Car Seat
Buying Guide
Let us help you to make the right choice when it comes to selecting your Car Seat
What you need to know:
Car seats are an important investment in your child’s safety. Finding the right one, tailored to your child’s height, weight and vehicle specifications, is essential for their protection. Your child’s car seat serves as a crucial defence mechanism in unforeseen circumstances, making it one of the most significant and worthwhile investments you’ll make.
To assist you in making the right choice, here’s The Baby Store Car Seat Buying Guide, aimed at simplifying the process and clarifying some of the terminology, such as ISOFIX and i-Size.Â
- A car seat must be used from birth until the child is either 12 years old or 135cm tall (whichever comes first).
- Select a car seat based on your child’s height and weight, ensuring compatibility with your vehicle.
- Car seats based on weight must remain rear-facing until your child exceeds 9kg.
- Car seats conforming to the latest R129 regulation are height based, and must remain rear facing until the child is at least 76cm and 15 months of age.
- Never place an infant carrier on the front passenger seat when the airbag is activated.
- Use only EU-approved child car seats within the UK.
- Remember to have an infant carrier ready for your baby's first journey home from the hospital.
- Second-hand child seats are not recommended - you cannot be certain of its history, whether it has been involved in a collision, it may not be designed to current safety standards and could be missing instructions for correct fitting within a vehicle.
The UK’s R44 legislation is a weight based sizing system.
In 2013, the new ECEÂ R129 regulation was introduced, which is considered to provide greater protection for children and make car travel even safer. Consequently, the majority of car seats we sell at The Baby Store are R129.
Here is a quick overview of the differences between the two regulations:
R44 (original safety regulation):
- Child can forward face from 9kg
- Seats are tested for front and rear impact
- Crash test dummies with 4 sensors are used
- Uses a weight based system
R129 (new & improved safety regulation):
- Child must rear face until at least 76cm and 15 months
- Seats are tested for front, rear and side impact
- Advanced crash test dummies are used for better injury detection
- Sizing is based on height (and weight) for a more precise, individualised fit
There is some misconception that the R129 regulation and i-Size are the same thing. However, i-Size is actually a vehicle fitting enhancement of the R129 regulation. Here is a quick breakdown of each:
R129 (car seat safety regulation):
This is the most recent European car seat safety regulation. Seats conforming to R129 require the following:Â
- Child must rear face until at least 76cm and 15 months
- Seats are tested for front, rear and side impact
- Advanced crash test dummies are used for better injury detection
- Sizing is based on height (and weight) for a more precise, individualised fit
i-Size (enhancement to R129 regulation):
i-Size is an enhancement of ECE R129, which requires:
- Car seats fit inside a set of specific dimensions to guarantee fit in all i-Size vehicles
What is ISOFIX?
To install car seat there are two options: using the vehicle seat belt or opting for an ISOFIX attachment.
ISOFIX is a cutting-edge car seat safety system designed to offer reassurance while driving with young children. With research indicating that a significant portion of car seats are improperly installed, experts in car seat technology devised the ‘International Standards Organisation Fix,’ commonly known as ISOFIX. This innovative system revolves around rigid connection points rather than reliance on a seatbelt, ensuring a secure installation within your vehicle.
Seat Belt V ISOFIX
Seat Belt:
The traditional method of using the vehicle seat belt to install a car seat remains a reliable, safe choice, when done correctly. This installation approach is particularly convenient for those who frequently switch between vehicles or for occasional users, such as grandparents. It’s a universal fitting method, compatible with all cars equipped with a 3-point seat belt.
ISOFIX:
For enhanced peace of mind regarding correct installation, we recommend an ISOFIX attachment. ISOFIX car seats feature anchoring points on their base, which securely fasten into corresponding anchorage points inside a compatible car. Introduced to mitigate the risk of improper car seat installation, ISOFIX significantly enhances the protection level for your baby or child. Remember to verify the ISOFIX compatibility of both your car and any other vehicle where the seat might be used.
The benefits of ISOFIX:
- Drastically reduces the risk of incorrectly fitted seats.
