Child Restraint
Child Restraint Systems
| Take time to make sure your child restraints are properly fitted every time. |
Injuries to children can be significantly reduced by using a suitable child restraint. They must be approved to the United Nations ECE Regulation 44.03 or subsequent standards. These give the weight range for the children who may use them. You must use the right one for each child. There are several types of child restraints - baby seats, child seats, booster seats and booster cushions. You must check on the seat description itself that it is suitable for your child's weight. Look for a label with an "E" mark and an approval number starting with '03'. Only very old restraints will have a BS "Kitemark". These cannot be used after May 2008. Before buying a child restraint, you should try it in your car to make sure it fits properly. Ask for a demonstration. A properly installed restraint fits tightly into the adult seat - push your weight against it while tightening the adult seat belt. The seat belt buckle should not rest on the restraint frame. Beware of old or second-hand restraints which may be damaged or worn out. They may not have proper fitting instructions and may not meet current standards. Take ample time to fit a child restraint in your car and always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Recent vehicles may have ISOFix attachment points. An ISOFix child restraint is installed using these and not the adult seat belt (although many can be used with adult belts). They are easier and quicker to install accurately and safely. But always check whether a child restraint is suitable for the ISOFix points in your car - some will differ. Rear-facing baby seats provide very high levels of protection for young babies, but they must not be used where a front seat is protected by an active frontal airbag. |
Adult belts are designed to give optimum safety to adults over 150cms (4ft 11ins) or taller. They are not designed for children. The EU Directive however did allow member states to choose the threshold height above which a child may use an adult belt, either 150cms or 135cms. As a result of consultation it was proposed that Northern Ireland in line with Great Britain would choose the threshold of 135cms this however does not prevent any child from continuing to use a booster cushion, until they reach 150cms in height.
A booster seat or cushion may not be popular with older children but it puts them in the right position so that they get the maximum protection from the adult belt. It is important to get the belt low across the abdomen from hip bone to hip bone and over the shoulder, away from the neck.
As children get older, they need to move up to the next restraint. The table summarises which child restraint type is suitable for a range of child weights. However for specific information in relation to your child, you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the suitability of the restraint for your child. Manufacturers may use different names and some products cover more than one weight range.
| UNECE 44.03 Group |
Weight range |
Age range (approx.) |
| Group 0 and 0+ (eg baby seat) |
Up to 13kgs |
Birth to 9-12 months |
| Group 1 (eg child seat) |
From 9kgs to 18kgs |
9 months to 4 years |
| Group 2 (eg booster seat) |
From 15kgs and upwards |
From approx 4 years |
| Group 3 (eg booster cushion) |
From 22kgs and upwards |
From approx 6 years |
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