A simple video shows the impact of forces on a child when forward facing and a child when rear facing - it seems the easiest way to show this!
Crash tests are done in multiple countries to show how a crash will impact on babies, toddlers and children as they develop.
These crash tests have shown time and time again that rear facing reduces the impact on a child's body greatly. It supports and cradles the head, neck and spine - ensuring that the child's body moves with the forces rather than against it.
While New Zealand does not necessarily have a law regarding rear facing - we do have a law which states you must "follow the manufactures requirements of the child restraint", and many of the convertible seats sold within NZ hold minimums to forward face (age, weight, height etc).
The most likely crash that a vehicle will be involved in is a frontal crash on New Zealand roads - therefore in rear facing your child for as long as possible you are providing them the safest ride. After all - our roads are the most dangerous place we put our children, and we only get one chance to get it right!
All convertible car seats come with rear facing limits, these will either be height or weight based, or both. Make sure you know these limits.
The recommendation is always to continue to rear face your child until they have reached the limits of the seat - and then to turn them around.
If you speak to Claire she will talk your ears off about the benefits of rear facing - or at least help you to understand. For the benefits of this blog we wanted to keep it simple.
The below image from carseats.se show the proportion of weight in a baby and child's body, versus an older child and then an adult - these are what make rear facing safer as they protect the child from the largest weight proportion moving without support.
This also is relevant for the size and density of the whole bone development system of a child.
You will see in the image above how the vertebrae become more developed at around age 3-6 years. As a child grows their bones are more developed to withstand forces in a crash.
So there is no law - what do I do?
Simple as this!
- keep children rear facing until they reach the limits of their car seat
- follow the international guidelines of rear facing until at least 2 years old, but preferably until 3 or 4 years old
- ask a registered Child Restraint technician if you are unsure about rear facing or the limits of your car seat!
While New Zealand has no law around children sitting in the front seat, it is certainly not a safe, nor a recommended option.
The backseat is the safest place in the vehicle - the middle of the backseat is technically the safest. This image designed by Bruce from "The Car Seat Dude" shows the priority positions within a vehicle for children.
Where is the safest position in your specific vehicle?
Where you get the best install!
As our guru Bruce says - “Facts should affect opinions, but opinions shouldn’t affect facts” - Ricky Gervais
We know that to survive a crash on our roads we need to be restrained correctly in a vehicle. Children are particularly at risk of injury as their bones are still vulnerable to forces outside of their bodies, thus we keep them restrained in appropriate car seats.
Air bags are offered in vehicles now to protect front seat passengers - adults. They are not appropriate for children. An air bag deploys at force that is not safe for a child to withstand. Keeping children in the backseat keeps them away from not only the often primary source of force in a crash, but also safely away from the airbags.
It gives them every chance of survival.
Come and see a qualified car seat technician - this will ensure correct installation, education and security that things are in the best place, and installed in the correct manner! If you are unsure of the position to put children in, or how to install your car seat, it is ALWAYS best to get advice from an expert - just like we do before anything major in life!
]]>Are you making the right choice? Have you looked at all the information?
A helpful guide to tell if your child is ready to move from their booster car seat into an adult seat belt.
]]>Commonly in New Zealand children are moved into using the adult seat belt far too early, some of this has to do with our law vs safety issues. Our law states that children must be in an approved child restraint until the age of 7, and if a seat is available until the age of 8. However - for safety we recommend children remain in a booster seat until they reach approximately 148cm. 148cm is quite tall! Most NZ children reach this milestone around 10-12 years old, which leaves a rather large gap between a safety recommendation and the law.
So how do I make a decision?
The 5 step test is what us, as technicians, will use to assess children and if they are ready to not use a booster. The image at the top of this page shows the 5 steps that we focus on and is from the Car Seat Lady. The steps are as follows:
- The child can sit on the vehicle seat and their back is fully against the back of the seat.
- The child's knees must bend over the edge of the seat comfortably. If their knees do not reach the edge of the seat, they are not yet big enough.
- The lap portion of the seat belt must be sitting over the top of the thighs. If this belt is sitting higher, or over the stomach the child is not yet big enough.
- The should or sash portion of the seat belt should sit neatly across the shoulder. If the belt is sitting close to the neck the child is too small.
