60-second summary
Just want the essentials? Here’s your quick guide to buying a child car seat:
Why children need car seats: It’s the law for children under 135cm or 12 years old to use a car seat. The right seat provides crucial protection in case of an accident and ensures comfort on long journeys.
What kind of car seat you need: Car seats are categorised by weight (R44) or height (i-Size R129). Ensure the seat is appropriate for your child’s size and meets UK safety regulations.
What to look for in a car seat: Check UK safety ratings, read independent reviews, and get expert fitting advice. Consider features like ISOFIX compatibility and adjustability as your child grows.
Car insurance cover for child seats: Some policies include car seat cover, while others require it as an optional extra. Always check if your provider covers replacement costs after an accident.
How to fit a car seat: Position seats in the safest area of the car, secure belts properly, and check installation indicators for ISOFIX models. Incorrect fitting can compromise safety.
Why do children need car seats?
There are number of very good reasons:
It’s the law
By UK law, all children must be in an appropriately sized car seat until they’re 135cm tall or 12 years old, whichever comes first. After this, they must wear a seat belt.
Failure to secure your child in the right car seat could result in an on-the-spot fine of £60 which, if you’re taken to court, could rise to as much as £500.
For safety
Using a child car seat that’s suitable for your child’s size and weight can offer a high level of protection, especially in a head-on collision.
The sturdy frames are made with impact-absorbing foams, while the back and head restraints provide essential side impact protection for the head and neck.
While adult seat belts are designed to protect adults, they’re not suitable for children – and could even cause little ones serious injuries.
If a child uses an adult seat belt before they’re tall enough, the lap part of the belt will sit too high on their stomach. This could cause internal injuries in the event of a collision. There’s also the risk of your child slipping out from under the seat belt.
For comfort
Size and weight aren’t just safety considerations – the correct seat will also ensure your child is comfortable while travelling. Baby will be far happier to fall asleep in a well-padded seat made with soft, breathable fabric.
Forward-facing child car seats and booster seats will also give your child extra height. Being able to look out of the window can help stave off boredom and makes for a more enjoyable journey for everyone.
What car seat do I need?
The type of car seat you need depends on your child's age, weight, and height. Whether you're looking to buy a car seat for a newborn or a booster seat for an older child, understanding the categories by weight and height is crucial. Let’s explore the options to find the perfect fit for your little one.
Car seat guide by weight
The UK’s R44 regulation child car seats are divided into group categories, depending on weight and approximate age.
Group | Child's weight | Approximate age | Car seat type |
|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0kg to 10kg | Birth up to 6 to 9 months | Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
0+ | 0kg to 13kg | Birth up to 12 to 15 months | Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
1 | 9kg to 18kg | 9 months to 4 years | Rear or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield |
2 | 15kg to 25kg | 4 to 6 years | Rear or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or boost cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
3 | 22kg to 36kg | 6 to 12 years | Rear or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat ) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield. Backless booster seats are only allowed for children over 22kg and 125cm in height. |
Car seat guide by height
Child car seats known as ‘i-Size’ seats conform to EU safety legislation R129. i-Size seats are based on the child’s height and come in three different sizes:
0-85cm – rear-facing baby carrier or baby seat using a harness.
0-105cm – rear-facing baby seat until your child is at least 15-months old, then forward-facing.
100-135cm – forward-facing child seat.
How to choose the right car seat
Buying a car seat for your child isn’t a decision to make in a hurry. Take time to do the research and thoroughly compare options, so that you can make an informed decision.
Here are some key steps to guide your decision-making:
Look for the UK car seat safety rating
Make sure the child seat you choose has either an orange ECE R44/04 label, or the i-Size R129 label. These ensure the seat complies with the current child safety standards.
Take a look at NCAP’s safety review of the car seat model you’re considering. NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) is an independent and unbiased body that rigorously tests all car seats in different accident scenarios.
Look at trusted recommendations
Look at manufacturers’ websites: Well-known car seat makes include Graco, Maxi-Cosi and Britax. Check out the product reviews for verified customer opinions.
Visit parenting forums: Get recommendations from parents who’ve used the car seats you’re considering.
Read product reviews in parenting magazines and professional review sites: Most will have lists of their top five car seats to help narrow down your choice.
Check out RoSPA’s (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Child Car Seats website: Get detailed safety advice on buying the right car seat to suit your needs.
Get expert advice
Try to find a retailer that has trained staff who can offer expert car seat fitting advice. For example, Halfords offers a free car seat fit and demonstration service.
