How old is a child seat? What are the risks of not using it?

Child seats are used when carrying children in the car. It can now be said to be one of the essential items for raising children, but let's take a look at the basics of child seats, such as why they are used and what disadvantages they have without using them.

What is a child seat?

This is the seat where children are seated when riding in a car, and is used to secure them to the rear seat. Children with small bodies cannot wear seat belts, so instead they hold the seat firmly in a child seat.
There are several types, including for babies that can be used by babies who don't have a neck, and for infants and school children, and various models are available from each manufacturer. There are also dual-use types that can be used for a long time, from infants to young children, or even for school children.

Why do child seats need?

The biggest reason you should use a child seat is for the safety of your child.
If a child is blown away or hit a seat or door in the event of an unexpected situation such as a collision or sudden stop, it can be life-threatening. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to fix it in a way that does not put a strain on the body.
The use of child seats is also stipulated in law.
Under the Road Traffic Act, which was revised in 2000, it was mandatory that children under the age of six should use child seats when carrying their car.

Are you all using it properly?

According to a joint survey conducted by the National Police Agency and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), a general incorporated association in May 2024, the national average child seat usage rate was 78.2%. Looking at the age range, the use rate for those under 1 year old is 91.7%, while most mothers and fathers use it, while those aged 1 to 4 years old have fallen to 80.7%, and at age 5 it drops to 57.9%.
Although the number of people using it is increasing every year, it is currently not yet sufficient.

Are the child seat used correctly?

Although about 80% of moms and dads use child seats, it is also true that many people use the wrong seat.
According to a survey by JAF and the National Police Agency, about 30% of people are not installed correctly, and over 40% are seated incorrectly.
In the event of a traffic accident, if the installation is inadequate, the child seat can come off, and the child may even pop out of the child seat because the child is not seated properly. Even if you use it for a while, it's pointless to not ensure safety. Make sure to check the product's instruction manual and use it correctly.

What is the risk of not using a child seat?

According to data from the National Police Agency (1989-393), if child seats are not used, the fatality rate in the event of a traffic accident will rise to about 4.2 times. This "if not used" includes cases where it is not properly used. This is because unless you install a product that suits your child's physique correctly and sit properly, it's the same as not using it.
The importance of proper use is also reflected in the numbers.

When will you use it?

If you are going to pick up your mother and baby in the car after giving birth and when you are discharged from the hospital, you will need a child seat from that time. Prepare something that can be used by babies before giving birth.
The timing of graduation varies depending on the degree of growth.
Since it is mandatory for use to be "under the age of 6", legally, graduation is permitted once your 6th birthday. However, we recommend that you continue to use JAF until you reach a certain height even after the age of 6.

In August this year, there was a tragic accident in which a local bus collided in Fukuoka, killing a 7- and 5-year-old sister who were in a light passenger car. At the time of the accident, the two were wearing seat belts, but they were not using child or junior seats. Currently, the Road Traffic Act does not stipulate height, but since small children's seat belts get on their necks or soft stomachs, it is extremely dangerous in cases of collisions or sudden stops. In response to these accidents, JAF has raised its height from under 140cm to under 150cm, which is recommended for wearing child or junior seats. Obviously, compliance with laws and regulations is essential, but continuing to use child seats as necessary even after the specified age will help protect the lives of children.

Points to consider when choosing a child seat

You choose one that suits your child's growth stage and physique, but the basic premise is that it can be installed in your own vehicle. Please check the compatibility table before purchasing to make sure the product is compatible with your car.
It is also very important that the product is guaranteed to be safe.
Child seats have safety standards set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Automobile Accident Countermeasures Agency, and the results of front collision tests and usability evaluation tests have been published. Check these data and choose a product with the "E" or "self-mark" proof that you have passed safety standards.

*reference*
▼National Police Agency website: "Child seats to protect children"
▼Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) website "First Child Seat Quick Guide"

Perfect for going out with your baby!
BABY&Me with SG Mark"Beren first set (Beren first set)"Enjoy a comfortable outing♪