{"id":4442,"date":"2021-04-19T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-19T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/?p=4442"},"modified":"2026-03-10T14:12:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:12:48","slug":"how-to-keep-a-baby-safe-in-a-car-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stagingpresta.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/newborn-essentials\/car-seats\/how-to-keep-a-baby-safe-in-a-car-seat\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Baby Safe in a Car Seat"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

If you\u2019re a parent on the go, you\u2019ll be sharing lots of car trips with your teeny tot. Car journeys are an important part of our day-to-day life, and <\/span>car seats<\/span><\/a> are an essential safety precaution for little ones. Whether it\u2019s a quick drive to lull your angel to sleep or a full-blown road trip, our expert advice ensures they\u2019re <\/span>safe on the road<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The most important thing to remember is, by <\/span>UK law<\/span><\/a>, all children must use <\/span>car seats<\/span><\/a> until they\u2019re 135 cm tall or until the age of 12 (whichever comes first). And remember \u2013 your little one\u2019s car seat should be rear-facing until they\u2019re at least 15 months old.\u00a0 This is all down to seat belt placement, and if it\u2019s not in the right position, your cheeky monkey could slip out.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

So, how can you keep your bundle of joy protected on your travels? In this post, we provide information on how to keep them safe in a car.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Your first car journey with a baby\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The first car journey with a newborn can be a frightening experience. You are just coming to terms with parenthood, sleepless nights and the various colours of baby poo when you have to bundle your precious baby into their car seat and take them on their first journey. Whether it\u2019s taking your little one home from the hospital, or popping into your local shops, try to make your first trip as stress-free as possible with our top safety tips.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Choosing a car seat<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Absolutely top of the list is ensuring that you are using the correct <\/span>car seat<\/span><\/a> for your little one (if you are unsure, look at the chart below) and installing it correctly. Follow the instructions closely, making sure the car straps are placed correctly and tightly. You may want to have a few practices before the journey; adding a screaming baby into the mix on your first attempt may be too ambitious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

A car seat with an <\/span>ISOFIX base<\/span><\/a> also makes this process a bit easier and less back-breaking! An ISOFIX base uses ISOFIX connectors that secure the base to your vehicle. The car seat then sits on top of the base in one click and makes sure it is secure. Most vehicles are equipped with ISOFIX points. To check, look for the indicators on the back seat of your car or in your vehicle handbook.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Legally, the group 0+\/1 seats (the correct group for a newborn) must face the rear of the car, and if you place the seat in the front passenger seat, you must disable the airbags. It\u2019s also essential that you buy the right one to meet <\/span>car seat laws<\/span><\/a>. There are two different standards to look out for, ECE R44 and UN R129 (also known as i-Size).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

A guide to car seat groups and regulations<\/span><\/h4>\r\n

We know car seat groups can be confusing, so here is a table to show you the weight range and approximate age for the car seat groups. We have also provided information on what the difference is between R44 and R129 regulation car seats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n
Seat group<\/b><\/h5>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
\r\n
Weight range<\/b><\/h5>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
\r\n
Approximate age range<\/b><\/h5>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Group 0+\/1<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

0-18kg (0-40lb)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

From birth to 4 and a half years<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Group 1<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

9-18kg (20-40lb)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

About 9 months to 4 and a half years<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Group 2\/3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

15-36kg (33lb-5st 9lb)<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

About 3 years to 12 years<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

R44 v R129<\/span><\/h5>\r\n

The R129 standard was introduced in 2012 to make travel for babies and children even safer. It\u2019s. It follows more detailed testing than R44 for improved head and neck protection. Current child car seat laws mean using either regulation car seat is legal. It is still safe to use an R44 car seat, but it is likely that this standard will be phased out over time for the R129.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Here is a breakdown of the main differences:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

R129<\/i><\/strong><\/h6>\r\n