- The child must be able to remain seated, and still for the whole journey in the car - if they wriggle and get themselves out of this position (of good belt fit), they are too small.
The 5-step test must be tried in all vehicles the child will travel in, and also in all positions of the car that the child might sit in. Each car, and every seat belt sits slightly differently - which makes it important to take the time to test things out before necessary.
If the child fails any of these steps as stated above they are too small to use an adult seat belt safely and they should remain using a booster seat.
So do I use a full-back booster, or a half booster for my big kid?
So you've made the decision that your child is not ready for an adult seat belt yet. But which booster seat do you use?
A full back booster seat provides extra side impact and head protection. It allows an even better seat belt fit for children and should be used until the child is completely outgrown the back portion of the booster.
They are outgrown this when they are no longer comfortable, or the seat belt is starting to come from below the shoulder - even when the head rest is completely extended.
A half booster is for our big kids! They are for when the child is outgrown a full-back booster, but does not 5-step in the car yet. These boost the child up slightly to ensure a good seat belt fit, however they do not provide any extra protection aside from seat belt fit.
They will often have a seat belt guide to use to assist with a correct fit - and you must use this.
As always - please seek assistance and support if you are struggling to make car seat decisions for your child.
You only get one chance - make it the right one.
]]>How do I use one?
What is the best one to use when installing my child's car seat?
]]>
A locking clip is a basic safety device when installing a car seat - it prevents the seat belt from loosening and thus prevents movement in a crash, or incident.
These are used when using a seat belt installation method - and not with isofix options. However, unlike in past years we now have multiple types of seat belts and it is important to figure out what type of seat belt you have, and if you need to use a locking clip.
An emergency locking belt (or ELR) is one that only engages its locking mechanism in a crash, or with force.
An automatic locking belt (or ALR) is one that has a rachet system that must be engaged by fully extending the belt, and then feeding it back in - these are the belts that are the easiest with car seats!
A static belt - often an older style middle lap belt - which has its own locking system within the belt.
A retractable lap belt - NOT to be used with carseats at all. These are most often found in some older model people mover vehicles.
If you have sorted what seat belt you have - you then will know if you require a locking clip! Pretty much these are only used with ELR seat belts. On the odd occasion we need them with ALR - but as always, please go and see a technician and get support to help you choose in these times.
So then which locking clip do I use?
There are so many on the market! Which is the best?
We stock a few different breeds - and they all do the same job. Yes some are better on some seats and with some car seats so it is always best to ask us.
We have a range of locking clips available to purchase in store and online as well - you can find them all here!
However there are the 3 that are the most popular:
THE GATED BUCKLE
This is the most commonly known locking clip - with 4 edges that you use to slip over the belt to lock it into place when already tight.
This is a clamp style locking clip that has specifically been designed for its ease of use. With this one you use the clip to go over ONLY the sash part of the belt.
This is a newly designed locking clip - and is probably the most simple to use! It slides into the latch plate of your seat belt when you have already tightened the seat belt to where you need it to be. These are not always compatible with all seat belts, but 90% of the time they are perfectly fine - just check before purchasing for some vehicles!
As always - consult a car seat technician to help you with installing your car seat, or get a check done to ensure you have done it correctly. We are qualified to help, and remember "you only get one chance" you want to make sure that you have done it right every time!
If you have any questions you can always contact us through the website, our facebook page, or come in store and get any help you need.
Once you become qualified - you also are recertified every two years on the practical component. This keeps us all up to speed, and ensures that skills are developing as fast as the seats that are on sale within New Zealand.
This is why we charge for our services - it is a qualification that we have paid money to get, and that we continue to pay money towards to ensure our own professional development within the industry. You wouldn't expect a plumber to work for free right?
There are limited trainers across New Zealand that are available to train people in car seats, and the skill of "carseating". We are an expert group that have been chosen and trained ourselves due to our own knowledge and experience within the field. If you are not local to me - you can contact any of the other trainers which can be found on the NZTA website here.
NZTA do have a FAQ resource available about the process to becoming a CRT as well - which you can read here.
You can find and download the CRT manual that we work from when training new technicians here. This gives you some information to begin with - or just for general knowledge as well!
