Children’s Car Seats

Since 2016 there have been various laws reinforcing the use of car seats to protect children. The first law introduced required all children under the age of 12 or below the height of 135cm to use a safety child car seat, it is important to remember that drivers can be fined for using incorrect restraints. From December 2016 the rules for child car seats could be changed again, take a look below for information on the current rules and the changes.

December 2016 Changes

The new regulations will come in to effect in December 2016, however will only apply to any new products on the market.

• The regulation will require children to use a child booster seat until they are 12 years of age or 135cm in height.
• Backless booster seats should not be used by children under 125 cm and weigh less than 22kg.

Current Legislation:

• The regulation will require children to use a child booster seat until they are 12 years of age or 135cm in height.
• For babies weighing 0kg to 9kg a lie-flat baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat should be used.
• For babies weighing 0kg to 13kg a rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat should be used.
• For all children weighing 9kg to 18kg a Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield should be used.
• For all children aged 15kg to 36kg a rear- or forward-facing child seat using a seat belt, harness or safety shield should be used.

For more information on current child car seat legislation don’t forget to visit the government website.

Choosing the right car seat

Choosing the right car seat can be almost as tricky as fitting it correctly! Take a look below for some tips on choosing the right child seat:

• Ensure the seat is suitable for your child’s height and weight.
• Ensure the booster seat conforms to the United Nations Standard by looking for the ‘E’ mark on the seat.
• Make sure the seat is suitable for both your child and car, some retailers will let to try before your buy.
• Purchase from a retailer who has staff who are trained on both selecting and fitting the right child seat.
• Do not buy a second hand child seat as you do not know its history, if it has been involved in an accident or if it is designed to current standards.

Have any great tips on choosing the best child car seat? Don’t forget to tweet them to @QuestorIns

Hiring a car for your family travels? Protect yourself from costly excess fees with a Questor Insurance car hire excess protection insurance. Click here to find out more information or contact us on 0333 323 0090

https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/using-a-child-car-seat-or-booster-seat
http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/choosing-using/
http://www.which.co.uk/news/2016/04/new-booster-seats-ban-439787/

Date Created: 05/07/2016