The legislation around protecting children whilst they travel by car changed nearly three years ago. But for drivers who aren't parents – and even for some who are – the rules may seem a little confusing. Are you certain you understand the appropriate form of car seat to use when you have an infant in your car?
The current law on child car seats came into effect in 2006, and requires all children travelling in cars to use a child seat until they reach either 135cms in height or their twelfth birthday. As a driver, you are responsible for child passengers under 14-years-old and if caught breaking the law could be fined up to £500. You may also be subject to civil proceedings if found to have failed to protect someone else's child and although your uk car insurance would probably cover you for any damages you were required to pay by a third party, it would not make up for the emotional stress that such an event might cause. So swot up and find out what child seat you should have in your car.
Types of child car seat
There are three types of car child seat available in the UK, each suitable for children in certain height and weight groups. These brackets roughly relate to age groups, however, you should always check the height and weight of your child before deciding which seat to buy.
Rearward-facing Baby Seats
Suitable for children from birth to 15 months (10 to 13kgs), baby seats offer better protection for the baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing arrangements. These seats can be used in the front or rear of the vehicle. However, it is generally safer for children to be strapped into the back seat of the car, especially if the front passenger seat has an airbag.
Group 1 Child Seats
Suitable for children from nine months to four years (9-18kg), these child car seats use an integral harness to help reduce the risk of injury if there is a crash. They also feature a bottom attachment between the legs to prevent the child sliding out of the seat.
Booster seats and cushions
Booster seats and booster cushions are suitable for six to 11-year-olds (15 - 36 kilograms). However, some will only be suitable for 'Group 2' children, four to six-year-olds or weighing 15 - 25 kilograms, and others for 'Group 3' children, six to 11year-olds or weighing 22 - 36 kilograms.
Some booster seats can be converted into booster cushions as children grow older by detaching the back rest. You should always check the manufacturers' advice about when and how to do this.
Booster seats don't have an internal harness so it's important that the adult seat belt goes around the child and the seat correctly. The belt should be worn as tight as possible; the lap belt should lie across the pelvic region, not the stomach, and the diagonal strap over the shoulder, not the neck.
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