Some local councils run schemes for local retailers to get training and accreditation for fitting car seats correctly, while others operate a free safety check service – so it may be worth looking at your local council website before you buy.
Consider ease of use
Consider how large and heavy the car seat is. If you’re going to be constantly moving it from one car to another, a more lightweight model could be a priority.
Modular pushchair/pram/car seat travel systems are extremely popular and useful, as you can just lift out the baby seat and place it straight onto the buggy or pram frame. But although practical, combos are more expensive, so you’ll want to make sure the car seat has all the features you need.
Where to buy car seats
When it comes to buying car seats, here are some things you should think about:
Buy in-store vs. online: Buying online can offer convenience and potentially better deals, but purchasing in-store allows you to see the car seat in person and get expert advice on fitting. Many retailers offer fitting services to ensure the seat is installed correctly.
Buy car seat new vs. second-hand: While buying a second-hand car seat might seem like a cheap option, it’s generally not recommended. You can’t be sure of the seat's history, and it may not meet current safety standards. A brand-new car seat ensures you have the latest safety features and no hidden damage.
Checklist for buying a car seat
When purchasing a car seat, consider the following key points:
Safety standards: Does it meet UK safety standards (ECE R44/04 or i-Size R129)?
Compatibility: Is it compatible with your vehicle? Especially important for ISOFIX.
Size and weight: Does it suit your child’s current size and weight?
Future-proof adjustability: Can it be adjusted as your child grows?
Comfort: Does it have good padding and breathable fabrics for your child’s comfort?
Additional features: Does it have any additional features you might need, such as travel system compatibility or impact shield technology?
Budget: Is it within your price range? Consider both upfront cost and potential longevity.
How to fit a car seat
The following tips can help ensure your child seat is safe and secure:
The safest place to position the child seat is the centre rear – this is likely to be furthest away from any potential impact.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before fitting the seat and keep them in a safe place in case you need them again. These are also often available online.
For a car seat fitted with the car’s seat belt, make sure the car seat belt passes through the correct points on the child’s seat.
Secure the seat as tightly as possible by pushing your weight into the child seat as you tighten the seat belt – it shouldn’t move forwards or sideways.
Some seats have a lever or button to tighten the seat belt once it has been threaded through the child seat.
For ISOFIX car seats and i-Size seats – make sure the connectors are clicked into the ISOFIX slots correctly and tethering straps are only connected to the dedicated tethering points. Some vehicles have a visible indicator that turns from red to green to show the seat is attached correctly.
Your child should be strapped in snugly, with one finger’s width between the harness and your child’s chest.
Remember:
Make sure you deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat. While a rapidly inflating airbag is designed to cushion and protect an adult body on impact after a collision, the considerable force could seriously injure a baby or small child.
For more information on child car seat safety, visit The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Child Car Seats website.
What is ISOFIX?
ISOFIX is a car seat safety system that uses fixed anchor points in the car to secure the child seat, rather than relying on the car's seatbelt.
This system is designed to make installing car seats easier and to reduce the risk of incorrect installation.
ISOFIX seats are generally considered safer because they provide a more rigid connection to the vehicle, reducing movement in the event of a collision. Unlike traditional car seat belt systems, ISOFIX seats are less likely to be installed incorrectly, which is reassuring for parents.
Should I choose an ISOFIX or car seat belt system?
The ISOFIX system is compatible with i-Size seats, which are based on the child’s height rather than their weight. All new cars from November 2014 onwards already have ISOFIX anchor points fitted as standard.
Both ISOFIX and car seat belt systems have their pros and cons.
ISOFIX pros and cons
ISOFIX pros | ISOFIX cons |
|---|---|
Potentially safer as it has a more secure connection to the car ISOFIX booster seats stop your child from slipping off the seat Can be quicker and easier to put your baby seat in the car if it’s fitted with a base It’s hard to fit an ISOFIX seat incorrectly | Are only compatible with cars fitted with ISOFIX anchor points Can be more expensive Can be larger and heavier, making it less convenient to swap between vehicles |
Car seat belt system pros and cons
Seat belt pros | Seat belt cons |
|---|---|
Can be fitted in any car A more flexible option if you want to use the seat in other vehicles Can be cheaper than ISOFIX | More chance of getting it wrong when using a seat belt to secure the seat – it might become twisted or unclicked It needs a bit more effort to ensure the seat is attached firmly enough Fitting correctly can be confusing and can differ depending on the model |
Should I buy a second-hand child car seat?
It may be tempting to buy a second-hand car seat from a site like eBay, especially if you want a more expensive, fashionable model. But it’s highly recommended that you don't
You don’t know if anything’s happened to the car seat. It may have been involved in an accident or might have hidden flaws that you only discover later.
