Child Safety
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.
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.
Summary of seat belt and child seat law
All new cars must have front and rear seat belts fitted which must be worn.
Older cars without seat belts do not need to have them fitted and worn. However, if seat belts are fitted in older cars they must be worn.
In 1983 the wearing of front seat belts became compulsory for adults; in 1991 the wearing of rear seat belts became compulsory.
In September 2006 it became compulsory for all children under 12 years and under 135cm to use child restraints.
- All children under three years old must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car or goods vehicle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available).
- Children aged three or more years old and up to 135cm (approx 4ft 5in) in height must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars or goods vehicles fitted with seat belts.
(Few exceptions are permitted.) - Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active frontal air-bag.
- From May 2009, where seat belts are provided, the number of people carried in the rear of vehicles may not exceed the number of seats available fitted with seat belts or child restraints.
- From May 2008, only child restraints complying with UN ECE Reg 44.03 or a later standard may be used.
Drivers remain responsible for seat belt wearing and use of the relevant child seat or booster by children under 14 years of age.
Penalties for offenders remain at a £30 fixed penalty notice or a maximum fine of £500 if a case goes to court.
How to make sure your child is safe
DO
- Use only an approved restraint suitable for the child's weight and size.
- Use restraints approved to the latest standard, (UNECE Regulation 44.03) – these fit better in modern cars and provide improved protection for your child.
- Ensure that the restraint is compatible with your car. Check the seat manufacturer's application list, ask the retailer to demonstrate or install the seat, or ask for advice from the car manufacturer.
- Make sure that the restraint is fitted securely and firmly in the car – follow the instructions and retain them in the car for future reference.
- Carry children in the rear seat of the car if possible.
- Adjust the harness for a tight but comfortable fit each time your child uses the seat.
- Check the restraint installation regularly to ensure that fixing straps or seat belts have not worked loose.
- Check the restraint condition regularly and renew it if there are any signs of cracking in the shell or of fraying or cuts in webbing.
- Ensure that your child understands the importance of being safely strapped in for every journey.
- Cover the seat when parking on hot days to avoid burning the child on hot metal fittings when you return.
DON'T
- Carry children unrestrained, no matter how short the journey.
- Fit a rear-facing baby seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag – death or serious injury can result. Forward-facing seats should be set well back from the airbag.
- Buy a restraint unless you are certain that it will fit properly in your car. No 'universal restraint' fits correctly in all cars.
- Buy a second-hand restraint unless you know its history and it is complete with all its instructions.
- Use a restraint that has been involved in a crash.
- Hold a child in your arms or put the seat belt around both of you. In an accident your weight will crush your child.
- Allow children to release buckles or climb out of belts.
- Modify child seats or buckles – this could have serious consequences in an accident.
- Use an ordinary cushion instead of a booster cushion. In an accident it could fly out and the child could slide under the seat belt.
- Leave your children unattended in a car.
The right seat for your child's weight
Restraints are tested and approved by weight rather than by size or age. But all seats will come with some indication of the likely age range covered.
Child restraints belong to one or more of the following size/weight categories or 'Groups' defined by UNECE Regulation 44.03:
Infant carrier (Group 0 and 0+) – up to 10kg (birth to 9 months) or up to 13kg (birth to 12 months)
Child seats (Group 1) – 9 to 18kg (approx. 9 months to 4 years)
Booster seats (Group2) – 15kg upwards (from approx. 4 years)
Booster cushions (Group3) – 22kg upwards (from approx. 6 years)
Points to remember about child restraints:
- Check your child's weight in kilograms
Find out your child's weight before you shop for a restraint. - Check the child seat manufacturer's instructions carefully
It's important to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child. - Weigh your child regularly as she or he grows
This way you can tell when you should buy the next seat. In practice, the child's size will probably dictate when you should change. - Don't move children on too early to the next, larger restraint
Generally, a big child in a small restraint will be safer than a small child in a large restraint. - Don't rely on the upper age limit printed on the packaging
Some children may outgrow a seat faster than you think.
