Choosing a baby or child car seat
The safest way for babies and children to travel in a vehicle is to select a car seat which is suitable for their weight and size and has been correctly fitted. Using a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer, is the safest way to travel.
If a vehicle crashes, a properly-fitted child car seat will help to prevent the child from being thrown about inside the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle. Car seats absorb some of the impact force and provide some protection from objects coming into the passenger compartment.
The law requires all babies and children travelling in a vehicle to use the correct child car seat until they are either 135 cm in height or 12 years old (which ever they reach first). After this they must use an adult seat belt. There are very few exceptions. Read more about child car seats and the law.
To find out more, including links to additional guidance and advice, read our frequently asked questions below.