Baby car seat: How to travel alone?

Last updated (01/16/2024)

It's time to face driving alone with my baby in the car seat. Now what?

Parental leave ends, and it's time to go to appointments, vaccinations, and shopping alone with my baby in the car seat! How will I manage everything?

Here's how:

• The ISOfix system will help reduce car seat installation errors
• Place a mirror in the middle to see my baby in the car seat
• Leave my phone in my bag to avoid temptation
• I want my baby in the car seat next to me in the passenger seat: DEACTIVATE AIRBAG!
• All loose objects go into the trunk
• Above all: EYES ON THE ROAD!

 

In my child road safety workshops, I always emphasize that three things are necessary to ensure maximum safety:

1. Invest in a good car seat

2. Have the car seat installed 100% according to the instruction manual (see how to install the car seat)

3. Practice defensive driving

 

Today we will focus on defensive driving.

Defensive Driving

To give you some context, did you know that the leading cause of infant mortality in developed countries is accidents, and that those occurring in motorized vehicles account for the largest share? (see ASNR report)

In addition, European studies indicate a 70% incorrect installation rate of car seats when installed using the seatbelt system. And it is scientifically proven that the ISOfix system is highly effective in reducing these installation errors, as it ensures the correct installation of the car seat in the car.

So, when we are alone, we can count on the ISOfix system to help us ensure that we have a correct car seat installation.

It is also worth noting that, in the car, the safest place to install the car seat is in the middle. This is when there are three seats in the back with ISOfix or three-point seatbelts. Why? Because this way I keep my baby away from side impact zones.

However, when the middle seat is not a real third seat, but only a half seat, the best option for placing the car seat is: behind the passenger seat.

Why is this the best option?

Because this way I can place my baby in the car from the sidewalk side and avoid potential accidents if I were to do it from the road side. And here arises the question: but isn't that the "death seat"? Isn't it more dangerous? Rest assured.

Statistically, there is no significant difference between accidents a vehicle suffers on the right or left side.

And so the day finally arrives. I have my baby in the safest spot and... I can't concentrate on the road!

• The baby is completely silent ⇒ I start to wonder if they're breathing and alive.
• If they cry ⇒ I swerve the steering wheel to help them.
• Or if the baby cries a lot, I stop anywhere just to calm them down.

And, by doing so, I end up putting myself, the baby, and other drivers in danger.

What to do? In these situations, I like to suggest placing the baby car seat in the passenger seat, provided that:

 

1. The seat is correctly installed with the seat belt system (see post: how to install the baby car seat)
2. Deactivate the front passenger airbag
3. Remember to deactivate the front passenger airbag
4. It's really very important to deactivate the front passenger airbag

5. DEACTIVATE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG!

I need to warn you about the catastrophic results of an accident with a baby in the passenger seat with an active airbag.

When the front passenger airbag deploys, the car seat is crushed against the seat.

Unfortunately, there are many fatal cases reported due to this installation error.

However, there are also documented accidents where the baby travels in the passenger seat and remains unharmed (provided the airbag is deactivated).

If this option is potentially dangerous, due to forgetting to deactivate the airbag, why do I suggest it? Because I know it helps us concentrate more on the road.

We, women, are biologically made to respond to our baby's cry. And a baby crying profusely in the car is enough to distract us from the road.

Thus, with the baby installed in the car seat next to us, we can feel and calm them. By calming the baby, we also become calmer. By being calmer, we are more available to pay attention to driving. Therefore, we are more available for defensive driving.

But if you are super distracted, forget this option! Place the baby car seat in the safest spot in the back! To see your baby in the car seat, there are XL mirrors – some with lights – that are placed in the middle and allow you to see the baby.

Now, don't stare at the mirror the whole time! It's just for a quick glance to check on the car seat and… Eyes on the road!

(Reminder: When you have an adult passenger in the front, you need to reactivate the airbag.)

 

Another very important thing: Remove all potential distractions! Leave your cell phone in your bag and the bag closed. This is not the time to respond to messages or that super urgent work email. There's time to reply when you safely stop the car.

I also know that our cars tend to be a mess of clutter, but beware: Loose objects are super dangerous in case of an accident. A 300-gram teddy bear can have its mass increased 56 times at a speed of 60Km/h. (see MAPFRE)

Remember: Defensive driving is fundamental to ensuring maximum safety for everyone!

If you wish, you can watch the video on my YouTube channel The Bona’s Daughter: