While the latest law involving baby and children's car seats is confusing some parents, Cumbrian experts insist that the changes are necessary. The new car seat law was enforced only last month, with rules prohibiting manufacturers from introducing new models of backless booster seats for children weighing less than 22 kg or those shorter than 125cm, which is the same luggage weight allowance accepted by many airlines.
Andrew White, the manager of Listers Baby Shop stores in Carlisle, St Nicholas, and Oxford Street is one of those dazzled by the new car seat law, according to News & Stars. He has been selling child seats for nearly 20 years.
He said that the new car seat law is causing confusion as it is aimed at manufacturers instead of the general public. White also explained that he understands the struggle to keep updated with what is happening when it comes to the laws as a fellow retailer, as well as for the general public as to how they are compelled to understand what's really going on.
Information regarding the new car seat law on gov.uk states, "The change doesn't affect existing models of seats or cushions and doesn't mean that they are unsafe or illegal..." In the following lines, it continues to state that the change to the technical standards means that the range of products available on the market is better suited for younger children."
Which? child car seat expert, Lisa Galliers, said, "A decent high-backed booster seat provides better protection in a front crash, as they're designed to guide the adult seatbelt across the child's body in a proper manner." She supported the new car seat law, explaining that crash tests prove they offer comparatively better protection in a side-impact crash than a backless booster seat alone.
The government could be right in introducing the recent law to proactively promote child car seat safety. While the new car seat law has come in for a reason, whatever seat the parents are buying, or whichever stage of the law they're at - they need to get it fitted correctly.