- Forms a rigid connection between the car seat and the vehicle, enhancing overall protection.
- Simplifies installation.
- Minimizes the likelihood of child injury in the event of an accident.
- All cars manufactured after 2011 are equipped with ISOFIX points.
Things to consider:
- Check whether your car has under-seat storage, as this may impact the type of ISOFIX base you can use.
-
To determine if your car has an ISOFIX system:
- Contact your vehicle manufacturer.
- Refer to your vehicle manual.
- Look for staple-shaped fittings located between the back and bottom of the seat.
Impact shields represent one of the latest advancements in the field of child seat safety technology, offering enhanced protection in the event of a collision.
Here is the Baby Store’s guide to exactly what they are and why you should consider a car seat equipped with one
What are impact shields?
- A recent development incorporated into some car seat designs, offering significant benefits.
- Also known as safety cushions, they fasten securely around the front of your child while they're seated in their car seat.
- The shield helps diffuse collision forces across a broader surface area, alleviating strain on critical body regions such as the neck, shoulders and head during accidents, like a pre-inflated airbag.
- Studies indicate a reduction in this strain of up to 40% compared to conventional harness systems lacking energy-absorbing capabilities.
The benefits of impact shields
- In the event of a collision, they act like a pre-inflated airbag to diffuse collision forces and strain on critical areas such as the neck, shoulders and head
- Studies indicate a reduction in this strain of up to 40% compared to conventional harness systems lacking energy-absorbing capabilities.
- When a rear-facing seat isn't feasible - such as for smaller or two door vehicles - a forward-facing seat equipped with an impact shield is an effective alternative.
The following chart is a guide to selecting the correct car seat for your child. Please bear in mind that it always advisable to seek personalised advice where possible to ensure a precise fit for your child. Please visit us in-store at The Baby Store Warrington for expert advice and car fitting demonstration.
i-Size car seat sizing guide:
| Height | Approximate Age of Child |
Type of seat
|
|---|---|---|
| 0-85cm | Birth - 15 months | Rear-facing baby carrier or baby seat using a harness |
| 0-105cm | Birth - 5 years | Rear-facing baby seat until your child is at least 76cm, then forward facing |
| 100-135cm | 4 - 12 years | Forward-facing child seat |
Baby Car Seats (up to 85 cm):
Features:
- Rear facing - the safest way for your baby to travel.
- Many are compatible with ISOFIX fittings (remember to check your vehicle manual for comaptibility).
- Feature carry handles for transporting to and from the car and curved bases to gently rock your baby.
- Many are compatible with travel systems.
- Some seats have additional features such as lie-flat position adjustability and swivel bases for ease of getting baby in and out.
Toddler Car Seats (up to 105 cm):
Features:
- Approved for use across a wide height/age range, so are great for longer term use.
- Offer rear-facing travel up to 4 years of age, but can usually switch to forward-facing if necessary from 76cm in height.
- Are adaptable to the height/age of the child, with adjustable harness, headrest and padded inserts.
- Many models spin or rotate, making it easy getting the child in and out of the car, as well as turning from rear-facing to forward facing. Many have rotating and swivel bases for ease of getting your child in and out, and to change from rear to forward facing.
Child Car Seats (up to 138 cm):
Features:
- Adapt to a wide height / age range.
- Some models can offer more than 10 years of usability.
- Many have additional features such as cup holders and arm rests.
Ensure the safety of your child on every journey, no matter how short – always take the time to secure them in an appropriate car seat which has been correctly installed.
We are here to offer expert advice on selecting and fitting the right car seat for your child and vehicle. To ensure proper installation and fit, we offer a car seat fitting and demonstration service at our Warrington store.
Things to consider:
- Under no circumstances should a car seat be placed on a passenger seat equipped with an active airbag.
- The proper installation of all car seats is crucial to maximize their effectiveness in the event of an accident.
- Not all car seats are compatible with every car, so it's essential to verify fitting suitability for each vehicle you intend to use the seat in.
- Re-check compatibility if you change your car.
