Choosing a car seat for your baby is one of the most important decisions you will have to make and making sure to pick the right one is crucial. The right car seat can help save your child’s life so understandably it’s important you carefully think out your decision before making a purchase.

From whether the car seat has been tested and meets regulations to finding the right sized seat, there’s plenty of important things to keep in mind before choosing the right car seat for your baby.

How to choose a car seat?

There are plenty of different car seats you can choose from, so take your time in finding the right one that will not only be ideal for your baby but also fits properly in your car. Find a retailer that will allow you to test the seat in your car before you purchase so you can be sure it fits, and your baby will be as secure as possible.

The most common car seats that people use now are i-Size car seats, which are basically car seats that are based on the individual height of your child, and forms part of the UN regulation ECE R129.

Has the car seat been tested and approved?

One of the most important things to consider when buying a car seat for your baby is whether or not it has been tested and approved. According to UK regulations, car seats can be tested and approved under two main regulations: ECE R44 and UNR 129-size. Car seats that have been approved according to ECE R44 have been tested both in a front-facing and rear-facing collisions, while a car seat that has been approved according to UNR 129-size has also been tested for side impact. A car seat that has been approved by UNR 129-size meets the maximum safety standards, but both meet the right regulations and are a good choice.

Can the car seat be adjusted as the baby grows?

You can find many car seats that are adjustable and are designed for long term use so that you don’t have to keep purchasing new seats as your baby ages and grows. Look for car seats that have space for the legs, adjustable in height, adjustable reclining positions and adaptive side impact protections, as they will most likely be able to be used for a number of years.

How long can a baby be in a car seat?

Knowing how long a baby can be kept in a car seat and when it is the right time to change the car seat is important. There are different restrictions and rules according to the size and age of your baby, for example babies from the day they are born to when they are around 10-13kg should be transported in a lie flat or “lateral” flow baby carrier or a rear facing car seat. Once they exceed this weight they should be in a front or rear facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield, and after exceeding around 18kg they will be required to sit in a rear or forward-facing child car seat or a high-backed booster seat or booster cushion with a safety harness.

Take a look at our collection of baby car seats to find the exact one you need for your baby or toddler.