Loading...- In the UK Children must use a child seat or booster seat in either the front or rear passenger seat until they are aged 12 or 135cm tall – whichever is first. Infants under 15 months must be in a backwards facing seat. In emergency situations children over 3 may do short, low speed journeys without a child seat but with the seat belt.
- In the United States and Canada there are different laws in each state or province. Check yours here.
- While a child seat or booster seat is required it must meet approved safety standards. Look for the circle with an E in it and there should also be a code for example : ECE R44-04 or ECE R44-03 if the last two digits are either 01 or 02 they are no longer legal. For a full details go to UK.GOV website.
- Buying a good car seat is important – don’t buy second hand and only buy from a reputable supplier.
- Your vehicle may have airbags that need deactivating – especially in the front. Always read the vehicle’s technical manual.
- Your vehicle may have ISOFIX points – if it does buy a suitable seat. ISOFIX don’t require you to use the vehicle’s seat belts to fix the seat.
- After a few years the cushioning may become uncomfortable – check it or ask your child that it’s OK every-so-often.
- When the child is old enough or tall enough not to require a booster seat they must wear the seatbelt while the car is being driven.
- Some child seats have an expiration date. It’s wise to check this before you purchase the seat.
- If you are involved in an accident then the seat should be replaced – even if there is no visible damage to the seat. Be sure to include the seat in your insurance claim.