- Read the instruction booklet accompanying your car seat. Following the guidelines provided will ensure a safe and correct fitting. Retain for future reference.
- We recommend installing your car seat well in advance of its first use, to allow sufficient time.
- It's advisable not to leave babies in car seats for extended periods.
Ready to buy?
Key Information & Terminology
- A car seat must be used from birth until the child is either 12 years old or 135cm tall (whichever comes first).
- Select a car seat based on your child’s height and weight, ensuring compatibility with your vehicle.
- Car seats based on weight must remain rear-facing until your child exceeds 9kg.
- Car seats conforming to the latest R129 regulation are height based, and must remain rear facing until the child is at least 76cm and 15 months of age.
- Never place an infant carrier on the front passenger seat when the airbag is activated.
- Use only EU-approved child car seats within the UK.
- Remember to have an infant carrier ready for your baby's first journey home from the hospital.
- Second-hand child seats are not recommended - you cannot be certain of its history, whether it has been involved in a collision, it may not be designed to current safety standards and could be missing instructions for correct fitting within a vehicle.
The UK’s R44 legislation is a weight based sizing system.
In 2013, the new ECEÂ R129 regulation was introduced, which is considered to provide greater protection for children and make car travel even safer. Consequently, the majority of car seats we sell at The Baby Store are R129.
Here is a quick overview of the differences between the two regulations:
R44 (original safety regulation):
- Child can forward face from 9kg
- Seats are tested for front and rear impact
- Crash test dummies with 4 sensors are used
- Uses a weight based system
R129 (new & improved safety regulation):
- Child must rear face until at least 76cm and 15 months
- Seats are tested for front, rear and side impact
- Advanced crash test dummies are used for better injury detection
- Sizing is based on height (and weight) for a more precise, individualised fit
There is some misconception that the R129 regulation and i-Size are the same thing. However, i-Size is actually a vehicle fitting enhancement of the R129 regulation. Here is a quick breakdown of each:
R129 (car seat safety regulation):
This is the most recent European car seat safety regulation. Seats conforming to R129 require the following:Â
- Child must rear face until at least 76cm and 15 months
- Seats are tested for front, rear and side impact
- Advanced crash test dummies are used for better injury detection
- Sizing is based on height (and weight) for a more precise, individualised fit
i-Size (enhancement to R129 regulation):
i-Size is an enhancement of ECE R129, which requires:
- Car seats fit inside a set of specific dimensions to guarantee fit in all i-Size vehicles
What is ISOFIX?
To install car seat there are two options: using the vehicle seat belt or opting for an ISOFIX attachment.
ISOFIX is a cutting-edge car seat safety system designed to offer reassurance while driving with young children. With research indicating that a significant portion of car seats are improperly installed, experts in car seat technology devised the ‘International Standards Organisation Fix,’ commonly known as ISOFIX. This innovative system revolves around rigid connection points rather than reliance on a seatbelt, ensuring a secure installation within your vehicle.
Seat Belt V ISOFIX
Seat Belt:
The traditional method of using the vehicle seat belt to install a car seat remains a reliable, safe choice, when done correctly. This installation approach is particularly convenient for those who frequently switch between vehicles or for occasional users, such as grandparents. It’s a universal fitting method, compatible with all cars equipped with a 3-point seat belt.
ISOFIX:
For enhanced peace of mind regarding correct installation, we recommend an ISOFIX attachment. ISOFIX car seats feature anchoring points on their base, which securely fasten into corresponding anchorage points inside a compatible car. Introduced to mitigate the risk of improper car seat installation, ISOFIX significantly enhances the protection level for your baby or child. Remember to verify the ISOFIX compatibility of both your car and any other vehicle where the seat might be used.
The benefits of ISOFIX:
- Drastically reduces the risk of incorrectly fitted seats.
- Forms a rigid connection between the car seat and the vehicle, enhancing overall protection.
- Simplifies installation.
- Minimizes the likelihood of child injury in the event of an accident.
- All cars manufactured after 2011 are equipped with ISOFIX points.
