One of the first things you do when you buy a car is check that it’s safe – does it have airbags? ABS brakes? Side impact protection? A toughened cage? Well, buying your baby’s car seat should be no different – safety is priority number one. That’s why the Silver Cross car seat range is developed in conjunction with the leading road safety experts, who lose sleep, hair and weekends trying to guarantee you get from A to B with as much TLC as possible.
John Horsfall is Silver Cross’ leading in-car safety expert and has over twenty years specialist experience in the installation of child car seats. John has developed car seats for Silver Cross that he trusts and believes in, using the latest technological know-how. John founded Sitsafe In-Car Safety Ltd in 1986 as a result of a friend’s tragic accident, and has since been focused on generating awareness of the importance of in-car safety; helping parents, local authorities, manufacturers and retailers across the UK.
Here, John answers some of the most frequently asked questions he receives on a daily basis, in a bid to arm you with the knowledge needed to buy and correctly install the right car seat for your child, ensuring safety on the move.
No, unfortunately this is not the case. Makes and models of cars differ so it is very important when purchasing your new infant carrier that you test the seat in your car(s) at a retailer with a specialist knowledge and wide range of child car seats to ensure you purchase the correct model - "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!"
No, a base is not necessary. Bases are sold on the premiss that they ease installation and that additional bases can be fitted in other vehicles (allowing the same infant carrier to be used in multiple cars). There are also some instances where a base might solve the problem of a vehicle with a short seat belt.
Some of the problems associated with bases can be:
No, the Ventura Plus does not come with a base. It installs safely and securely using the vehicle's safety belts. Bases can be okay but they are not without their problems.
The four most common installation problems are:
The car seat may seem to be correctly and safely installed, but this may not be the case. This is why you should always purchase your infant carrier from a retailer with specialist in-car safety knowledge.
Yes you can unless there is a front Passenger Airbag fitted. Do not under any circumstances use a rearward facing child seat on a passenger seat fitted with an airbag. It is very dangerous and also illegal. Even if you can switch the airbag off, I would recommend you contact the vehicle manufacturer to confirm it is okay to fit your carrier. It is statistically safer when the car seat is fitted in the rear, so if possible always use the rear vehicle seat.
The longer you can use your infant carrier the better. Your baby should travel rearward facing for as long as possible as long as your baby does not exceed the maximum weight of the infant carrier and no part of your baby’s head is exposed above the top of the infant carrier back. Before you move to a forward facing seat your baby has to weigh a minimum of 9kgs (20lbs) and be able to sit up unaided with confidence for a long period of time.
Yes you should always replace any child seat if it has been involved in an accident even if it was not occupied at the time as it may have unseen damage which could adversely affect the protection and therefore the safety of your child.
ISOFIX stands for "International Standards Organisation's FIX." Isofix seats enable you to fit your car seat without using a seat belt. Instead it uses Isofix points, which many new cars are now constructed with. You may not realise you have this ingenious system in your car so check with your dealer or manufacturer. It is also possible to have the points fitted into your car. The Isofix points are integral to the car's frame and once the seat is 'clicked' onto these points the car seat becomes locked to the car's frame. The points can be found near the bottom of the back part of the passenger seats.
Yes, the Silver Cross Explorerfix car seat is a Group 1 & 2 ISOFIX car seat, suitable for children from approximately nine months to six years old. Explorerfix is also fully adjustable; specifically designed to grow with your child.
The four different car seat groups, explained:
Group 0 = Child up to 13kg (birth to approximately 9-12 months)
A rearward facing infant carrier which can be used in the front or the rear of the car. Must not be used on a passenger seat with an active frontal airbag. Baby is secured with internal harnesses, car seat is secured with 3-point lap and diagonal belt (the adult car seatbelts).
Silver Cross products approved for Group 0 = Ventura Plus
Group 1 = Child from 9kg to 18kg (from approximately 9 months to 4 years)
A forward facing seat which can be used in either the front or the rear of the car. Must only be used for children who can sit unsupported. Child is secured with internal harnesses, seat is secured with with 3-point lap and diagonal belt (the adult car seatbelts).
Silver Cross products approved for Group 1 = Explorer Sport and Explorerfix
Group 2 = Child from 15kg to 25kg (from approximately 4-6 years)
A forward facing booster seat which can be used in the front or the rear of the car. The seat raises the child and positions the adult lap and diagonal belt correctly. The seat features back and side support.
Silver Cross products approved for Group 2 = Explorer Sport, Explorerfix and Navigator
Group 3 = Child from 22kg to 36kg (from approximately 6-11 years)
A forward facing booster cushion which can be used in the front or the rear of the car. The cushion raises the child and positions the adult lap and diagonal belt correctly. The child's back is supported by the vehicle's seatback.
Silver Cross products approved for Group 3 = Navigator
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With 20 years of vehicle safety expertise; Silver Cross car seat guru John Horsfall answers some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about car seats...