If you currently work in the industry, are interested in working in the industry, or want to know more then contact Claire and she can talk you through the process. We do ask that people training are in the industry in some capacity - as to finish your qualification you need to have some supervised practice. If you don't have access to practice car seats, or someone to mentor you learning the in's and out's of all the car seats available within NZ can be difficult.
There are practice and mentoring services available with Claire - however these are on a case by case basis and you are best to contact her directly.
Send an e-mail through here to find out more or enquire around costs and upcoming courses!
There is no doubt as parents and caregivers we want the safest seat we can afford to keep our children safe should a crash occur. There is this sense of “well if its for sale, it must be safe”, yet this child restraint is available for sale throughout New Zealand, as a generic frame, with which numerous manufacturers place different covers on.
]]>An Opinion on 3 in 1 Generic Car Seat Boosters - From "The Car Seat Dude"
- Bruce Wilson
What you see above is the test video of a child restraint under the exact specifications as per the European ECE R44 standard its designed to meet. This testing was conducted by the highly respected Transport Research Laboratory. What can be seen here is the catastrophic failure of a child restraint at only 48km/h. Below is a version of this seat, commonly referred to as a 3 in 1 Generic booster. It is a forward facing child seat, which harnesses to 18kg and coverts to a seat belt booster after that. It can then have the back removed to be a half booster. These three stages lead to its name.
There is no doubt as parents and caregivers we want the safest seat we can afford to keep our children safe should a crash occur. There is this sense of “well if its for sale, it must be safe”, yet this child restraint is available for sale throughout New Zealand, as a generic frame, with which numerous manufacturers place different covers on. I will openly admit I was sucked in by this mantra and well known name attached to one of these seats when i turned my oldest boy FF. Something I quickly remedied when I became a restraint technician and began researching the topic. Whilst the seat is designed to meet the ECE R44 standard it can be seen in this test, failing that said standard.
The other issue with this type of seat is that they are difficult to install correctly, even for a qualified child restraint technician, let alone a parent or caregiver. This is due in part to the complex and convoluted path the vehicle seat belt must take. The standard does not require a upper tether and this results in the belt path it has to take. So lets take a look at the individual frames of this test to properly analyse the failure.
Frame 261 with the seat at the extent of the vehicle seat belt, and due to its poor design and belt path much further forward than it should be likely resulting in the child striking the seat in front or worse still being in the front seat of a vehicle and the airbag deploying directly into the child. Note the top black lead is actually the crash test dummy data cabling.
Frame 290. Due to the weak structural strength of the seat, belt path and loading the seat is now under as the dummy continues to move forward, the seat structure begins to catastrophically fail.
Frame 430. As the child continues to move forward the restraint’s structure further fails and the diagonal portion of the vehicle seat belt tears through the rear of the restraint as the lap portion of the belt ‘pulls’ on the bottom portion. This results in the restraint ‘folding’ around the child. The child certainly has struck the seat in front and likely to have suffered a broken collar bone and neck injury. All this from only a 50km/h impact.
So this is all good and well, so what about a real life example of this occurring in New Zealand? Below are photos of the result of an impact that occurred around 50km/h when a car pulled out in front of the driver of this vehicle. As is typically the case they had no little time to brake and avoid the collision. Whilst the driver received minor injuries and bruising the child in the seat in the left rear position (the other seat was empty) was left hanging upside down and with a broken collar bone, an injury that should not have occurred had the restraint done it jobs properly.
Note how the vehicle’s front has crumpled as its designed to do, to absorb the energy or force of the impact and increase the time over which the crash occurs. Reducing the forces felt by the occupants.
However you can see how the seats structure has catastrophically failed. Resulting in the injury to the child. A similar seat that was unoccupied sits beside it and has performed poorly by moving as a result of the collision forces.
Two things have occurred in this crash, one the seat is likely to have been installed incorrectly. Something that is all too common with these seats. In fact something that occurs around 76% of the time with all restraints in New Zealand. Secondly, what is shocking is that a seat should not fail this catastrophically when an install is incorrect, it should still hold the child in the harness. The vehicle seat belt in combination with the forces on the internal harness from the child has torn the seat apart.
The parent was not to know that the seat they purchased, were in this situation not up to the job. The belt path also made a good correct install more complicated than the majority of the child seats on the market.
