You're in the car with your child, driving along peacefully. But, naturally, there are still a lot of questions going around in your head. Is your little one safely secure in their car seat? Are they safe coming in and out of the car? How do I teach them to look out for cars whilst crossing the street? What happens if we’re in an accident? Before you know it, all these questions are making you nervous travelling at just 10mph!

Surely there’s an easier way?

Whilst a lot of car safety is about common sense, sometimes we need a bit of extra help to make us feel more secure about protecting our children.

In this guide, we’re going to cover car seat safety, how to teach your child about being safe around cars, and a few extra tips along the way.

What do I need to know about car seat safety?

Here are the main safety tips about car seats:

Car seats don’t need to be expensive to be safe. More money will get you cool features, but as long as it supports your child’s height and weight, you’re good to go. Check to see if your car uses the LATCH or ISOFIX system. Try to buy it brand-new, and if the store allows it, test it in your car before you buy.

Your car seat will change depending on your child’s age. Infants require a rear-facing seat, toddlers require a forward-facing seat, and school-age children need booster seats. A child under 7 shouldn’t ride without a booster seat, and children under 13 should stay in the backseat for maximum safety.

When installing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the ISOFIX or LATCH system to secure your car seat, so that it moves less than an inch in any direction. If your child’s head flops forward, recline the seat until they can rest their head comfortably. Never put your car seat in the front seat, as that puts your little one in a potentially dangerous position. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend or partner!

Now that you know how to use your car seat safely, let’s look at things you can do to help your child with car travel.

How do I teach my child to be safe whilst travelling?

Here are the top 5 tips to help your child stay safe whilst in the car:

Praise your child whenever they buckle in. Talk about safety as ‘grown-up’ behaviour, and watch as they’ll try their hardest to be safe and responsible, just like you!

If your child is having a tough time accepting their need for a car seat, try encouraging them to play make-believe, such as being an astronaut or a race-car driver.

Be open and honest with your little one. Explain why the car seat and straps are so important. For example: “I know you feel annoyed by the straps, but if we have to stop suddenly, they’ll stop you from bumping your head.”

It can help to use visual aids. Pictures of happy people with seatbelts, or safety instructions on the back of the front seat can help children understand why safety is so significant.

If you want your child to develop good safety practices, you need to be leading by example. Model for your child by always wearing a seatbelt, and make sure every else in the car does too.

Now that we’ve looked inside the car, let’s have a look at the outside of the vehicle.

How can my child stay safe outside and around cars?

Here are key strategies for ensuring your child is safe around cars and other vehicles:

From a toddler age, teach your little one not to play on roads or even the pavement. Whilst they can get on and off roads, they can’t comprehend how dangerous vehicles are. It’s best to lay down a blanket rule not to play anywhere near a road, even if it is not busy.

If a child is near a road, supervision must be always used. Children move quickly and impulsively, and you cannot rely on a driver paying attention. They could be multitasking, or just not paying attention. Be ready to intervene by keeping your child close to you. Never let them play with objects that can roll away easily, such as balls or roundish toys.

With young children, don’t use drive-ins or parking spots as a place to play or explore. Cars have various blind spots when reverse, and can’t see the child. Never assume that reversing cameras are enough for a driver to spot a child.

How do I make sure my child is safe in and around cars?