Children on board? Lorraine Johnston outlines the new car seat rules

Health and safety expert Lorraine Johnston outlines the new car seat rules.

IF you carry babies or young children in your car, you’ll want to keep up to date and understand which car seat is the most appropriate for their size, weight and age. This is essential to keep them as safe as possible on every trip.

Our safety laws are continuously monitored for effectiveness and relevance. Updates, amendments and new laws are implemented regularly in a bid to improve safety and offer clear guidance to people.

One recent change in the law is specifically about the design of children’s car booster seats.

The new law became effective on February 9, but if you currently have a children’s booster cushion for the car, you can still use it. You will not be breaking the law by continuing to do so, and there is no need for you to buy a new booster seat.

So, what exactly do the new regulations mean? The new rules do require that manufacturers are not allowed to introduce new models of booster cushions for children shorter than 125cm (4 ft 1¼ in) or weighing less than 22kg

(3 st 6½ lb). Generally this would be children around four to six years old.

Older models which comply with the previous regulations may still be on sale in some stores whilst they are phased out. Babies and infants still require to be carried in rearward-facing baby seats.

Why the change of law? Research shows that high-backed booster seats are a safer option than backless booster seats and cushions. This is because they offer more protection against accidents, particularly in side impacts.

Where can I find further

information? ROSPA’S (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) website is an excellent and reliable source for safety information for home and away. It’s well worth visiting from time to time and when assessing new or changing circumstances.

For example, as little ones have growth spurts over the summer months, a wellfitted and appropriate car seat may have suited them during their last visit, but now they may have grown into a new category of car seat for their new age and stage.

When buying any baby or child seat or booster cushion, take extra care to read the manufacturer’s labels and instructions to make sure that you have the appropriate seat for your child.

If you are still unsure about which car seat is the best option, visit www.childcarseats.org.uk.

ROSPA also have very good short videos about children’s car seats which are really helpful. You can view these at www.rospa.com/roadsafety/resources/films/ child-car-seats/. n