Parents with small children in the car are used to a degree of distraction and, by and large, can cope.  But a comfortable child is more likely to enjoy the trip and far less likely to disrupt it.  It will be less distracting for the driver and safer for all concerned.

So; before setting off, here are a few tips for a more comfortable journey;

• Check that the child's shoulder belt is across the middle of the chest and shoulder - not the neck or throat.

• Then, each time the child is strapped in, check again that the seat belt securing the seat is still fastened and hasn't been accidentally tampered with.

• Never tuck the shoulder belt under the children's arm or behind their back

• Where you have a lap belt fitted, it should be low and snug across the thighs, not the stomach.

• Also try to ensure that your child is able to sit against the seat back with the legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down; they should be able to stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip.

• Small babies should be placed in an appropriately sized baby seat beginning with the first ride home from the hospital. Due to the risk of serious injuries, or even death, it is essential that the rear facing car safety seat is never used in the front seat of a car that has a passenger airbag. Generally the safest place for a child to be is in the back seat.

• Children should never be left alone in a car, whether they are in their car safety seats or not. In summer, temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes and children have died of heat stroke while locked in the car.

• Child locks on the rear doors are a good idea when the children are young and provide you with additional reassurance.