The following information is straight from the new Government guidance:
Using a child car seat or booster seat
The law states that Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.
Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.
You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight.
Under new regulations, manufacturers aren’t allowed to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg. This is because a backless car seat offers much less protection in the event of a collision and are not as safe for your child.
The rules, being brought in across Europe, will change how backless booster seats (booster cushions) are made.
The change doesn’t affect existing models of seats or cushions and doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or illegal. However, please consider the reasoning behind the new legislation and that your child is not as protected in the event of a collision if they are sitting on a backless booster.
Height-based seats
Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old.
You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child.
Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘R129’.
Weight-based seats
The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.
You may be able to choose from more than one type of seat in the group for your child’s weight.
| Child’s weight | Group | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 0kg to 9kg | 0 | Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 0kg to 13kg | 0+ | Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 9kg to 18kg | 1 | Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield |
| 15kg to 36kg | 2 and 3 | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘ECE R44’.
Fitting a child car seat
You must only use a child car seat if your car’s seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:
- specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt
- fitted using ISOFIX anchor points
You must also:
-
deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat
- NEVER fit a child car seat in side-facing seats
The Child Car Seats website has information on how to choose a seat and travel safely with children in cars.
Children with disabilities or medical conditions
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.
To avoid confusion, make sure you buy your booster seats from a reputable dealer who will help make sure you get the right seat for your child’s height and weight.
It is also strongly advised that you avoid buying a second hand car seat, as you do not know the history and if it has been involved in an accident.
For any further information on how to help following a road traffic accident and other first aid matters, please visit www.firstaidforllife.org.uk or onlinefirstaid.com
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