PC Stacyann Stewart secures four-year old Sahar Waite in a child seat to demonstrate the importance of car safety.

PC Stewart stressed that although people may be tempted to save money and buy a second hand car seat, they often do not come with vital fitting instructions.

She said: “In the case of small children they should always be in an appropriate car seat.

It’s safety first for little darlings

“To ensure that your child is in the appropriate car seat parents should check the manufacturers label for information.”

It was “safety first” at Little Darlings store on Shedden Road, as PC Stacyann Stewart of the RCIPS Traffic Management Department gave a demonstration of different kinds of child seats in cars, and why they are important.

She began with a statement of the law in the Cayman Islands: “Whilst travelling in a motor vehicle a child should always be seat belted, as per Section 63 of the Cayman Islands Traffic Law. “In the case of small children they should always be in an appropriate car seat. There are different types of car seats depending on the age, weight and height of your child. To ensure that your child is in the appropriate car seat parents should check the manufacturers label for information,” she said.

There are other important considerations when choosing a car seat: “It is always best to use a new car seat unless it’s a car seat that was previously owned by yourself and you are sure of its condition.

“Whilst second-hand car seats can be used, they often do not have instructions with them, and they may have cracks or other problems that make the seat unsafe.

“The seat must fit your child’s size and be able to be properly installed in your car,” PC Stewart continued.

PC Stewart then demonstrated the three main types of child seat, for three different age groups of children.

The first kind was an infant-only rear-facing seat for babies who weigh up to 30 pounds. There was also a forward-facing car seat suitable for newborn babies up to toddlers, but if it is used for newborn babies it must be tilted upwards, so that the baby assumes a safe and stable position.  The third type of child seat, known as a Booster Seat, is used for older children who weigh up to 80 pounds.

“All car seats have expiration dates somewhere on them, usually on the bottom of the seat. Do not use a car seat past its expiration date, as the plastic may no longer be strong enough to support your child safely,” PC Stewart said. “If in doubt about installation, follow the manufacturers instructions. Also, read your car’s owner’s manual to determine the safest place in your car to install a car seat.”