Infant car seats and booster seats, collectively known as Child Restraint Systems (CRS), are a must when transporting a child in a vehicle. Here we tell you everything you need to know about a system that saves lives.

Source of this article: National Traffic Safety Commission.

Why are they SO important?

According to WHO figures, when used correctly, child restraint systems (CRS) can reduce fatal and serious injuries to babies and children in a traffic accident by between 50% and 80% .

A crash involves a lot of energy, and children do not have the ability to protect themselves without a child restraint system. To give you an idea, an impact at 60 km/h is equivalent to a fall from the 5th floor of a building.

The figures are regrettable...

According to the latest figures provided by CONASET, in Chile only 33% of drivers use a CRS to transport minors. And of those who use a CRS, 91% you do it incorrectly.

What does the law say in Chile?

• Children under 12 years of age must always travel in the back seat using the restraint system established by law (SRI or seat belt).
• Until they are 9 years old (or 135 cm tall and 33 kg), children must travel in a child restraint system appropriate to their age, height and weight.
• Carrying a child under 12 years old in the front seat or carrying a child under 9 years old without a CRS is considered a very serious offense.

What you should consider when buying an SRI

• It should be appropriate for the child's size, weight and level of development .

• That it is compatible with the vehicle according to the size and anchoring system (ISOFIX, LATCH or seat belt).

• That it is compatible with the family group: all vehicle occupants must travel using the appropriate restraint system (SRI or seat belt).

• That it complies with international certification standards indicated in Chilean regulations (R44/04, R-129 and FMVSS213).

Rear-facing or rear-facing

In the first few years of life, children should be rear-facing, as it is the safest position for everyone . It is recommended that they travel in this position for as long as possible, as permitted by the manufacturer of the SRI based on weight and height. There is no maximum age, but the minimum age should be 2 years.

In this category there are: small eggs (the best for newborns), convertibles and all-in-one.

Facing forward or in the direction of travel

When the child reaches the height and weight limits for which the rear-facing SRI is designed, you must use one facing forward. This does not must be before age 2.

In this category there are: convertibles, combination chairs (chair and then armchair) and all-in-one.

Booster seat or booster seat

They are used when the weight and height limits for using the internal harness to secure the child in the safety seat have been reached. They are used forward-facing and with a 3-point safety belt. It is recommended to use these devices until the safety belt is correctly positioned on the child's body.

In this category there are: booster seat with backrest, without backrest, all-in-one or combination chair.

In this link you will find a useful infographic with the SRI recommendations complementary to the Law: HERE.