CHOOSING THE CORRECT CAR SEAT FOR YOUR CHILD

 

A car seat must be suitable for a child’s weight and age.

Children aged 15 months or younger

All children and babies aged 15 months or under must travel in a rear-facing (or ‘i-size’) car seat. Which car seat your child uses will depend on how tall they are.

 

Children over 15 months

Children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

 

Use a car seat that is right for your child’s weight

 

Only EU-approved child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle.

Fitting a child car seat

You must;

• Only use a child car seat with a seat belt that has a diagonal strap – unless it’s specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt
• Deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in the front seat
• Do not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats
• The same rules apply for children with disabilities or medical conditions, but they can use a disabled person’s seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs.
• A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.
• Don’t rush into making your car seat purchase. Take your child and your car with you when you’re buying a new one so you can get reliable advice from the retailer.

Remember

• It is safer to keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible
• Never leave your child alone inside a vehicle even when the engine is turned off
• Ensure your child is in a safe place before moving your vehicle
• Young children need to be supervised by an adult at all times when near roads
• Don’t leave your baby in a car seat on a raised surface

 

For more information on child car seats visit RoSPA or click here