Child Safety
Choosing and using in-car child restraints
Two thirds of child fatalities in the under–four age group occur in cars. Choosing the correct car safety seat for your child is vital. Thinking carefully about what you need before buying can make choosing a child seat less daunting.
Check your child safety seat
From May 2008, all child restraints must comply with the UN ECE Regulation 44.03 (or a later version e.g. 44.04). If you're still using an older child seat approved to 44.01 or 44.02 it will have to be replaced by May 2008.
Follow the links below to read our advice and tips about child seats for your car.
Child safety dos and don'ts
Things to consider when choosing and using child seats.
Seat belt and child restraint law
What you need to know about the law on seat belts.
Choosing a car seat
What you need to know when deciding on the car seat that's best for your child.
Types of child seat:
Infant carriers
Child seats
Booster seats
Booster cushions
Front or back seat?
How to decide on the safest place in the car for your child.
Fitting seats
How to secure a child seat safely.
The ISOFIX system
An alternative to fitting child seats with adult seat belts.
Releasing buckles
How to prevent your child from undoing the seat harness while you are driving.
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Did you know?
Each year in the UK, 205 children under five are seriously injured, and a further 21 are killed, while in cars.
There are three principal ways of being killed or injured in a car crash – you hit something, something hits you, or you are ejected from the car. Besides the obvious risk to themselves, an unrestrained passenger of any age could also kill or seriously injure you as the crash forces increase their body weight by more than 30 times.
Extreme hazard warning
Rear-facing infant carriers must not be used on a front-passenger seat where a passenger airbag is fitted. The close proximity of the restraint to the airbag could result in a severe injury or death to the child if the bag inflates.