Life is an adventure, and when it comes to including the newest addition to the family, you are going to need a car seat! In fact, unless you live within walking distance of the maternity hospital, the midwives will check that you have a safe car seat for your little one before discharging you.

We all want our babies to be safe, and it can easily get overwhelming trying to choose a car seat. There is no shortage of options and price points available, so how do you know which one is the right one to pick?

This edition of Nursery Essentials is here to help you wade through sizes, types and safety regulations and take some of the worry out of picking the car seat that is right for your growing family.

 

Car Seat Rules and Safety Standards in The UK

The good news is that all car seats for sale in the UK must meet specific regulations to ensure your baby's safety. Look for safety certifications such as the ECE R44.03 or R129, which indicate that the car seat has passed rigorous testing. Any new car seat you buy will be tested for safety up to a certain standard, so you do not need to worry about that.

The UK government states that all children should use a car seat up to the age of 12 or 135cm tall, whichever comes first meaning that car seats are going to be part of your life fro a while!

Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Baby

There is quite a difference between a 2 month old, a 2 year old and a 12 year old which is why care seats are split into different groupings and are normally based on weight and sometimes height. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents provides this handy table to make picking the right group of car seat a breeze.


Installing a car seat

When installing the car seat, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and seek expert recommendations (like our staff at the DeWaldens Prma center) if needed. Proper installation is key to ensuring the car seat functions as intended during a collision.

Car seats will fit into your car either with an Isofix system or by using the seatbelts in the car. Isofix options are popular because once the main base is installed it makes taking the car seat in and out of the car simple. Some, like the Maxi-Cosi Familyfix 360 Pro IsoFix Base, also have a swivel function to make it even easier to get your wee one in and out of the car. Not all cars are capable of having an Isofix system installed, our helpful staff will be able to let you know if your car is compatible with the seat you have chosen.


Car seats that are secured by seatbelts tend to be more universal and are often a better option if your child will often be travelling in different peoples cars, like grandparents or friends.

 

Some of our most popular car seats

You’ll find a huge range of car seats here at DeWealden some of our best sellers include:



 Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 Car Seat
This car seat from Silver Cross gets top billing because it will last from birth all the way up to 12 years old and is capable of being rear and forward facing. The swivel ISOfix base makes getting kiddos in and out a breeze. There are removable inserts that make it suitable for newborns. When they are no longer required, you can look forward to 8 headrest positions and 3 recline positions for the ultimate in comfort and safety.

 

Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro I-Size Car Seat
This high-backed booster-style seat earns point for its versatility. It is forward-facing only so you would need to find another option for the newborn stage. However, once your bambino is over 15 months old they can start taking trips in the Ttitan.
We especially love that it comes with a 5 point harness that can be removed once your kiddo is big enough to use the standard seatbelt in the car.

 Silver Cross Reef Travel System with Travel Pack

This car seat makes our list because you get much more than just a car seat, making it an ideal way to get organised for a new arrival.

The bundle includes the Reef pushchair, suitable from birth up to toddlerhood. Also included is an Isofix base and car seat adapters, so you can easily transfer the seat from car to pram with a few clicks. 
 

Purchasing Your New Car Seat

We hope this edition of Nursery Essentials has taken some of the mystery and worry out of buying a car seat and you are ready to make a choice.

At DeWalden’s Pram Centre, we ensure that all the products in our selection are of premium quality and sourced from exceptional brands with strong reputations. You are in safe hands with us. We are here to help you find the best car seat for you. Give us a call on 01563 520075 or pop into our showroom in Kilmarnock.

Recent posts