The Britx website says this
"FAQ
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions on the subject to child car seats together with our corresponding answers.
The following principle applies:
The person to talk to about BRITAX products is your local retailer, where you can obtain extensive and competent advice.
We are available for your further questions, suggestions and information.
[email protected]
Q: Can I buy direct from BRITAX?
No, all BRITAX products are exclusively sold via the trade.
Q: What is the price of the BRITAX products from the trade?
Our dealers are free in their pricing method, we only recommend prices. We therefore ask for your understanding when we pass you on to our dealers for price information.
Q: What do I have to observe when I buy a child seat?
Please read our recommendations carefully in the section Safety Center.
Q: What do I have to observe regarding child seat and airbag?
Principally all warnings on the child seat and in the car and all instructions in the user guide for the child seat and in the car manual have to be observed.
Q: Can I use the infant carrier on a passenger seat equipped with an airbag?
Group 0+ infant carriers must be used rearward facing. These rearward facing systems must not be used on the front passenger seat in connection with an airbag. Please follow the explanations of the user instructions for your child seat and also for your car manual.
Q: May I use a child seat on the car passenger seat?
BRITAX group 1 and group 2+3 child seats are designed to be used on the front passenger seat, but we recommend that the passenger seat is slid back as far as possible if the passenger seat is equipped with an airbag. Please follow the instructions in the user guide for your child seat and also the car manufacturer?s manual. Generally children should be placed on the rear passenger seat where there is less risk of injury.
Q: My child opens the buckle, even during the journey. What can I do?
In this case the consumer journal "Stiftung Warentest" (issue 9/97) recommends to stop the car as soon as possible, to do up the buckle again and to teach him or her about the dangers before the trip is continued. If need be, this ?educational measure? may have to be repeated several times. In any case avoid praising the child for opening the buckle and discourage the demonstration of his or her skills to others. Please remember that in the case of an emergency a rescuer will have to release the child quickly from the child seat. A buckle which is difficult to open or which cannot be opened at all may prevent this. Independent Consumer Test Organisation (Government foundation)
Q: My child frees itself from the harness, although this is fairly tight. What can I do?
A harness which is too tight creates the desire for your child to free itself from the harness. This is why the harness should lie close to the child?s body, but without any pressure (a flat hand may fit between harness and the baby?s chest). Your child must learn that it is not allowed to take the harness off."
So maybe tightening the seatbelt too much has the opposite desired affect?
I must say, mine did this a few times, but they got such a telling off. I also did the stopping and refusing to drive, but this is not so practical on a motorway, though I wouldn't rule it out. Having older siblings is also useful.
Now, does anyone know if I need to buy a new group 1 car seat for dd who is fast approaching needing it. I still have her brother's one, though it could well be about 7 or 8 years old, though still in excellent condition....