Buying Your First Car Seat
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There are 4 main categories of car seats, designed for different stages of development. Some car seats cover more than category by being adjustable. Choose category based on their height, not their age.
By law, children must use a car seat until they're 12 years old or 150cm tall, whichever comes first.
According to Regulation R129 a child must use a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 15 months old This is because a rear-facing car seat provides additional protection.
There are different stages of car seats, each suited to a different stage in your child’s development. Which stage car seat you choose should be determined by your child’s height, not by their age. That’s because children develop at different rates. Your first stage car seat will be the one you use from newborn.
Tip: Don’t leave buying your car seat until the last minute! Hospitals usually won’t let you leave after giving birth unless you have a proper newborn car seat to take your baby home in. In case of an unexpected early arrival, have your car seat bought and ready with your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date
There are a few categories of car seats. Each car seat is designed for a specific stage of development to keep your little one as safe as possible. Three of these categories are suitable from birth. You can choose a ‘From Birth’ car seat that will be suitable from birth until they’re 85cm tall – which is approximately age 15 months.
Alternatively you can choose a seat that’s suitable from birth right through until they’re 105cm tall, which is around 4 years old. Another option is an ‘Every Stage’ seat which can be used from birth until 150cm tall (around 12 years)
So, when shopping for a car seat for your new arrival, these are the three options available to you.
‘From birth’ car seats, sometimes known as ‘infant carriers.’ These are always rear-facing, which is the safest way for babies to travel. Many models can be used with ISOFIX fittings (see Installing a car seat). If they aren’t used with ISOFIX they must be strapped in correctly with a seatbelt. They feature a carry handle, so you can carry a sleeping baby from the car without taking them out of their seat. Some models have a lie-flat recline when used in the car or on a pushchair, making them safer for sleep.
Always remember, babies shouldn’t be left in baby car seats for prolonged periods.
This type of car seat allows extended rear-facing travel up to 4 years. Usually, they will give you the option to face forward from 15 months. These adjust easily so they can be used across a wide height range. Plus, they adapt from rear-facing to forward-facing. So they’re a great option if you’re looking for a car seat you can use for years to come.
Child seats suitable from birth right through to 150cm - around age 12 years. These seats adapt as your little one grows, so they span different stages of your little one’s development. A great option if you want to save on upgrading your child’s car seat frequently, without compromising on safety.
Look for useful features that make daily life easier
Some models of toddler seat, that are suitable from birth until around the age of 4, actually spin or rotate, making it easy getting the child in and out of the car.
Think about how you’ll use your car seat day to day
If you’ll frequently lift your baby in and out of the car, a lightweight seat with a base that remains in the car might be more practical than an infant carrier. If you’ll be making quick transitions from car seat to pushchair then consider a car seat that’s compatible, or can be made compatible (using adaptors) with your pushchair. These come in really handy if your baby’s sleeping and you don’t want to disturb them taking them out of their car seat.
Think about the long-term
If you’re looking for a car seat you can use for years to come then a toddler seat that’s suitable from birth is a great option. Because they adjust easily they can be used across a wide height range, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for a car seat you can use for years to come.
Parent hack: We were really unsure when it came to choosing our first car seat so we booked a Let’s Talk Car Seats appointment at our local Mamas & Papas store. It was completely free and helped us find the perfect car seat for us. The team know everything there is to know about car seats so we could ask all our questions. They even showed us how to fit it into our car.
The law on car seats is currently based on the R129 regulation, which was introduced in 2013. It was brought in to offer improved protection for younger children and make travel in a vehicle even safer. Under this regulation you choose a car seat based on your child’s height.
The R129 regulation replaces the R44 regulation, with complete effect across the UK from September 2024. According to this older regulation you chose a car seat based on your child’s weight.
Car seats that are made and tested to conform to the R129 regulation are referred to as R129 car seats. From September 2024 all car seats sold in the UK must be R129 car seats.
R129 car seats have been tested with side-impact testing, to improve protection of the child’s head and neck. Along with front and rear testing R129 testing makes use of the most high-tech crash test dummies, with more sensors on fragile areas of the body.
In brief, the law on car seats in the UK, according to regulation R129 states that a baby must travel in the rear-facing position up to the minimum recommended age of 15 months. Some R129 car seats can be used rear-facing until a child is 105cm tall, which is around 4 years old.
Remember, the law on car seats can sometimes be confusing to understand, especially when it changes. Our M&P store team are expertly trained and IOSH-accredited in car seat safety, so don’t be afraid to ask us for help!
