The Most Useful Child Car Seat Accessories and Their Usage
The safety and comfort of children while travelling by car is a priority for any parent. In this regard, there are a variety of useful accessories that can enhance the travelling experience for both children and parents. Here are some of the most useful types of child car seat accessories and when to use them:
1. Rear-Facing Mirror
Utility: The rear-facing mirror is an essential accessory for parents who use rear-facing car seats. It allows you to monitor your child without having to turn your head while driving.
When to use: Use when the child is placed in the rear-facing car seat, typically from birth to 2-4 years of age, depending on seat model and safety recommendations.
Benefits:
- Allows child supervision while driving.
- Contributes to peace of mind and comfort for parents, knowing they can monitor their child without being distracted from the road.
2. Sweat Guard
Benefit: Anti-perspiration protection helps keep your child comfortable during long journeys or in hot weather by reducing heat build-up and sweat.
When to use: It is useful all year round, but particularly useful in the summer months or warm climates.
Benefits:
- Provides added comfort for baby, preventing overheating.
- Helps keep the car seat clean, protecting it from moisture and stains.
3. Seat Protector
Utility: The Bench Seat Protector is designed to protect car seats from dirt, scratches and wear and tear caused by child car seats.
When to use: Always use when a child car seat is installed in the car bench seat.
Benefits:
- Protects car upholstery, keeping it clean and scratch-free.
- Provides extra stability for the car seat, preventing it from sliding.
4. Organisers
Utility: Organisers are accessories that attach to the back of the front seats, providing storage space for toys, bottles, snacks and other essentials.
When to use: They’re useful on any journey, especially long journeys, to keep baby’s necessities to hand.
Benefits:
- They keep the car organised and clean.
- Provides quick and easy access to essentials, reducing the need to stop the car to find things.
5. 5 Point Plus system
Benefit: The 5 Point Plus System is an extra accessory that prevents your child from removing their arms from the car seat belts, ensuring the car seat remains properly secured.
When to use: It is especially useful for young, energetic children who tend to pull their arms out of their seatbelts, putting their safety at risk.
Benefits:
- Ensures that the car seat belts remain properly secured on the child.
- Increases parents’ safety and peace of mind.
6. CARES System for Aircraft
Benefit: The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is a safety harness intended for in-flight use, providing a safe, FAA-approved method for securing children in the aircraft seat.
When to use: Use during air travel, replacing the need to carry a bulky car seat on the plane.
Benefits:
- Easy to install and transport, reducing the weight of luggage.
- Provides increased safety for children during flights and is approved by aviation authorities.
Conclusion
Child car seat accessories bring multiple benefits, ensuring safety, comfort and peace of mind for parents and children when travelling. Choosing the right accessories according to specific needs and travelling circumstances can significantly enhance the travelling experience for the whole family.
