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Child car seats
Taking time to make sure you use the right car seat or booster and using it correctly will help protect your child and could save their life.
Child car seats and the law
New laws concerning the use of the correct baby seat, car seat, booster seat or booster cushion (appropriate to the weight of your child) in your car, van or goods vehicle came into force on 18 September 2006.
If you are the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that anyone under the age of 14 must wear a seat belt and (if appropriate) use the correct baby/child seat or booster.
The regulations for using seat belts in minibuses, buses and coaches have also been amended.
When buying a child seat/booster, if possible, try it in your car before you buy. Speak with the shop sales adviser who will give you advice and may show you how to fit the seat correctly.
Use the car seat correctly
Remember:
- fit the seat properly - follow the manufacturer's instructions
- every trip, allow time to get the child comfortably strapped in
- make sure the adult belt passes through all the correct slots
- ensure the child seat is tight in the adult seat
- ensure that the adult seatbelt buckle is not bent over or resting on the child seat frame
- never fit a rear-facing seat with an active airbag in front of it
- check the vehicle handbook and follow the advice about children and airbags (where fitted)
- never modify the seat or adult seatbelt to make it fit
Further information
A guide to correctly fitting a child's car seat is available in several languages, large print, Braille and audio cassette. Call 0870 1226 236 or email: dft@twoten.press.net, quoting T/INF/803.
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