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  • Page Updated:
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Child Car Seats

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Child Car Seat Advice

General Guidance

Introduction

Children are still killed in car accidents because they are not properly restrained. You can best protect your children by putting them in a properly fitted child car seat which is appropriate for their weight and size.

This web page is a guide to help make sure that your child is properly protected every journey.

The law has changed: www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

Choosing a Child Car Seat 

It is important to ask yourself the following questions when choosing a child car seat:

  • Are you sure that your seat is right for your child's age, height and weight? There are a variety of car seats on the market, ranging from Infant Carriers to Booster Cushions. Each of these is aimed at a different age group, so it is highly important that you use the right car seat for your child's age and weight. See the table below for a general guideline, or alternatively, the label should help you.
  • Has anyone checked that the child seat suits the particular make and model of you car?It's easy to make a mistake fitting a child's car seat, as some seats and cars don't match. A wobbly seat, a loose seat belt, a slack harness, a belt going the wrong way or a small defect in the seat are all common faults which could put  your child at risk. Try it for fit in the car(s) you will use it in.
  • Does the child seat carry the official approval mark?Look for the official approval mark (usually the United Nations 'E' mark). The current UN standard is Regulation 44.03. Beware of second hand seats. They could have been damaged and may not meet modern standards. The fitting instructions may also be missing.

The following table is a guide to help you choose the correct type of Child Car Seat for your child's age and weight:

Up to 13kgs (birth to 9 to 12 months)

A rearward-facing seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car. DO NOT use on a passenger seat fitted with an active front airbag.

9 to 18kgs (9 months to 4 years)

A forward-facing seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car. These sometimes have a choice of upright and reclined positions. DO NOT use on a passenger seat fitted with an active front airbag unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.

15 to 25kgs (4 to 6 years)

A forward-facing seat or booster which can be used in the front or rear of the car. The booster seat lifts the child and positions the adult lap and diagonal seatbelt correctly. DO NOT use on a passenger seat fitted with an active front airbag unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.

22 to 36kgs (6 to 11 years)

A forward-facing seat or booster which can be used in the front or rear of the car. The booster seat lifts the child and positions the adult lap and diagonal seatbelt correctly. DO NOT use on a passenger seat fitted with an active front airbag unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.



   

Fitting a Child Car Seat

  • The child seat must be tight in the adult seat. Push all your weight into the child seat as you tighten the belt.
  • Read the fitting instructions carefully, and keep them in the car.
  • Make sure the adult seatbelt passes through all the correct guides.
  • Never modify the seat or adult seatbelt to make it fit.
  • The adult seatbelt buckle should not be bent over or rest on the child seat frame.
  • If you have any doubts, ask a professional to show you how to fit the seat.

       

Seating Your Child 

  • Make sure the harness is correctly adjusted - only one or two fingers should fit between the child's chest and harness.
  • If you are using a booster seat or cushion, the adult seatbelt should rest on the child's shoulder (not neck) and from hip bone to hip bone.
  • Never tuck the seatbelt under the child's arm or behind their back.
  • Take time to get the child comfortably strapped in.

       

Airbags

  • Never fit a rear-facing child restraint in a seat with an active airbag in front of it.
  • Forward-facing restraints should be as far back from the airbag as possible. Check the car handbook.

      

The Law Regarding Child Car Seats 

  • All children under the age of 14 years must be belted into the right type of child restraint if there's one in the car or a seat belt.
  • No child under the age of 3 years can be carried in the front of the car unless they're in the right child restraint for their age.

     

    Front Seat

    Rear Seat

    Responsibility

    Driver

    Seatbelt must be used if fitted

     

    Driver

    Child under 3 years of age

    Appropriate child restraint must be used.

    Appropriate child restraint must be used if available.

    Driver

    Child aged 3 to 11 and under 1.5m (approx. 5ft) or more in height

    Appropriate child restraint must be used if available. If not an adult seatbelt must be used.

    Appropriate child restraint must be used if available. If not an adult seatbelt must be used.

    Driver

    Child aged 12 or 13 or younger child 1.5m (approx. 5ft) or more in height.

    Adult seatbelt must be used if available.

    Adult seatbelt must be used if available.

    Driver

    Adult passenger (from 14 years)

    Seatbelt must be used if available.

    Seatbelt must be used if available.

    Passenger





    More Information

    For more information you may want to visit http://www.childcarseats.org.uk or websites of car seat manufacturers.