Surprising Car Seat Risks for Children Under 12

Don’t Miss These Overlooked Car Seat Dangers for Kids Under 12

Car seats save lives – that’s not up for debate. According to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, road crashes are the “leading cause of death among healthy children in South Africa and are responsible for 80% of severe brain injuries”. With this, The African Brainchild initiative found that the correct child seat can reduce these injuries by up to 96%.

So why are so many children still at risk? 

The Booster Seat Phase

When your toddler outgrows their car seat, it’s tempting to think they’re ready for “grown-up” seatbelts. But experts say that’s a big mistake. Children under 150cm tall still need a booster seat to ensure the seatbelt fits correctly. Without it, the lap belt can ride up over their stomach, and the shoulder strap can cut across their neck – both of which can cause serious internal or spinal injuries in a crash. 

“Booster seats aren’t optional; they’re an essential step in every child’s journey to safer travel.” says Peter McNaughton, Managing Director of Kelston Motor Group. “Any child under 150cm tall still needs a booster seat, no matter how grown up they look.”

Children usually only reach the traditional passenger seats between 10 and 12 years old, so most school-aged kids still fall into the booster category. 

Why the Right Seat Matters

As explained by the Maxi-Cosi manufacturer, using a booster seat can cut the risk of injury by up to 59% for children aged four to eight – compared to using a seatbelt alone. 

Debbie Billson, Operations Director from Brands Africa explains, “Most parents see switching from a toddler seat to a seatbelt as a big milestone. But the truth is, seatbelts are not built for smaller bodies. Skipping the booster seat stage can put your child at real risk.” 

Booster seats are designed to spread crash forces across the strongest parts of your child’s body, giving them far better protection than a regular seatbelt ever could. 

Which Car Seat is Best?

There’s a seat for every stage of childhood – from car seats for infants to the toddler stage, and finally, the booster seat for children older than four years old. 

If you’re wondering which one is best, here’s what to look out for: 

• Check manufacturer guidelines on age and size compatibility
• Five-point harnesses
• Side-impact protection for added safety
• Easy installation systems like ISOFIX

Prices can chop and change, depending on brand and purpose. For example, basic boost cushions can retail from R269+ on sites like Takealot, while mid-range models like the Bambino Discovery booster seat sell for over R1,000 at Dischem or Baby City. Premium options, such as Maxi-Cosi’s flagship booster, can retail from R10,000 and up. 

The most important thing? Use something practical! A basic, correctly fitted booster seat is always safer than not having one at all.

How to: Car Seat Installation Tips

Even the best car seat won’t work if it’s not installed properly. Studies show that up to 80% of car seats are incorrectly fitted or adjusted.

1. Read the manual: Always consult your owner’s manual and car seat manual.
2. Secure it tightly: The seat shouldn’t move more than an inch side to side.
3. Harness height: The straps should sit at or just above your child’s shoulders.
4. Chest clip position: It should line up with your child’s armpits.
5. No bulky coats:  Coats or thick jackets interfere with the harness fit. 

If you’re unsure, visit your nearest baby store for a professional fitting demo – people are there to help. 

Helping Other Parents: Donate Your Old Seat

Affordability is a challenge for a lot of South African families. According to Peggie Mars, founder of the non-profit Wheel Well, around 70% of parents they surveyed can’t afford these lifesaving seats. 

Wheel Well collects and refurbishes donated car seats and booster seats, ensuring they meet safety standards before redistributing them to families in need. So far, they’ve handed out around 12,000 seats across the country. 

So, if your child has outgrown theirs, consider donating it – you could help save lives. 

The Bottom Line

Your child’s safety doesn’t end when they outgrow their car seat. If they’re under 150cm tall, a booster seat is a must-have for parents. It’s one small step that makes a huge difference in protecting your child from serious harm.

Before your next drive, check that they’re buckled in correctly and you’re using the right type of seat for their age and height. 

Because when it comes to road safety, “enough” isn’t just good enough. 

Another recommended safety tip that car owners should know is to always maintain the condition of your vehicle. There are good enough reasons why regular vehicle maintenance matters. Start by getting it serviced using your car Service Plan or Maintenance Plan, follow a home maintenance checklist, and never ignore your vehicle’s warnings.

For helpful tips and guides on child safety, we’ve broken down a few in our articles: Tips for protecting your children in a hijacking or how to protect children from the dangers of a hot car.