Child car seat finder: What seat does your child need?

Home
Car insurance
Child car seat finder

Compare different car seats

How to find the right car seat for your child

Most child car seats are designed around your child's height and weight. Age can help as a guide, but children grow at different rates.

By law, children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

Child car seat standards explained

Height-based child car seats (R129 or i-Size)

R129 is the current safety standard for new child car seats. It classifies seats by your child’s height and includes side-impact testing.

R129 seats also have a maximum weight. Check both limits before buying or moving your child into another seat.

Children using an R129 seat must stay rear-facing until they’re over 15 months old.

Some R129 seats cover several stages and adapt as your child grows. Always follow the height and weight limits set by the manufacturer.

Weight-based child car seats (R44)

R44 is the older standard and groups child car seats by weight.

Group	Child’s weight
0	Up to 10kg
0+	Up to 13kg
1	9 - 18kg
2	15 - 25kg
3	22 - 36kg

Approved R44 seats are still legal to use if they’re suitable, undamaged and fitted correctly. If you’re buying a new seat, choose one approved for R129.

Some R44 seats cover more than one group and adapt as your child grows. Follow the manufacturer’s weight limits for your seat.

How to check a car seat is safe

When buying a new child car seat, choose one approved to the R129 safety standard. You’ll find “R129” and a circled “E” on its approval label.

Independent organisations, including Which? and ADAC, carry out additional tests. These assess crash protection, fitting and everyday usability.

Some rear-facing seats have also passed the Swedish Plus Test. This voluntary test measures the forces placed on a child’s neck during a severe frontal collision.

Only seats that keep these forces below a strict limit pass. This makes the Plus Test a useful sign of additional neck protection.

If you’re comparing models, our child car seats guide explains what to look for and the UK rules.

After a collision, your car seat may need replacing even if there’s no visible damage. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and check whether your car insurance covers a replacement.

Can I be fined for using the wrong car seat?

Yes. If a child isn't using the correct restraint or car seat, the driver can be fined up to £500.

By law, the driver is responsible for making sure any child under 14 is using the correct child car seat or seatbelt, even if the child isn't theirs.

Should you choose a rear-facing or forward-facing seat?

Rear-facing is considered to be the safest way for young children to travel. It supports their head, neck and spine by spreading crash forces across their back.

Keep your child rear-facing for as long as their seat allows. Guidance says that ideally, children should stay rear-facing until they’re at least 4 years old.

Some extended rear-facing seats support children up to 125cm or 36kg. Check the height and weight limits for the individual seat.

Don’t turn your child forward-facing because their legs touch the seat. This is normal, and children usually find a comfortable position for their legs.

What our motor insurance expert says

“Getting your child's car seat right isn't just about avoiding a fine, it's one of the most important things a parent can do to keep them safe on every journey. Yet, despite most parents feeling confident in their knowledge, our research shows a significant number are still unsure exactly when their child should move onto the next stage, or which seat is right for their age and size. That uncertainty can have real consequences, both on the road and afterwards.

“It's also worth remembering that getting this wrong won't necessarily invalidate your car insurance outright. But following the law matters, for your child's safety first and foremost.

“Our car seat safety checker takes the guesswork out of the equation. By simply entering your child's age and weight, parents can get clear, instant guidance on the right seat for their child, helping families make safer choices and avoid falling foul of the law.”

Matt Crole Rees Motor General Manager & Motor Insurance Expert

What's the difference between ISOFIX and seatbelt-fitting car seats?

ISOFIX uses built-in anchor points to attach the child seat directly to the car. A seatbelt-fitting seat relies on the standard adult seatbelt to strap the child seat into place.

To check whether your car has ISOFIX, look for the metal anchor points between the seat cushion and seat back, or check your owner's manual.

Not every ISOFIX seat fits every ISOFIX-equipped car. Always check the manufacturer's compatibility list before you buy.

Some forward-facing ISOFIX seats also use a top tether. This provides an extra anchor point to help limit movement in a crash.

Can you put a child car seat in the front?

Yes, but only if it's fitted correctly.

A rear-facing child car seat must never be used in the front passenger seat if the airbag is active.

If you need to use the front seat:

switch off the passenger airbag before fitting a rear-facing seat
move the passenger seat as far back as possible
make sure the child seat is fitted correctly

The back seat is the safest place for children to travel. The NHS and other child safety organisations recommend using it whenever possible.

FAQS

Do child car seats expire?

Yes. Most manufacturers recommend replacing child car seats after 6 to 10 years.

Always check your seat's label or handbook for its recommended lifespan.

It's also best to avoid second-hand seats unless you know their full history. Damage from a previous crash isn't always visible, and missing parts can affect how well the seat protects your child.

How long can a baby stay in a car seat?

For newborns and young babies, the general guidance is no more than around 2 hours at a time.

If you're travelling further, stop regularly so your baby can come out of the seat, stretch and get some air - especially as car seats can make babies and children quite hot due to all of the padding.

When is a child car seat not needed?

There are a small number of legal exceptions, including some taxi journeys, buses and coaches. Visit the gov.uk site for information on car seat laws.

What car seat does my child need?