Should we rush to buy child car seats?

In recent days, many people have rushed to buy car seats for children. However, people need to understand the law and avoid buying according to trends.

Child car seats are sold at many children's stores with many attractive designs.

"Hot" child seats

As soon as information about the requirement to ensure safety for children in cars was widely disseminated, many families in Hai Phong immediately went to shops on social networks or to stores to buy child seats. Ms. Dong Thi Yen, in Tu Minh ward, worried: "My family has 2 children under 10 years old, so we need to buy 2 seats before the law takes effect. I ordered the seats a few days ago but they have not arrived yet."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quy, in Bach Dang ward, was excited when she bought a car seat for her child. Ms. Quy said: "I think this regulation is quite suitable, children will be safer when sitting in the car. I also bought a car seat for my child and he is quite happy and comfortable when using it."

In reality, many families are in the mindset of "having a seat is more secure", even buying 2-3 seats at once to transfer between different vehicles.

A representative of a store in Kinh Mon Ward said that the demand for child safety seats for cars has increased recently. Most customers come to consult the models and prices, the mid-range segment (about 2 million VND/seat) is also the most popular.

However, some parents reported that they bought the chair but after a few uses, they found it inconvenient because the child did not fit in the chair, the chair was difficult to fix in a 5-seater car, the child felt uncomfortable when sitting, and not all babies cooperated and sat in the chair when traveling by car.

Child seats come in many beautiful designs. Parents should choose a seat or harness that fits their child while still ensuring safety.

There are many options

According to Article 10 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, from January 1, 2026, adults are not allowed to let children under 10 years old and under 1.35 m tall sit in the same row of seats as the driver (except in cases where the vehicle has only one row of seats). Drivers of cars with less than 9 seats must use or instruct them on the use of appropriate safety equipment for children.

Clause 3, Article 6 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP stipulates a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1 million for drivers who carry children under 10 years old and under 1.35 m tall in a car sitting in the same row as the driver (except for cars with only one row of seats) or do not use appropriate safety equipment for children as prescribed.

Many people think that the regulation clearly states “appropriate safety equipment for children” and does not mention child seats. Appropriate safety equipment includes wearing a seat belt when sitting in a car. According to Ms. Luong Thi Ha, in Le Thanh Nghi ward, safety seats or safe cradles and other types of equipment used for children sitting in cars need more detailed instructions to avoid speculation, creating stress and wasting money on inappropriate items.

Senior Lieutenant Bui Thanh Tung, an officer of the Road Traffic Police Team No. 5, Traffic Police Department (City Police) said that according to the instructions of the authorities, to ensure children sit safely in cars, it can be done by many different measures: wearing seat belts, using age-appropriate seats, adjusting the sitting position, having an adult accompany them... Using a seat is a good solution, but not the only solution. According to Senior Lieutenant Tung, the most important thing is still awareness and safe driving skills when participating in traffic. First of all, children must be properly fastened seat belts, do not let children sit alone in the car. Adults must observe and check the safety of the car after each trip.

According to the Traffic Police Department ( Ministry of Public Security ), people can use child belts, child seats or child cushions in cars that are suitable for the child's condition, the family's condition and the conditions of use in the car. These devices have the same meaning as safety devices to prevent accidents when they occur.

The rush to buy child car seats shows a very positive need of parents to ensure the safety of their children. However, this legitimate need must be met with accurate information to avoid waste and confusion.

Authorities need to clearly publicize regulations and instruct parents on how to safely secure children in cars, recommend groups of children who should use car seats, and recommend cases where it is not required.
MINH NGUYEN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/co-nen-do-xo-mua-ghe-tre-em-tren-o-to-527625.html