Money is always a major factor in purchasing a child restraint, but the fact is there are good quality child seats not much more expensive than this, that offer far superior protection and are easier to install.
So what can I do you may ask….?. The majority of big retailers in NZ don’t have trained technicians, just sales people. So contact your local child restraint technician and discuss your options, they can then advise you on the best ‘bang for your buck’. They are a wealth of information and will give you options of seats that will offer your child the best protection within your budget. No matter where you purchase it from they will ensure its installed correctly and instruct you in installing it yourself. This is not a sale pitch for the expensive seats on the market, there is a seat that offers far better protection than the Euro Standard Generic 3 in 1 seats on the market. Both my children are in medium price range (Forward Facing) child restraints in the $300 range and I have the ability to purchase much more expensive seats. But I am confident they are in good safe seats that will last them harnessed until they are at least 7.5 for one seat and 8 for the other.
So what do you do if you are reading this and panicking about what your own children are riding in?
Check our our range of harnessed boosters online which give great options. Or if in doubt contact us here where we can help with options - or ensure you that your current set up is safe :)
As written by Bruce Wilson from The Car Seat Dude - a man with such great knowledge and passion in the field of child restraints and road safety - you can find here on his Facebook page easily!
To all the beautiful women around the world: It’s International Women’s Day today, and it is celebrated globally in honour of the remarkable contribution of women to our society.
A day to commemorate the exciting role of women around the world… and that’s YOU!
It’s with great joy and love that I share my thoughts with you on this day, to remind you that you are doing great; you are better than you think you are, you are more than enough, and most importantly you are loved.
Now, take a deep breath and just notice how you feel today.
As women, we will continuously put pressure on ourselves with all the ‘I should’...do more, be quicker, be more efficient and neglect ourselves in the process. We often let the demands of others and the environment lead us and we forget to
PAUSE…
Take a deep breath with me...breathing in through your nose and breathing out through your mouth; releasing all our tension in your body, letting go of all the self-doubt, the struggle, the stress that you’ve been carrying.
Take another deep breath now;
Smile and see in your mind’s eye your loved ones. Imagining spending quality time together with your loved ones...sending and receiving the love for each other. Sensing the feeling of joy, happiness, love and appreciation of your love and care;
Now, close your eyes and place your hands on your heart center and; Whisper to yourself…
’I am Enough.’
Today, I am enough.
I am good enough.
I am smart enough.
I am wise enough.
I am confident enough.
I am enough for my loved ones.
I am more than enough.
I am grateful for all that I am.
I am grateful for all I have.
I am worthy of love.
I am love.
I am to be loved.
I accept myself for who I am.
I permit myself to be who I will be…
Take another deep inward breath… and feel the energy flowing in your body.
‘I am Enough’ remind us to love and be loved.
This practice allows us to open ourselves and our hearts to acceptance recognizing self-love and bring ourselves from a place of abundance and wholeness, a place of love and only with love that we continue to grow and spread our wings…
I love you… you are more than enough.
Spread your wings now and share this mantra with your loved ones, help them grow...and let your love go viral today to every woman in your life.
If only it was this easy! Hopefully this makes it a little easier of what to look out for when you are looking for your next vehicle - especially if you are planning more than 2 children. ]]>
So a 7 seater should fit 7 people right?
If only it was this easy! Hopefully this makes it a little easier of what to look out for when you are looking for your next vehicle - especially if you are planning more than 2 children.
Most of us make the dangerous mistake of not reading a car manual. We might read how to connect our phone to the Bluetooth, or how to adjust the clock after daylight saving. We might even go as far as reading the manual to check if we are using the cruise control accurately or not.
But not many read the section on child restraints. There will be a whole part of your manual dedicated to this. In this part it will have restrictions, cautions, information and installation assistance.
Can you install in the centre of the back seat?
Can you have child restraints in the third row?
Can you use isofix sharing in the middle placement?
Are there automatic locking seat belts?
Weekly I get parents coming asking about anchor points in the third row as their family is expanding and they need to fit everyone in. Unfortunately a lot of our vehicle manufacturers do not allow child restraints in the rear row. Or they might allow boosters, but not harnessed seats. Some even go as far as having height and weight limits for passengers in the rear/3rd row.
The rear row of people movers or 7 seater SUV's are danger zones for many reasons. They might restrict car seats in the rear because of the risk of a rear ending accident.
As the rear row can sometimes be elevated as well, the risk of head strike on the interior walls is elevated with a child. When a child is in a seat they are lifted for seat belt positioning - they are they even closer to the internal interior due to the raised rear row. Thus manufacturers make the restriction of seats in the rear row.
Buckle up all the seat belts in the car as well. Do they sit nicely beside each other or do they overlap? We have lots of SUV's on the market in NZ that have overlapping belts. While these might not seem a problem - EU and US standard car seats do not allow installation beside another seat if there is an overlapping seat belt - this generally means that doing that 3 across seating plan that you thought solved all your problems might not be doable now!
I cannot put an exhaustive list on here - that would take hours - but I do advise to read your car manual. I certainly am not the professional on all vehicles in NZ either, I find these things out by excessively reading manuals and getting to play in lots of vehicles.
If you are buying a new vehicle and have children, or plan to expand your whanau then check out the section of the vehicle manual on child restraints. Doing this simple thing could save you a lot of money in the long run!
As always - if in doubt check it out! Ask a local tech for advice. Or contact us and we can try to assist best we can!
]]>I am going to use the example of the lovely Krystal from Pepi.
Krystal and I knew each other from afar through friends, but we hadn't really crossed paths. I knew that I wanted her gorgeous handmade clothing in my store however and proceeded to make this happen!
I made a wholesale order - and was excited to her that she would be able to have it all ready before my opening day! What a machine this one woman business is! I remember Krystal saying thank you for the order to me when she delivered the order and we had a conversation around how even though some of her customers might buy her product from me that it in turn supports her.
It was an interesting discussion where we were able to see the full picture of how this collaboration and support for local really takes shape.
Lets take one specific item - a gorgeous linen romper for example.
- I purchase the romper at wholesale price (as part of a bulk order)
- This provides a bulk payment to Pepi to not only produce the product but also to make an income.
- Krystal (Pepi's brains) is able to put money aside to buy a special toy for her children
- Sitting Safe sells a romper
- Sitting Safe can in turn buy more products through another local supplier to add to the shop variety
- Krystal buys a kinder board through Sitting Safe to use as a photo prop and as a toy for her children with money earned
- Sitting Safe purchases more wholesale items from Pepi
- Pepi marketing advertises the kinder boards for Sitting Safe
.....and on it goes!!!
Collaboration and support are not mutually exclusive - however, they provide opportunity to enrich others family lives and that of the community we live in!
We have such a strong belief in supporting other small businesses - both through buying and advertising their products but also in networking and collaborating where possible.
]]>Of course with car seats we cannot do this - but with everything else we tried to support other small and local businesses as much as possible.
We have such a strong belief in supporting other small businesses - both through buying and advertising their products but also in networking and collaborating where we can.
New Zealand is a tiny place with so much talent. We have some incredible people that make amazing products at home to sell in the store. The variety is incredible, the stories of how their businesses have grown are inspiring and most of all a lot have become people we are honoured to call friends.
We've written more specifically about one of these relationships here.
Why did I want to supply only NZ Businesses?
Mainly what we see in our own generation is a turn back to handmade and quality over quantity happening. In the time since our daughter was born 8 years ago to today we have watched how other parents shop for their children. People appreciate an item that has a story behind it, one that has been made with love, and items that they know are going towards another family putting food on their own table. Supporting NZ made, NZ business and especially small business.
Why stock products from outside of New Zealand?
We quickly learnt that some of the products that people are after are not necessarily available from NZ Businesses. When we are asked about something, or something is suggested we first search through NZ businesses, ask in business groups and source NZ made. It's not always possible - but we try!
So some products are from outside of NZ - however be assured that there has been a large process that has gone before that of researching and looking for NZ business first!
So why write this blog?
We think being transparent and honest with our amazing customers is important!
We love that people ask for products, or suggest things to stock. We appreciate being able to provide an opportunity to see and touch some of these products that otherwise are just images on a screen.
Keep suggesting!
And we'll keep searching! And if you are another NZ business, and you think you fit our store and philosophy hit us up! We welcome the opportunity to stock more products!
