What car seat does your child need?

At mustard.co.uk, you can compare the cheapest car insurance quotes from a number of leading insurers, but that’s not all you can do. Their website is packed with answers to everyday car insurance questions as well as guides and advice on a range of car related topics. Here, they explore what to consider when it comes to buying a car seat for your child.

What is the law on child car seats?

All children under 12 or less than 135cm should normally use a child car seat.

Children can wear an adult seat belt when they turn 12 or reach 135cm in height, whichever comes first.

What car seat does my child need?

You can choose a car seat based on either your child’s height or weight. It’s up to you which you use but it must meet European standards (look for the ‘E’ in a circle on its label).

If you buy a height-based car seat (also known as an ‘i-Size’ seat), the label should also state that it meets regulation R129. Height-based seats must also be rear facing until your child reaches 15 months. After that, you can use a forward facing seat.

Weight-based car seats must meet the ECE R44 standard which can also be found on its label. There are four different categories so it’s likely more than one type of seat will be suitable based on your child’s weight:

Child’s weight	Group number	Types of car seat available
0kg -10kg	0	Lie flat or lateral baby carrier Rear facing baby carrier Rear facing baby seat using a harness
		Rear facing baby carrier

0kg -13kg	0+	Rear facing baby seat using a harness
9kg -18kg	1	Rear or front facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield
15kg – 25kg	2	Rear or front facing child car seat using a seat belt, harness or safety shield (seat can be a high-backed booster or booster cushion)
22kg – 36kg	3	Rear or front facing child car seat using a seat belt, harness or safety shield (seat can be a high backed booster or booster cushion)

What’s the law on booster seats?

The rules around booster seats changed in 2017 which led to some confusion. The change meant that manufacturers could no longer make backless booster seats for children under 22kg. In other words, new booster seats are only approved for group three use.

However, that rule change does not affect existing group two booster seats – they are still legal and safe to use.

What happens if I’m using the wrong car seat for my child?

If you’re the driver, it’s your responsibility to make sure anyone under 14 is properly buckled up – whether that’s in a car seat or with an adult seat belt.

If they aren’t and you’re stopped, you could be fined up to £500.

Tips for buying a car seat

Buying a car seat can be overwhelming, especially as seats can vary considerably in terms of cost. To make sure you get the best value for money, here’s what to consider:

Check your car for Isofix fittings

Most newer cars will have Isofix fittings which enable you to very easily and securely attach

your child’s car seat. It’s not a problem if your car doesn’t have these fittings, just make sure the seat you choose will fit securely in your car.

Consider ease and longevity

A number of child car seats straddle the groups 0+ and 1 which means it should suit your child from birth up to around four depending on your child’s weight. Some seats come with a swivel base which means you avoid putting your child in their seat from an awkward side angle.

One drawback of combination seats is that the whole unit is fixed. In contrast, some group 0 car seats clip into a base and can be detached and reclipped into a pushchair frame. The benefit is that you won’t need to move your child, just the seat. Remember though, babies shouldn’t be kept in car seats for long periods of time.

Avoid buying second hand

Unless you know for a fact that a car seat hasn’t been involved in an accident, try to avoid buying a used car seat. Just because there’s no obvious damage, don’t assume it’s safe to use, even minor accidents can weaken it.

Compare car insurance with a Cheapest Price Guarantee*

Much like car seats and seat belts, car insurance is your safety net should the unexpected happen. Policies can cover all sorts of events, covering the cost of damage, as well as breakdown and recovery.

At mustard.co.uk, you can compare policies in just a matter of minutes. Plus, their Cheapest Price Guarantee* is a promise to beat any other online quote; search now or call an expert on 0330 022 8791.