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Car seat regulations
made simple

Audrey Hi there! I’m Audrey, the founder of Whitestep

We specialise in innovative and stylish baby and children’s products that are loved by both parents and their children. But today I’m here to tell you a little about the car seat regulation.

Hi Audrey, so what is the UK Car Seat law?

The UK law is actually quite clear and simple. A safety seat must be used by children until they reach their 12th birthday or are 135cm tall – whichever comes first.

Although there are some exceptions which we’ll cover later.

And what about booster seats?
But what about the recent change in the law?

Ah yes. There has been recent change adjustment to the regulations. As of March 1st 2017 new models of booster seats will be manufactured to only be suitable for children above 125cm tall or weighing more than 22kg.

So the fact is that it is still legal and safe to use and buy a ECE R44/04 Universal regulated backless booster seat.

ECE R44/04 is a regulation standard that child seats and boosters in the UK and all over Europe have to adhere to. Like a kite mark.

So what is ECE R44/04?

If your booster seat has this label you are good to go!

Child car seat are subject to rigorous accident simulation testing. The orange ECE R44 approval label guarantees that the car seat complies with the safety requirements as set out in the European safety standard ECE R44/04.

Actually, not that much has changed. But it seems to have caused a lot confusion.
In fact 66% of parents polled said they didn’t understand the new laws.

Source Link to source

What are the exceptions to the law mentioned earlier?

Well, there are some circumstances where it’s legal for a child to travel without a safety seat:

  • Taxies & minicabs
  • Minibuses, coaches & vans
  • Unexpected journeys
  • No room for a 3rd car seat
  • Vehicles with no seatbelts

Source Link to source

UK Law recognises that there’s a huge loophole in the car seat market that doesn’t cover those times when it’s really not viable to carry around your regular heavy, bulky car seat.
In fact about 1 in 3 parents admit to their kids travelling with no safety seat at all.

Source Link to source

I see your point. Even if it is legal to travel without a child seat for these ‘unusual’ journeys, you still want to make sure your children are as safe as possible. Until recently there hasn’t been a viable solution to this problem.

Okay, got it. But how can I make sure my kids are safe?

So... What is the solution?

Your every day car seat
Childseat
  • Group 2/3 car seat regulated according to ECE R44.04 of child restraints
  • For children weighing between 15-36kg or 33-79lb
  • Aged 4-12 years old
  • Features 3-point belt guides to ensure the seat belt is correctly and securely fitted to your child
  • Weight of car seat: ranges from 3-5kg
  • Dimensions approx. L68 x W43 x H46cm
In every other situation
Backpack
  • Group 2/3 car seat regulated according to ECE R44.04 of child restraints
  • For children weighing between 15-36kg or 33-79lb
  • Aged 4-12 years old
  • Features 3-point belt guides to ensure the seat belt is correctly and securely fitted to your child
  • Weight of car seat: 0.70kg
  • Dimensions when folded: L23 x W12 x H2cm
  • HIGHLY PORTABLE: fits snuggly in a child’s backpack, a mum’s handbag, hand luggage and even in a vehicle’s glove compartment
Click here for more about mifold

Still unsure? Check out the FAQ

For further information about child car seats please visit https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules
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