1. At what age does a child not need a car seat? – ECE R 44 regulations state that car seats for children are recommended up to 12 years of age or 36kg.
2. When can a child sit in the front seat of a car? – It is always considered safer for children to be in the rear of the car and if under 1.5 metres, to be seated on a booster seat. However, other than common sense, there is no law that says a child can not sit in the front seat if using a seat belt.
3. Which car seat is the safest? – Given the current regulations, if you buy new, all seats have to conform to certain standards. Look for seats that are recommended by independent sources such as the Which magazine.
4. Where can I get my child car seat checked? – If you are asking this question you obviously have your doubts or something bad as happened. If the car has been involved in any serious collision get a new one as it is very likely to have been compromised in some way.
5. How do I install a car seat? – You need to refer to the manufacturers instructions carefully. If you buy in the High Street, get a trained member of staff to fit and advise you.
6. When can my child face forward in a car seat? – You need to keep them rear facing for as long as possible to protect their necks. The ECE regulations suggests this is until the baby weighs 13kg or until the baby’s head is above the seat structure. However, in the US, it is suggested that it is until the had is within an inch of the top of the seat structure or until the child reaches the weight limit for the car seat. Please watch the video at the bottom of this post to see why.
7. What is the best infant car seat on the market? – See question 3 although we are very likely to say one of the Britax Duo Plus Isofix range!
8. When can you switch from a car seat to a booster seat? – Booster seats are in Groups 2 and 3. Your child can use a Group 2 booster between 3 and 7 years and between 15 and 25kg. Group 3 boosters are for older children from 6 to 12 years and 22 to 36kg.
9. How much does a child have to weigh to not be in a car seat? – It is mandatory to use child car seats within the EU until the child reaches 1.35 or 1.5 metres in height depending on the individual country.
10. What car seat fits what car? – Ask your car manufacturer but generally, all seats with ISOFIX fixings will fit cars manfacturer since 2006 when the ISOFIX fixings all had to be the same.
Please note the above responses are as a result of personal research. If in any doubt about your babies car seat, do you own research and ask the manufacturer.
