Child car seats, otherwise known as Child Restraint Systems (CRS), are specifically designed to support and protect children when travelling in motor vehicles.
If you drive, and are in the care of children, it is one of the most important purchases you will make.
So why are child car seats so important?
Road traffic collisions remain one of the leading causes of child injuries and fatalities.
When can a child legally ride without a car seat?
12 years of age or 135cm tall.
Whichever comes first.
R44 vs R129
The UK has two car seat regulations, it is important to understand the differences between them.
Look for the approval sticker on your car seat.
This will inform you of it’s regulation, as well as height and weight limits.
R44 Car Seats
Classified by weight and age.
Can legally forward face at 9kg.
Set weight groups at 0, 0+, 1, 2, and 3.
Only R44/03 and R44/04 are currently legal.
Belt guides are red for forward facing, and blue for rear.
R129 Car Seats
Classified by height and age.
Can legally forward face at 15 months and 76cm.
No groups.
Mandatory side impact tested at 15mph.
Belt guides are green for both forward and rear facing.
Common Errors
Avoiding these mistakes prevents car seat misuse, which may compromise the seat in the event of a collision.
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Big jackets and winter coats prevent from the harness for securing the child properly.
It may seem tight enough, but the extra slack caused by the coat creates a gap.
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A harness that has not been tightened effectively risk the child being ejected from the seat in a collision.
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The handle bars on infant car seats are dual purpose, and must be angled in front of the child.
This is because it also acts as a roll bar in a collision.
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Top tethers (like support legs) are an anti-rotation device, and MUST be used if a car seat has one.
It must also be placed around the headrest of the back seat, not over the top of it.
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Ensure the child’s ears are below the upper edge of the car seat’s headrest.
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The left and right connector points will show red if not connected, and green if they are.
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ISOFix support legs are not compatible with under floor storage units.
This reduces the stability of the seat.
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The car’s seatbelt is thread under the horns, not over them.
This allows the belt to sit across the hip bones, and not the abdomen.
Car Seat FAQs
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Both ISOFix and seatbelt fitted seats are as safe as eachother, providing they have been installed correctly.
However, given ISOFix’s ease of use compared to seatbelts, they see a lower rate of misuse.
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All UK child seats must have passed either R44 or R129 testing, and have the approval sticker to show it.
Manufacturers who invest heavily in safety through rigorous research and development are likely to charge more.
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There are many reasons why getting a car seat second-hand is not advised.
The history of the seat is unknown, and you may be unaware of whether the seat has been involved in a collision, how it has been cared for and stored, or if there is any damage to the seat you can’t see.
Second-hand seats are usually handed over without instructions, increasing the likelihood of incorrect fitment.
It also may be an older model, and may not meet current safety standards, making it illegal to use.
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Frequent breaks every 30 minutes are recommended during long journeys, this allows babies to open up their lungs.
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Manufacturers commonly recommend replacement for impacts over 6 miles per hour.
You should check with your manufacturer to confirm their policies.
Damage may not always be visible, but can still compromise the seat.
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Only some child car seats have been approved for use on an aeroplane, and they must carry a TUV approval sticker.
This is because these seats have been tested to see whether they will physically fit into the aeroplane seat.