Things to consider:
- Check whether your car has under-seat storage, as this may impact the type of ISOFIX base you can use.
-
To determine if your car has an ISOFIX system:
- Contact your vehicle manufacturer.
- Refer to your vehicle manual.
- Look for staple-shaped fittings located between the back and bottom of the seat.
Impact shields represent one of the latest advancements in the field of child seat safety technology, offering enhanced protection in the event of a collision.
Here is the Baby Store’s guide to exactly what they are and why you should consider a car seat equipped with one
What are impact shields?
- A recent development incorporated into some car seat designs, offering significant benefits.
- Also known as safety cushions, they fasten securely around the front of your child while they're seated in their car seat.
- The shield helps diffuse collision forces across a broader surface area, alleviating strain on critical body regions such as the neck, shoulders and head during accidents, like a pre-inflated airbag.
- Studies indicate a reduction in this strain of up to 40% compared to conventional harness systems lacking energy-absorbing capabilities.
The benefits of impact shields
- In the event of a collision, they act like a pre-inflated airbag to diffuse collision forces and strain on critical areas such as the neck, shoulders and head
- Studies indicate a reduction in this strain of up to 40% compared to conventional harness systems lacking energy-absorbing capabilities.
- When a rear-facing seat isn't feasible - such as for smaller or two door vehicles - a forward-facing seat equipped with an impact shield is an effective alternative.
Choosing your Car Seat
The following chart is a guide to selecting the correct car seat for your child. Please bear in mind that it always advisable to seek personalised advice where possible to ensure a precise fit for your child. Please visit us in-store at The Baby Store Warrington for expert advice and car fitting demonstration.
i-Size car seat sizing guide:
| Height | Approximate Age of Child |
Type of seat
|
|---|---|---|
| 0-85cm | Birth - 15 months | Rear-facing baby carrier or baby seat using a harness |
| 0-105cm | Birth - 5 years | Rear-facing baby seat until your child is at least 76cm, then forward facing |
| 100-135cm | 4 - 12 years | Forward-facing child seat |
Baby Car Seats (up to 85 cm):
Features:
- Rear facing - the safest way for your baby to travel.
- Many are compatible with ISOFIX fittings (remember to check your vehicle manual for comaptibility).
- Feature carry handles for transporting to and from the car and curved bases to gently rock your baby.
- Many are compatible with travel systems.
- Some seats have additional features such as lie-flat position adjustability and swivel bases for ease of getting baby in and out.
Toddler Car Seats (up to 105 cm):
Features:
- Approved for use across a wide height/age range, so are great for longer term use.
- Offer rear-facing travel up to 4 years of age, but can usually switch to forward-facing if necessary from 76cm in height.
- Are adaptable to the height/age of the child, with adjustable harness, headrest and padded inserts.
- Many models spin or rotate, making it easy getting the child in and out of the car, as well as turning from rear-facing to forward facing. Many have rotating and swivel bases for ease of getting your child in and out, and to change from rear to forward facing.
Child Car Seats (up to 138 cm):
Features:
- Adapt to a wide height / age range.
- Some models can offer more than 10 years of usability.
- Many have additional features such as cup holders and arm rests.
Ensure the safety of your child on every journey, no matter how short – always take the time to secure them in an appropriate car seat which has been correctly installed.
We are here to offer expert advice on selecting and fitting the right car seat for your child and vehicle. To ensure proper installation and fit, we offer a car seat fitting and demonstration service at our Warrington store.
Things to consider:
- Under no circumstances should a car seat be placed on a passenger seat equipped with an active airbag.
- The proper installation of all car seats is crucial to maximize their effectiveness in the event of an accident.
- Not all car seats are compatible with every car, so it's essential to verify fitting suitability for each vehicle you intend to use the seat in.
- Re-check compatibility if you change your car.
- Read the instruction booklet accompanying your car seat. Following the guidelines provided will ensure a safe and correct fitting. Retain for future reference.
- We recommend installing your car seat well in advance of its first use, to allow sufficient time.
- It's advisable not to leave babies in car seats for extended periods.
Ready to buy?
