Baby and Parenting

Why do we need car seats for babies?

Baby car seats are a matter of law in the UK since 2007. However, this is not just another “petty” law targeting motorists. Every year in the UK, 30 children (under 12) are killed while traveling in cars, with another 7000 injured. The proper use of baby car seats would have prevented many of these deaths and injuries. An unrestrained child (including children using adult seat belts or being held on parents lap) can be thrown forward with a force greater than 60 times their own weight, potentially seriously injuring other occupants and with a high risk of being ejected from the car through a window, often with horrifying results. The only safe way for a child to travel in a vehicle is to be secured using a car seat specifically designed for their weight and size, ensuring that the seat is fitted correctly, if you are unsure about fitting please see How to fit child car seats correctly.

Choosing the best car seats for baby. The first thing to remember about car seats is that the features you look for will change as your baby grows. For a newborn baby car seat a rear facing seat will be required, progressing to a forward facing seat for toddlers and finally a booster seat for young children.

Rear-facing car seats for baby are designed for infants under twelve months, sometimes referred to as “newborn baby car seats”. The seat has to be big enough to support the baby’s head, neck, and spine. If you find that the baby’s head is higher than the top part of the seat, then you need to get a bigger size. There is a choice between 3 and 5 point harnesses, 5 point harnesses offer slightly better protection but are very restrictive.

Forward-facing car seats are for when when your baby is 12 months or older (or is too big for rear facing seat). Remember that if forward facing seats are fitted, they must be in the back seat, or in newer cars, the front air bag must be deactivated. Otherwise the impact from the air bag could seriously hurt or even suffocate your child in the event of an accident.

Finally booster seats are for children who have outgrown car seats. These seats are designed just like adult car seats, you simply fasten and adjust the belt just like you would your own seatbelt. Just ensure the strap goes over the shoulder and not the neck.

Nowadays there are a range of accessories and add-ons available for baby car seats. Such as convertible car seats which can be used a strollers, covers for baby car seats, sun shades, activity toys which attach to car seats to keep baby occupied. These all cost extra but many parents feel the expense is justified with greater convenience and comfort.

When deciding which car seats to purchase for your baby, try reading the many online baby car seats reviews on different seat manufacturers and models, such as Bebe, Graco, Maxi Cosi and Recaro.