]]>We try to give some information regarding harnessing, booster seats and moving into a full belt.
]]>Safety wise - we know this is not the case. Children are not usually physically ready to use just an adult seat belt until they are around 12 years old, or 148cm.
This is where parents get it wrong sometimes - and where NZ get it wrong in a big way. We have limited education available for parents to support them in making informed choices in regards to car safety.
While this video is aged in terms of crash videos - it shows very simply the difference of a child that is in a booster vs a child that is in a 5-point harness belt. As a Child Restraint Technician I will always endorse best practice, and best practice is now found that extended harnessing is safest for children when they still meet the limits of the child restraint.
For me, as a Mum, it is fool proof evidence. Keep them harnessed as long as you can to ensure they have the best chance in the worst moment, an accident.
So when are they ready for a booster?
This is not a simple answer - each child is different. The general guideline is as below:
- Can they sit still most of the time and not wriggle around around when sitting in their seat?
- Have they outgrown the harness limit of their harnessed seat?
- Are they at least 5 years of age?
- When sitting in their booster does the seat belt sit across the shoulder? And high on the thighs? We do not want the seat belt sitting across the stomach or close to the neck.
- Do they meet the minimum requirements for the booster you are planning on using?
Another blog will come that compares full boosters and half boosters. However - use a full booster for as long as possible. This provides side-impact protection to the head and ensures a well positioned seat belt. Half boosters are for bigger kids that have outgrown the full-back booster
If you need to look into a booster for your big kid to keep them safe while travelling then check out the options we have available as well. And ask questions as you need to!
When are they ready for an adult seat-belt?
The next stage is when is my child ready to just use an adult seat belt? The law says between 7-8 years old in NZ. However, safety research says when they are 148cm. Children are not normally ready for a full seat belt until they are around 10-12 years old.
The 5-step test is one that is internationally used to see if children are ready for a seat belt yet.
If a child passes the 5-step test then they are able to use an adult seat-belt. Beware however - the way they sit will change in each position in the vehicle, and between different vehicles. So always check before travel!
Image taken from The Car Seat Lady
There is lots of videos and research out there that shows the benefit to extended harnessing. Some other awesome articles can be found at:
As always - if you are unsure ask a Child Restraint Technician for support or contact us for information!
]]>It is quoted in so many studies that a child can die in a hot car within 15-30 minutes. That is not much time at all - think that in a busy supermarket it may take you 15 minutes just to grab milk and get out again. In that time your baby or child could be in a critical condition due to heat stroke and dehydration.
There are a couple of interesting videos on YouTube where food is cooked inside a hot car - if food can cook imagine what it does to internal organs?
People will often think that leaving the window down a little bit will keep them cool. This study shows that while there is a difference - it is not enough to save a child left in a car.
Image sourced from: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/1/e109
While New Zealand doesn't nearly have the rate of child injuries and deaths from hot cars syndrome that other countries do as our temperatures and population rise so will the risk of this.
I am of course coming from child safety in the car - however this is important to remember for your pets as well. Cars left sitting will increase in temperature at a rate that is astronomical compared to the temperature outside.
Never leave your child in a hot car (or at all!). And ensure you have a routine to never forget your child - trust me its easier to do than what you might think!! I put my handbag in the backseat - then I have to turn around to get it and thus have visual on the backseat. Some people take a shoe off - or put their phone in the backseat. It only takes a moment of distraction for the worst to happen.
]]>
Navigating the installation of your car seat, and how to use the tether or anchor point correctly.
]]>Not having seats tethered, or tethering to an incorrect point is the most common mistake I find when checking car seats. And it is unsafe – tethers should always be connected to an anchor point that is installed into a structural point of the vehicle.
Common mistakes made by lots:
- Tethering to a luggage point
- No tether attached at all
- Tether over or under tightened
- Using isofix/latch points to tether to
- Inappropriately installed anchor points
New Zealand definitely has some very clever DIYer’s – however installing anchor points is not an area you should play around with if you do not know what you are doing. I know I don’t go near them unless I am sure!
So with all that, how do I find the tether point in my vehicle?
The first place to access this information is in your manual. However – not all vehicles sold in NZ come with their manual due to a large number of imports. Car manuals can be found online in most instances, or you can ring the dealership of the make of your car and sometimes they will have one.
