4 Myths about Car Seats that Traveler Parents Should Overcome

The roads are filled with more cars and vehicles and the risk of crashes is also higher than ever. This means that you need more protection on the road, especially when it comes to your kids. Experts suggest that having a car seat for 6 months to 8 years old ensures the safety of those little people. Regardless of your driving speed, your city’s traffic, and the frequency of long road trips, investing in your child’s protection is always a worthy expenditure.

Although people are increasingly investing in car seats, many are still stuck in misconceptions about them. Here are some common myths floating around the market and their reality checks.

Myth: You do not need a car seat if you drive at a slow speed

Reality: Far from the truth, this statement ignores the basic science about moving objects. Physics explains that the thrust you experience is much more powerful than you think it would be, even at a slow speed. The impact is equivalent to your weight multiplied by the speed at which you are driving. This means a 3kg infant would turn into a 120kg force at a speed of 40 kph. This is enough to push your baby out of your arms and severely injure them as they collide with the interior of your car. Even if you never drive fast, a car seat is a must-have for the sake of your child’s safety.

Myth: Your kids do not like to be in a car seat

Reality: This can be a real problem for some parents as their kids are more active and freely explore the world around them. Such children can’t resist getting restrained in a car seat. However, this is not a good enough reason to compromise with their safety. While they may be reluctant initially, kids are also great at adapting to the environment. Once they get used to being restrained in a car seat, it will be a smooth journey for you. Parents often face similar resistance when they try to feed healthy food like veggies and fruits to the kids. But you do that anyway, right? So, having a disgruntled child temporarily cannot be a deal-breaker for their safety.

Myth: A newborn is too delicate to be placed in a car seat and is more comfortable in your arms.

Reality: There is no denying that newborns are the most delicate people. Their attachment to their mother’s is also second to none. This attachment often leads to the belief that the mother’s arms are the safest place for them. While this is mostly true, it does not hold when you are inside a moving vehicle. Infants are delicate because for that same reason, they need greater protection on the road. It is important to understand that a car seat protects your child the way you cannot.

Myth: Very soon your kids outgrow the car seat, making it a useless piece of car accessory

Reality: The value of a car seat is often not realized until something goes wrong. Their value is further questioned based on the fact that children quickly outgrow them. While this is true, it does not happen as quickly as you think. Even children beyond eight or ten years of age need a car seat. They can stop using these seats only when they reach a height that is suitable for car seat belts.