Safety seats and harnesses for children
We provide information on child safety seats and can offer training to
- parent groups
- college students, and
- social service and health care workers
on how to select and fit appropriate restraints.
Safety advice and the law
The law states that in vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children aged 12 years and under who are up to 135cms in height (approx 4ft 5ins) must use the appropriate child restraint.
The only exceptions that allow children to travel in the rear of a car and use an adult belt are:
- in a taxi, if the right child restraint is not available
- for a short distance in an unexpected necessity, if the right child seat is not available
- where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitting of a third child seat.
The penalties for not using the correct child restraint are a £30 fixed penalty notice or a £500 maximum fine, if the case goes to court.
Full details of the new law, including a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section, are available on the THINK! Road Safety website.
Choosing an appropriate safety seat for your child
Rearward facing infant carriers – from birth to 9 months approx., weight up to 13kg
These have an integral harness held in place by a lap and diagonal seat belt (front or rear seat fitting). Driver and baby have eye contact when this type of carrier is fitted in the front passenger seat. Low birth-weight babies may need a body support to prevent them rolling around in the infant carrier. Do not use on a passenger seat fitted with a front airbag.
Two-way seat – rearward facing for first 9–15 months approx.
Check manufacturers’ instructions. This type of seat has an integral harness held in place by a lap and diagonal seat belt (front or rear seat fitting). Driver and baby have eye contact when one is fitted in the front passenger seat. Low birth-weight babies may need a body support to prevent them rolling around in the infant carrier. It is safer to carry your baby rearward facing for as long as possible. Do not use on a passenger seat fitted with a front airbag.
Child seats with integral harness – from 6 months to 4 years approx., weight 9–18kg
This is a conventional child seat, two-way forward facing, which is held in place by a lap and diagonal seat belt, a rear centre lap belt or manufacturers’ fitting kit. If only one is in use, it is best fitted in the rear on the nearside to avoid children getting in and out of the car into the road.
Booster seats – for children aged 4–8 years approx., weight 15kg and over
These seats are normally held in place by lap and diagonal seat belt, which also restrains the child. They are ideal for children who are too small for a booster cushion and seat belt alone. The sides give head support.
Booster cushions – for children aged 4–11 years approx., weight 15kg and over
Booster cushions are intended for use with a lap and diagonal seat belt, which holds the cushion in place and restrains the child. The cushion lifts the child and locates the belt correctly over the pelvic girdle and shoulder. The ‘vario’ lap restraint, for use with lap and diagonal or centre lap belts, holds the belt in place and protects thighs and abdomen.
Shopping for a child restraint
- Look for the British Standard Kitemark or European Registration mark.
- Never buy a car seat or carrier if you suspect it has been in an accident or if it has been damaged in any way.
- Make sure you know the history of a second-hand restraint and have the fitting instructions.
- Choose something you find easy to carry, fit and use.
- Be guided by the size and weight of your child rather than age.
- Try before you buy as not all seats and carriers fit in all cars.
