As the cost of owning a car becomes more expensive, more people are cutting back on the safest things like car seats. So be careful when you use the car.
Car seats and child safety in cars
Always keep your child in a properly fitted car seat or booster seat when traveling, no matter how short the trip. This is the law. A booster seat raises your child high enough so that the seat belt is properly placed on their body.
Your child is much less likely to be killed or injured in an accident if he is in a car seat or booster. The safest way for children to travel is in the back seat of the car in a car seat. Holding a child on your lap while traveling is illegal and dangerous.
By law, all children under 150cm or under 36kg must use the correct child seat or booster when traveling in a car or goods vehicle. This means that your child will need to sit in a car seat until they are about 12 years old. But it depends on their height and weight. Taxis are exempt from this rule.
It is illegal and very dangerous to put a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if the seat has an airbag.
Choose the right car seat:
- The seat is suitable for your child's weight and height
- The seat has an 'E-mark' label to show that it meets EU safety standards
- For infants, rear-facing seats provide more protection for their head, neck, and spine than forward-facing seats. It is best to keep your baby in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.
- Seek expert advice when choosing the right car seat.
Second hand car seats
Better to buy a new car seat. If you are not sure about the safety history of a second hand car seat you should not use it.
If you decide to use a second-hand car seat, there are risks you should be aware of. Before deciding to use a second hand car seat you should check:
- is less than 5 years old
- Not involved in an accident – A car seat involved in an accident may be damaged, but the damage may not be visible
- No damage or missing parts
- Has the correct 'E-Mark' label showing compliance with EU safety standards
- It comes with a manual showing how to fit it and how it works
Install car seats properly.
Always make sure the seat is properly fitted. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If your child's car seat is installed incorrectly, it can lead to serious injury or death if you are involved in an accident. Ask an expert to fit the car seat for you. RSA has a free service that can help. The 'Check It Fits' service is available for all types of cars and child car seats.
Get more information and access the Check it Fits service from the RSA.
The RSA says 4 out of 5 child car seats are fitted incorrectly. So it is important to get the advice of an expert. You should buy your car seat from a retailer that suits you. They should also show you how to fit it properly. Get more information and access the Check It Fits service from the RSA.
Your child should be properly locked in their car seat. Always lock your child securely in their car seat. No matter how short a trip it is,
RSA Advice:
- Take the time to get your child comfortable on every trip
- Make sure the seat harness or seat belt is properly adjusted
- Use blankets instead of bulky jackets in winter to ensure the harness stays in contact with the child's body
- The RSA advises making sure the harness or seat belt is tight enough.
For rear-facing seats:
It should be tight enough that only two fingers can fit between the top of the child's shoulder and the harness. That means making sure you can't rotate your fingers in that position
For front seats:
It should be tight enough that only two fingers can fit between the child's breastbone and the harness. That means making sure you can't twist or rotate your fingers in that position.
While traveling in taxis
Taxi drivers are not required to provide child car seats. They are excluded by law. But some taxi companies will provide car seats if you ask for them. You should contact the taxi company or use one that can provide you with a car seat.
Alternatively, bringing your own car seat and fitting it properly will keep your child safe while traveling in a taxi.
You can carry a child under 3 sitting in the back seat of the taxi as long as you are wearing a seat belt. A seat belt must be worn around your child. But it's safer to use a car seat if you can.
- How to keep children safe in cars - Road Safety Authority (RSA): Get information from the RSA on what type of seat you need.
- Car seats and child safety in cars: Car seats and child safety in cars
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