The warning was made by researchers this week, upon the presentation of a study into abdominal injuries sustained by children in road accidents.
The doctors behind the study have said that ensuring that travel equipment is suited to their children's specific size and age can protect them from serious abdominal injuries during car accidents.
As part of the study, the experts looked at the data of 161 children taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Western Australia following car accidents between the years 1998 and 2010.
The study showed that about one-in-four of the children suffered abdominal injuries because of the restraints put on them at the start of the journey.
It was also discovered that, while none of the children died in the accidents, over 25% required surgical treatment.
This new research also suggests that the introduction of mandatory seat belts has still resulted in serious injuries.
Significantly, the study also found that about half of the children aged three to eight years had the wrong restraints for their age and size at the time of the accidents.
Commenting on the findings, study leader Bernadette Lee said: “The correct use of age-appropriate seat restrains can significantly reduce the risk of intra-abdominal seat belt injury, and this should be emphasised to the public via parent education.”
Check out this link for more information on car seat safety.
