Car Safety & childcare in Swansea-updated 2017
Did you know that in January 2017 the laws on your childrens car seat were updated. As the best childcare in Swansea we like to keep all our parents in the know and up to date when we can. Trefory Tiny Tots takes the safety and well-being of your children seriously. We also do our own school pick ups and drop offs so to keep up with all updated laws and safety advice is paramount to the care we give.
SO who needs to use a Children’s Car Seat?
Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or at least 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.
Children over the age of 12 or taller 135cm must wear a seat belt.
You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight.
You may not know but there are different seats and what you base the new safety updates on.
Height-based seats
Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old.
You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child.
Only child car seats that have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘R129’ can be used in the UK as they are EU-approved. Keep yourself updated for the best safety and well-being of your children.
Weight-based seats
The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.
See our table below to help you choose the correct seat for your child and how hey should be strapped in safely:
| Child’s weight | Group | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 0kg to 9kg | 0 | Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 0kg to 13kg | 0+ | Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
| 9kg to 18kg | 1 | Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield |
| 15kg to 36kg | 2 and 3 | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
Tips for Fitting your childs car seat for safety.
You must only use a child car seat if your car’s seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:
- specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt
- fitted using ISOFIX anchor points
You must also:
- deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat
- not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats
Children with disabilities or medical conditions
The same rules apply for children with disabilities or medical conditions, but they can use a disabled person’s seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs.
A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.