If you cannot access a manual – then I always recommend going to see a Child Restraint Technician, or a mechanic who are knowledgeable about the types of anchor points, and what to look for when hunting for them.
What do they look like?
This is another confusing aspect of anchor points – they can all look very different!
Typically they are metal loops in the rear of the car, either in the boot, roof or on the parcel tray of sedans. They generally do not move.
What is the difference between Luggage points and Anchor Points?
Luggage points are designed to assist with storing of luggage – they are not installed into structural points of the car, and are not load tested. This means they cannot withstand the amount of forces put on them in the case of an accident and a car seat being attached to them.
(photo from drivingtests.co.nz)
What if I’m not sure?
Ask for help – go and see a Child Restraint Technician or ask your local mechanic. If you do not have access to a technician locally you can always utilise online support in such forums as the Carseat Discussion Group (here) on Facebook. Here you can put photos up and numerous technicians will be able to try to assist you.
If in doubt – always check it out! Top tethers are crucial in minimising forces during an accident. Incorrect tethering can increase the injuries suffered, or worse prove fatal. It’s always best to get advice if you are unsure at all.
https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/car-seat-rules-child-safety-seats-in-nz/
]]>
How prepared are you?
I thought I was really prepared and then I sat down and started to look at what I had and what I still needed to get….whoops! I need to do some more shopping!
Here are some ideas that are available in store, and online now!
- Constructible Eating
Plates and utensil sets are flying out the door. It’s a different, but fun gift to give that hopefully makes dinner time less painful!
Plates - $30
Utensils - $27
2. Wooden Toys
We have a range of wooden toys. I love wooden toys mainly for the length that they go. They last! I love to give wooden toys as gifts to, as I know they will last and can be used by various ages safely.
We wooden toys ranging from $12 up to $90. So there is definitely something that will suit your need!
- Sandals for Summer
A big seller this year for Christmas is quality leather Hoof sandals. Not only are these a great price at $40, but they are a beautiful soft leather. They are closed toe – so nice and safe for those toesies!
- Kuwi the Kiwi books
Kat the illustrator is a clever Kiwi! She has this range of books, colouring in books and a cookbook that are full of bright colours. The stories are cute, captivating and delightful as well.
Great presents for sending overseas, and stocking stuffers. You can never give better than giving the joy of books!
- Hair Accessories
From hangers to keep things organised, to headbands and beautiful clips. Your little princess will be pleased with the variety in store.
- Doll Carrier
Does your little one who has a younger sibling want to be just like their parents and wear their friend? Doll carriers fit teddies, dolls and most other soft friends.
They can be just like you and keep their loved toy close to them!
- Snack packs and Drink Bottles
Give gifts of organisation and get them ready for the new school year! Assorted goodies are arriving all through December ready for the back to school – but they make great gifts for Christmas too!
- Unique Soft Toys
Handmade and all unique toys available in store. These are all locally made and all have their own unique mark to make on your child! Come in and see which one fits with your child’s personality or loves now!
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If your car seat doesn’t have one of these 3 stickers, then it is highly likely that it is NOT legally allowed to be used here in NZ. If it doesn’t have one of these stickers I would recommend you go and get things checked out by a Child Restraint technician, so they can advise you.
Aus/NZ
These seats are tested under the Aus/NZ standards and allowed for use in the two counties. These are the only seats allowed to be used in Australia – and this is wise to keep in mind if you are going to be holidaying over there.
They are easily spotted by their rear and forward install use of the tether (LINK TO TETHER BLOG) and the lack of chest clip. These seats must be tethered at all times.
European
These seats can from various places across Europe. The number next to the E signifies the country in which the car seat has originated.
These do not have tether straps and are widely available on sale sites and Trade Me sellers.
European seats do not forward face harness past 18kg, and thus are outgrown quite early.
American
These are by far my most sold seats and probably the most popular within the NZ car seat market. They are easily spotted by the chest clip, and generally have higher weight limits than other seats.
All American seats are imported through registered distributors and are crash tested again upon arrival into our country. This is what makes them sometimes a little more expensive than other seats – due to the international rates, and also the testing that is completed on them.
