Booster seats, baby seats and kids' car seats: Picking the right one

by My Kent Family reporter

The world of kids' car seats is pretty unfathomable. There are so many different types, designs and styles, it's hard to know where to start. And then there was all that confusion over new rulings last year, which didn't actually change anything for parents, but we all thought we'd never be allowed to use a booster again.

With the eclectic array now on the market, we can choose car seats that can be used from birth to teen, or opt for a different seat per age stage (baby, toddler and child). But if you're still confused, here's some expert advice...

The Doona car seat/stroller costs £329.99 at Mothercare.
The Doona car seat/stroller costs £329.99 at Mothercare.

What are the rules around car seats?

"By law, children must be in a car seat until they are 135cm tall or 12 years old - whichever comes first. From 22kg (around the age of four), children can be moved to a booster seat used with an adult seat belt," says Britax Romer's car seat safety expert, Mark Bennett. "It is vital that parents adhere to these rules no matter how short the car journey, as it's the only way to ensure children are safe in the event of a collision."

While booster cushions have not been banned completely, most companies who sell car seats urge parents to use a high-back booster seat instead, which offers much more protection from the side wings and head support.

Amiad Raviv, from Simple Parenting, the brand behind the Doona car seat, adds: "All car seats used in the UK must meet the relevant European regulation - ECE R44 or R129, in addition to meeting local regulations, such as enhanced fire-retardant requirements. Newborn babies must travel in rear-facing car seats, while older children can travel in front-facing varieties."

Children must be in a car seat until they are 135cm tall or 12 years old - whichever comes first
Children must be in a car seat until they are 135cm tall or 12 years old - whichever comes first

How do you decide on a car seat?

When you first buy a car seat, the weight of it is really important, because parents spend a lot of time carrying newborns to and from the car - and some of them are really heavy. However, there are lots of other aspects you should think about, too.

"It's not just your child's age that you have to consider when choosing a car seat; you should think about their weight and height, as well as the best fit for your car," notes Halfords' child car seat expert, Emily Moulder.

'Research shows that around 80% of parents do not install car seats properly'

"Also think about whether your child will be making long or short journeys, and if you'll need to transfer the seat from one car to another. Comfort is a factor too, so bring your child with you when choosing, to try the car seat out in store."

"Something which is crucially important but often overlooked, is the car seat being properly installed," says Raviv. "Research shows that around 80% of parents do not install car seats properly, and even the best seats on the market are much less effective when not installed correctly."

It's a good idea to go into a shop to get savvy on installation. You can also check videos on the brands' websites and YouTube. And Raviv advises opting for seats with additional safety designs, such as anti-rebound protection, enhanced side-impact protection and a five-point harness (vs three-point).

When you first buy a car seat, the weight of it is really important factor to consider
When you first buy a car seat, the weight of it is really important factor to consider

How long should a car seat last?

In theory, you can now buy one car seat that will take you all the way from leaving the hospital with a newborn, to age 12 (though do check the manufacturer's guidelines, as some should be replaced after six or seven years). Financially, it makes a lot of sense to make a seat last for as long as possible, because they aren't especially cheap.

However, when you think about this practically, and envisage how many times a baby might be sick in a car seat, how much mud a toddler might ingrain into the fabric, how many times the velcro from tiny shoes will get caught on the base, and the number of sticky-finger swipes it's going to face, you might feel happier getting rid of an older model to replace it with a lovely, new, clean one.

In theory, you can now buy one car seat that will take you all the way from leaving the hospital with a newborn, to age 12
In theory, you can now buy one car seat that will take you all the way from leaving the hospital with a newborn, to age 12

Should you buy second hand?

"We wouldn't recommend buying second-hand car seats," states Moulder. "Unfortunately, there is no way to tell - just by looking - if a car seat has been in an accident, collision, dropped or damaged, all of which can affect performance. There are lots of baby products that deliver great results second hand, car seats aren't one of them."

If there is no other option for you, however, Audrey Mizrahi, the UK distributor for grab-and-go car booster mifold, says you must ensure you have the answers to these questions:

- Has this car seat ever been in a crash?

- Are all the parts and pieces still attached to the car seat?

- Are all the labels for proper use still affixed to the car seat?

- Has this car seat ever been recalled?

If you cannot find the answer to these questions, or if the seat should fail in any of these areas, she recommends not making the purchase.

Even the best seats on the market are much less effective when not installed correctly
Even the best seats on the market are much less effective when not installed correctly

Top tips for buying a car seat

"Use each stage of seat for as long as possible and don't be tempted to move to the next stage too soon," recommends Bennett. "Rear-facing is the safest option, ideally to at least 15 months, but many seats allow you to do this for four to six years, depending on the model. And if your car has Isofix (a car seat fitting system), then choose this over a belted option, as it's easier to fit and provides better crash protection."

"If you're buying a car seat for your third child, make sure it fits in the back seat with the two other children, who might still be in car seats themselves," says Raviv.

Fran Vaughan, founder of Ickle Bubba, the brand behind the Solar car seat, suggests monitoring the weight and height of your child regularly, to ensure you're using the correct car seat. "Check that it meets ECE safety standards, too," he adds.

"A sticker is normally located on the car seat to indicate this. Also, make sure the car seat is compatible with your vehicle. Most are universal, but it's best to check before you purchase. I recommend choosing a car seat that includes an Isofix base as part of the package. This will make it much easier to install and removes most of the risks associated with a seat belt attachment."

Mifold, the grab-and-go child restraint,is always handy to have around
Mifold, the grab-and-go child restraint,is always handy to have around

Top car seats on the market

The Joie Spin 360 0+/1 seat is suitable for birth to 18kgs and has an Isofix fit. It's unique spin feature turns, making life a little easier for parents strapping their kids in. £247, Halfords.

The Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1-2-3 car seat is suitable from 1-12 years old and comes with stay-cool fabrics, Isofix connectivity and multiple recline positions. £129.99, Tesco Direct.

The Britax KIDFIX II XP SICT is perfect for older children (from 4-12 years). It's a high-back booster seat that goes beyond legal safety standards. £135, John Lewis.

The Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1-2-3 car seat
The Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1-2-3 car seat

The Doona+ infant car seat, from Simple Parenting, transforms from car seat to stroller. It can be used from birth to approximately 15 months and is enhanced with an anti-rebound handle for extra protection. £329.99, Mothercare.

The Graco Logico L is a good and comfy high-back booster seat, suitable for 15kg to 35kgs (four to 12 years old). £50, Halfords.

Mifold, the grab-and-go child restraint, is recommended for spontaneous journeys or use with family and friends. Compact, foldable and portable, it fits into a bag, kids' rucksack or the glove compartment. £49.95, John Lewis.

The Britax KIDFIX II XP SICT car seat is one of our top recomendations
The Britax KIDFIX II XP SICT car seat is one of our top recomendations

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