the factor that as adults we are able to ascertain the risks and take measures to protect ourselves, but our children are in our hands for their travel safety. We therefore need to make sensible purchase decisions and monitor the ongoing safe fitment and adjustment practices on a day-to-day basis for our young travellers to arrive safely.

Every aspect of child restraint use needs to be easy to operate as the more difficulty there is the more likely an error or short cut will be taken. As an example, Comfort Pads are nice, but they often inhibit a parent from using the harness safely. Remember no slack and no twists. Additionally access is important, as is ease of use. Access in and out of the car must be considered when you are deciding on where to place the restraint. (NB: Please check with a child restraint practitioner if your vehicle has Air Bag systems when considering the placement of your child restraint systems.)

Preferred positioning is simple when there is one child, the centre rear in most family cars is the quick response; however that position is not always possible. Limitations such as anchor provision, access, physical size of the restraint and required drivers seating position all impact on the viability of this position. Consider other passenger as well whenever a fitment is being considered.

Let's clarify the 'ease of use' comment made earlier now, in relation to boosters. It's commonly thought that life will be so much easier when we get Junior into a booster. Yes, it will but! Will it be safe? Junior's safety is quite often seriously compromised through improper choice and use of booster products. Just refer to these simple guidelines.