American seats will tether as well – and the tether should always be used.
They always say that September and October are the busy baby months – however we don’t seem to think it ever ends with the cuteness coming into the store!
Sometimes we need to buy a gift – but we don’t want to spend the earth to do so. Below are some of our favourite picks of gifts for under $50.
Most are even available online now! If not they are in store.
- Sleepy Kiwi Book $20
Black and white – the colours that babies can process and kiwiana! What more could a new Mum want? And even better – easy to post overseas.
- Haakaa breast pump – one of the most popular things for Mum’s!
These are revolutionary in the world of breastfeeding. Quiet, easy to clean and all the Mum’s are wanting one – the recipient will thank you for it!
We live in NZ – with the worst sun burn rate in the world. Our babies skin is so sensitive and needs protected. Even better these are made from Organic cotton and so no chemicals involved in the fabric either!
Designed by a NZ Mum and made in an ethical factory. Beautiful fabrics, colours and design. Perfect gender neutral colours to choose from as well.
When you want to give something useful – but you want to make sure that you are giving something safe! Made for sensitive babies skin with no nasties or perfumes used. Safe, gentle and helpful!
- Teether $12-25
Newborns might not need these, but those parents sure will thank you a few months down the line when their precious bundles are pushing through those awful teeth! Cute, colourful and a great present top-up.
We have a wide range of silicone and wooden teethers
- Nappy Clutch $47
Fashionable fabric and designs. The great, slim nappy clutch for quick trips out of the house. Big enough to hold a few nappies and some wipes, plus it comes with a wee change mat!
- Lamington Socks $18
Every parent in NZ knows about lamington socks, and loves them! Don’t go hunting for socks at the end of the sleep sack again, or see them being kicked off in the supermarket. These socks stay on! And made from quality NZ merino as well.
- Re-useable breast pads $19.50
It might seem like an odd gift to begin with – but when the funky fabrics are seen a new Mum’s eyes will sparkle. Gone are the boring white throw away pads, get some funky ones that help the environment by being reused!
- Swaddles - $40-55
There are a range of swaddles in store. But the popular Love to Dream range is a great gift idea. Loved by so many Mum’s it might just get this new Mum a few more hours sleep in those first months. Give them the gift of sleep!
Does she get teased by her friends? Nope!
Do her friends get harnessed in my car? Yep!
Do they complain? Nope!]]>
This is where I have the problem…..
We advertise and educate that you should be in a seat until you are 148cm – and I sure don’t know any 148cm 8 year olds!
I am a parent to a nearly 8 year old, she is still harnessed in her car seat. Do I get looks at school? Nope!
Does she get teased by her friends? Nope!
Do her friends get harnessed in my car? Yep!
Do they complain? Nope!
It’s about education – safety will always win over law for me. And for most parents, when making an informed decision around deciding to use a seat belt booster, or when to go to just a seat belt will generally continue to harness as long as possible. They will also discuss these decisions with their children – making informed children as well. I once had my daughters friend ask why he had to use the “baby seat” when he was with us. I explained to him that it was safer if we crashed, and even though I didn’t plan on crashing I wanted to make sure he was returned home in the same state that I picked him up in! He wanted to know more information and so we discussed race car drivers (a passion of his), and how they are kept safe for if they crash. A whole car ride later and now he happily travels with us and rambles on about race car driving to me whenever he can! Main point of this – children aren’t silly! Explain to them why you are making choices for them around car safety, and what the benefits are. Just like we do with road safety and crossing the road – they understand more than we give them credit for.
When we go up a step in car seats, we go down a step in safety. This has always been the statement that has stayed with me throughout my journey as a parent, and as a Child Restraint Technician. So when we go from rear facing to forward facing we are losing safety features. And definitely when we go from using car seats to just using an adult seat belt we are making a big decision, and a big step down in safety. 5-point harnesses are physically safer, they spread the forces during an accident and therefore create less injury. Seems simple right?
So why doesn’t our law go for best practice?
Great question! And one that I would love to be looked at one day – but for now I will do my best to continue to advocate for best practice and safety, as I know no matter what I will still be endorsing the law and keeping our most previous members of society safe when travelling in vehicles.
For more information on the law I've provided the NZTA link below. Feel free to ask questions as well.
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