In the UK, several car seat safety laws are in place to ensure children are always protected when travelling. These rules impact children until they are either 12 years old or 135cm tall, so any parents of children between 9 months and 6 years must pay close attention to the requirements. 

Regulations that impact this age range cover two aspects: rear-facing and correctly chosen car seat models. 

Firstly, it's a law that children rear-face until they are 15 months old. This provides additional support in the case of an accident as well as supporting their developing body completely. Secondly, the rules regarding the correct model dictate that a seat must be chosen based on a child's height and weight. Children can use car seats within this category up to an average age of 6 years. This may not be the case only if they are fast developers. It's therefore essential to always adjust a car seat and possibly purchase a new one based on the child's current size.

You must use a rear-facing car seat until a child is 15 months old. However, you can retain a rear-facing position until a child is older as long as you choose a correctly adjustable seat. Many tests have been conducted that show the benefits of this position within the car so it’s always a good idea for parents or guardians to choose what’s best for their child.

It's important to clarify that the law mandates children to use a car seat until they reach 12 years old or 135cm in height, whichever comes first.

It is illegal to use a rear-facing seat in the front if the airbag cannot be disabled. Otherwise, it is permissible, although not recommended, to use the front seat. For the best position, refer to the car seat manufacturer's fitting list.

The best position is in the centre, which avoids most impacts when a crash occurs. However, side positioning is also ok if the correct safety measures are followed during installation.

The outer frame of a car seat can simply be wiped clean. When it comes to the inner lining, most models allow for a complete removal with fabrics and padding then being machine washable. During cleaning, please be sure to only use mild detergents and child-friendly cleaning solutions to avoid any irritation.

Yes they can, this is the beauty of these seats!

Features such as the headrest, armrests and harnesses can be adjusted to correctly support the current height and weight of the child. Each product will differ in how this is done but all are designed to offer seamless changing of positions.

Always consult the manufacturers guidelines and ensure you are using an Isofix or a seatbelt Many seats also include safety and adjustment markers to indicate when the correct installation has been achieved. Finally, you should always check the robustness of a seat before letting a child use it.