If you’re using a hand-me-down from an older sibling or friends, make sure the seat is still in working order and you have the original instructions. Car seats have expiration dates, usually between 6-10 years, depending on the manufacturer. Older seats may not meet current safety standards, even if they appear undamaged.
The sensible advice, for peace of mind, is to buy a brand-new car seat. If you’re finding it difficult to find an affordable car seat, ask your local council road safety department if they know of any child seat discount schemes.
Do I need to replace my child car seat after an accident?
According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), it’s always advisable to get replacement car seats after a collision, even if there’s no visible sign of damage. The structure may have been weakened and might not provide the same amount of protection as before.
It might not be necessary to get a car seat replacement if there was very low impact and there’s little or no damage to the car itself, or there was no child in the seat when the incident occurred.
But if in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry and replace the car seat altogether. RoSPA believes that having to get a car seat replacement should be considered a legitimate cost by insurance providers.
If your insurance provider is reluctant to pay the costs to replace the seat, this letter from RoSPA could help.
Key safety facts for child car seats
Don’t just assume because your child has reached 12 years of age that they no longer need a booster seat. The law states that they must be over 135cm regardless of their age.
Riding with a child on your lap is never safe nor legal.
Never allow two children to share a seatbelt.
Be aware that in some European countries, the minimum height for not requiring a booster seat is 150cm, not 135cm. If you’ll be driving in Europe, check the law of that country before you go.
Always seek expert advice if you're unsure about fitting or moving a car seat between cars yourself.
Car insurance with child car seat cover
Car insurance policies can vary, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare to make sure you get the level of cover you need. If you’re looking for car seat insurance, always check the policy details so you know what’s included before you buy. Some insurance providers cover child car seats as standard, while others don’t. There are also policies that include extras like pushchairs and prams.
Whether you’re looking for third-party, fire and theft or comprehensive insurance, comparing with us is a quick and easy way to find the right cover for your needs.
FAQs
Can I take my child in a car without a car seat?
In the UK, it’s illegal to take a child in a car without a car seat unless there are exceptional circumstances. This could include an emergency or if the car seat is unavailable in a taxi or minicab.
However, the safety of the child should always be the top priority. It’s strongly advised to always use a car seat that is appropriate for the child's age, weight and height to ensure maximum protection.
What is impact shield technology?
Impact shield technology is a safety feature used in some child car seats, where a padded shield is placed in front of the child instead of a traditional harness.
This shield is designed to absorb the energy of a collision, distributing the force across a larger area of the child's body, which can reduce the risk of injury.
Unlike harness systems that restrain the child at the shoulders and hips, impact shields allow for more movement and can be easier to secure. However, they may not be suitable for all children, especially those who prefer a more traditional harness system.
Are child seats covered by car insurance?
Not all car insurance policies cover child seats as standard, so don’t just assume you’ll get a pay-out for replacing it following an accident.
The level of cover can also vary – for example, some policies may pay up to a limited amount, while others might cover the total replacement costs. Check your policy if you’re not sure. If you have a particularly expensive model, you should also check to see if your car insurance would cover your child seat if it were to be stolen from your locked car.
Can I get child car seat cover as an added extra?
Some insurance providers may offer child seat cover as an optional extra that you can add to your policy, but not all do.
Although insurance providers aren’t allowed to use gender to calculate their premiums, some may offer benefits like child seat cover and handbag insurance specifically marketed at women drivers. That said, there’s nothing to stop men from taking out this type of policy too.
What should I look for in a policy with child car seat cover?
If you want child seat cover as part of your car insurance, you might want to check:
if the provider will replace the child seat or pay out up to a limited amount
if you receive a cash sum pay-out, will it be enough to pay for an equivalent seat?
if you can claim for a replacement seat, even if there’s no visible damage
if there’s an excess to pay
if a claim for a replacement car seat will affect your no-claims bonus
What insurance do I need if I’m a child minder?
If you work as a child minder and use your car to transport children, you need to let your insurance provider know. You may need to take out a business car insurance policy that includes child car seat cover.
You might also need to change your class of use if you use your car for work purposes.
What are the rules for babies and young children in taxis?
If the driver of a private hire vehicle such as a taxi or minicab doesn’t have the right car seat, children are allowed to travel without one – but they must be in the rear seat:
and wear an adult seat belt if they’re three or older
without a seat belt if they’re under three.
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News, about car and home insurance, as well as our Meerkat rewards scheme.
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