Safety tips shared

Mackenzie Annett, 1, is one of the hundreds of kids Rotorua Plunket help out each year. Photo / Andrew Warner

As any parent knows, carseats can be a confusing topic. And then there's installing them.

But that's where Andi Annett comes in. The Rotorua Plunket carseat co-ordinator helps local families figure out the often complex job of making sure their wee ones are safely in carseats.

It's a role which helps hundreds of local families each year, and one which is made possible partly through the generosity of local people who donate to Plunket.

Volunteers on the streets today to raise funds for Plunket with the money they raise locally staying locally.

It will go towards services offered by Plunket, such as the free carseat checks, parenting education programmes and playgroups.

Mrs Annett said the drop-in carseat check clinic she ran on Wednesdays and Fridays was always busy with parents wanting to check they had the right seat for their child, that it was installed properly and that the straps were fitted right.

Many parents just wanted reassurance the harness was in the right place or tight enough, she said.

Common mistakes included moving babies up into a bigger seat too early, and not following the height and weight guidance.

Rotorua Plunket community funding co-ordinator Angie Brierley hoped collectors would get a good response today.

She said while the work Plunket nurses did through Well Child checks received Government funding, much of the other work relied on fundraising.

She said there was something on almost every day, ranging from walking groups to playgroups and new breastfeeding support mornings.

You can donate here.