No matter which type of car seat you go for, it’ll need to be securely fastened into a vehicle. Many car seats use a seatbelt to prevent the car seat moving around. As an alternative to this option you can use your car seat together with an ISOFIX base.
To fit your car seat with a seat belt you place the car seat on the seat of your car and then strap the seat belt around (or through) certain points of the car seat, according to your car seat’s individual instructions.
To fit your car seat with ISOFIX, you must first purchase an ISOFIX base, which is often sold separately from a car seat. This ISOFIX base then fixes into your car and stays put. You then click your child’s car seat into and out of the fixed ISOFIX base every time you need to. Alternatively you can leave your car seat clicked in and simply take your baby in and out of the car seat.
What is ISOFIX?
ISOFIX is a market-leading car seat safety system. It helps give you peace of mind when you're driving with a young child, as it helps to ensure your car seat is safely fitted. And because the ISOFIX base is more secure than a seat belt, it ensures your car seat is fixed more securely and therefore more safely too.
How does ISOFIX work?
The rear seats of most new cars have a pair of anchor points. These anchor points connect to an ISOFIX base, creating an extremely strong connection. The child car seat then fastens to the ISOFIX base, so there’s no need to fasten seat belts around it.
Do I need an ISOFIX base?
When choosing a car seat, you want to know your child is well protected and the ISOFIX system comes with a range of benefits. Firstly it decreases the risk of fitting your seat incorrectly, as you might when using a seatbelt. Secondly it creates a really strong rigid connection between the car seat and the vehicle itself, which gives better protection. Thirdly it makes for easier and quicker installation – you simply click your car seat into place. All of these reduce the chance of your child being hurt if you were to have a car accident.
Tip: while an ISOFIX base isn’t a legal requirement, it’s certainly something that we’d recommend to keep your child as protected and safe as possible. Being able to strap your car seat with a seat belt allows you to strap your car seat into different vehicles – say for example, if you take a taxi – but from a safety point of view we’d advise an ISOFIX base in the car you use on a regular basis.
Tip: It’s a good idea to become familiar with how to correctly strap your car seat in with a seat belt, even if you do choose to purchase an ISOFIX for everyday use. Knowing the correct way to strap your car seat in with a seatbelt will come in useful if you’re ever out and about and need to take a taxi, or when renting a car abroad and using your own car seat
Whether you need help fitting a car seat you’ve chosen or have any unanswered question just ask in-store for assistance or book your complimentary Let’s Talk Car Seats appointment with one of our IOSH-accredited car seat experts.
Car seat FAQs
Which car seat should I go for?
Car seats are the safest place for your children when you're heading on an adventure in the car. Every car seat comes with different features, so it's important to choose one that suits both your child and your vehicle. Car seats are grouped into specific weight and height limits to make they're comfortable and safe for your baby at every stage of their growth. You'll also need to consider what features you need from your seat - from easy-clean removable covers to Isofix bases that easily click into your car, our range has been designed to last from the first year until they’re 12 years old. For tips and advice on the best car seat read our buying guide here.
What is Isofix and how does it work?
Isofix is a type of car seat base that securely locks your car seat into your car, keeping it safe and secure whilst you travel. A car seat with an Isofix base can be really simply installed via attachments that click in to your vehicle's Isofix anchor points, which gives you extra safety for little one's on your adventures. All of our car seats offer car Isofix compatibility for a secure, safe and simple way to travel with your family.
Should my child be rear or forward facing?
When it comes to your child's safety, you want to be sure that they're properly restrained in their car seat whilst you travel. Forward-facing or rear-facing, each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to select the right seat for your child. Choosing whether to forward- or rear-face your little one's car seat depends on their age, height and weight. Even with the most modern safety features, forward-facing restraints are not designed to protect children younger than 3 years old. For more advice on rear- and forward-facing car seats, read our car seat buying guide here.
How do I care for my car seat?
Car seats are an essential bit of kit if you want to travel with your little one in your car. But like any other piece of safety equipment, car seats need to be cared for properly to keep them working safely and make sure they stay nice and comfy for your child. To clean your car seat, use a sponge, mild soap and warm water. To remove stubborn stains, spray soap and water solution onto the seat and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before blotting with a clean sponge. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, as they could damage your seat's fabric.
How do I know which car seat group to choose?
Car seats are grouped by weight ranges, not age. A correct fit is extremely important, so you'll need to make sure you choose the car seat group that corresponds to your child's weight. To get you started, see our car seat group chart and read more about how to choose the best seat for your little one.