Common Faults When Fitting your Child Restraint

Problem

Child seat not resting properly on car seat.

The shape of car seats varies between different models. For instance, some rear seats curl up at the sides, the length of the cushion differs. And the size and shape of the base of child seats differ. Therefore, some child seats will not fit certain car models. If a child seat cannot rest properly on the car seat, it will be difficult to hold the child seat securely.

Problem Solver

• Check with the child seat and car manufacturers that the child seat is suitable for your car.
• Try the child seat in other positions in the car to see if there is a better fit.
• If not, use a different child seat (or car) that is compatible.

Problem

Child seat is too loose

One of the most common fitting mistakes is to leave the child seat held loosely by the seat belt. If it is not held securely, it will be thrown forwards in a crash and the child may be injured.

Problem Solver

• Make sure that the seat has been fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check that the seat belt has been fitted through the correct route guides on the child seat and that it has been pulled tight. Many seats have a lock-off device to prevent the seat belt slipping once it has been tightened - make sure this is in the lock position.
• Check that the child seat rests on the car seat properly.
• Check with the child seat and car manufacturers that the child seat is suitable for your car. If not, use a different child seat (or car) that is compatible.

Problem

'Buckle crunch'

If the seat belt buckle lies across the frame of the child seat it will be under pressure and may spring open in an impact. Only seatbelt webbing should be in contact with the frame of the child seat.

Problem Solver

• Make sure you have fitted the child seat according to the manufacturer's instructions and that the seat belt has been fitted through the correct route guides on the seat.
• If the child seat has an 'alternative belt route' for use with shorter seats belts, see if this route avoids the buckle crunch.
• If using the front seat, put the seat as far back as it will go.
• In some cars, it is possible to adjust the height of the seat belt (on the door pillar) - try lowering the height adjuster if one is fitted.
• Try the child seat in other positions in the car to see if there is a better fit.
• Check with the child seat and car manufacturers that the child seat is suitable for your car. If not, use a different child seat (or car) that is compatible.