Why are Extended Rear Facing Car Seats Important?

Buckle Up, Parents! Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats Are Taking the Wheel for Child Safety but what are the benefits?

Parents across the UK are turning the tables on traditional car seat positioning, with a staggering 3,883% surge in searches for “extended rear-facing (ERF)” car seats in the past quarter. This data, fuelled by a 658% increase in the past month alone, reveals a rising tide of safety awareness and a shift towards protecting little ones on the road.

All parents want to ensure their children are in the correct car seat, but more and more parents are actively researching the benefits of ERF seats for their precious cargo.

Why the Switch? Safety Takes the Driver’s Seat

Experts like Fiona Suffield, Country Manager at Avionaut, applaud this trend. “While extended rear-facing isn’t new, it’s fantastic to see UK parents embracing this practice for their children’s safety. Sweden has been leading the way since 1965, often keeping their children rear-facing until 6 years old. Introduced in 2013, the European regulation ECE R129 requires rear-facing travel for babies until 15 months, marking a positive change. However, based on safety data, people are increasingly advocating for even longer rear-facing periods.” 

The reason is simple: safety. In a head-on collision, forward-facing seats put immense strain on a child’s developing neck and spine. ERF seats, however, cradle the head, neck, and back, reducing the risk of head and neck injuries by up to 5 times compared to forward-facing options.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Simon Bellamy, Managing Director of In Car Safety Centre, confirms the stark difference: “The most dangerous car accidents are frontal collisions. When a child is forward-facing and a frontal collision occurs the child is flung forward in the seat, being caught by the harness. This puts stress on the neck, the spine, and the internal organs.”

Beyond Safety: Benefits for Growth and Development

Why are Extended Rear Facing seats important? ERF car seats aren’t just about immediate safety. They’re designed to be used longer, accommodating children beyond the traditional forward-facing transition point. This ensures proper alignment of the pelvis, torso, and head, contributing to healthy development during their early years.

Cost-Effectiveness: A Smart Investment

Investing in an ERF seat proves to be cost-effective in the long run. Their extended lifespan eliminates the need for frequent replacements, making them a budget-conscious choice for growing families.

The Road Ahead: Embracing a Culture of Safety

The Google search data paints a clear picture: parents are prioritising child safety and seeking out ERF options. This trend is expected to continue, paving the way for a generation of children who travel safer and experience healthier development.

Join the Movement for ERF

Are you ready to put safety in the driver’s seat? Share this article with other parents and explore the growing range of ERF car seats available. Together, we can create a culture of safety on the road, one little passenger at a time.