Baby | Toddler Car Seats
Children are up to five times safer in a rear – facing car seat than a forward – facing car seat. A rear – facing car seat supports a child’s entire back, neck and head, and distributes crash forces evenly over a larger area, reducing the forces acting solely on the neck. General guidelines say that children should ride rear – facing up to a minimum of four years but children can be seated rear – facing for longer. For more information on the benefits of a car seat being rear-facing check out our blog: https://www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk/blogs/b4baby/axkid-car-seats-the-future-is-rear-facing
ISOFIX is a universal system for fitting car seats that uses attachment point built
into the car rather than a seat belt which makes it easier to fit the car seat
securely by reducing the risk of error.
It is important to note that not all cars are compatible with ISOFIX. For you to be
able to install an ISOFIX car seat you need to have the ISOFIX points built into your car. Check your car model handbook to see if it is compatible before buying an ISOFIX car seat. The anchor points are often hidden within the car seat itself.
For more information on the approved forms of ISOFIX car seats and the benefits of ISOFIX check out our blog: https://www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk/blogs/b4baby/what-is-isofix
At Natural Baby Shower we have a range of infant car seats from brands that we love and trust. The time you can use a newborn car seat until does vary by brand, some car seats can be used from newborn until 12 months and some brands can be used until 24 months. On each infant car seat product page you should be
able to see how long you can use your infant car seat for. If you’re still unsure of which infant car seat is for you? Why not take a look at our latest blog on the top five infant carrier car seats of 2024: https://www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk/blogs/b4baby/top-5-infant-carrier-car-seats-for-2024
There’s no denying it car seats can get sticky and messy on your daily adventures. Be careful when cleaning your child’s car seat particularly with the harness straps as these are one of the most important parts of your car seat’s safety. For all areas of the car seat we would advise using only water and soft cloths to wipe away the mess and avoiding strong cleaning products that could decrease the usefulness of the material and car seat mechanisms.
It will carry a label that confirms that it meets the requirements of the relevant regulation (either R44 or R129).
ISOFIX car seats are more likely to be fitted correctly with a reduced risk of user error, therefore making them safer, however, well fitted belted car seats (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions) can be equally safe.
Legally, car seats do not have expiry dates. It is still legal to use seats that were approved to R44/03, some of which date back to the mid '90s. Every car seat currently sold by retailers has to meet current legislation. However, by using an older car seat, you will not benefit from the improvements in technology or innovation that a new seat may provide.
Car seats are designed to keep little ones safe while on the move and should not be a primary sleeping space. This also includes using car seats as alternatives for cribs or highchairs which is not safe. When using a car seat to drive for long periods, it is important that you take breaks. Many car seat manufacturers and NHS guidelines recommend that a baby should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours throughout the day as research has found a link between travelling in car seats for longer periods of time and breathing difficulties.
Yes, but we recommend little ones should ride in the back of the car to avoid risk of injury. If you're using a rear-facing child seat – you are required to deactivate all front airbags. For using forward-facing seat in the front of the car, make sure to move the seat back as far as possible to maximise the distance between the child and the airbag. If at all possible, avoid putting a forward-facing restraint in an airbag-equipped seat. If it is not possible, consult the manufacturer of the car for guidance. You should also make sure your little one is far beyond the airbag's expansion region by finding out how far the airbag extends when it is activated. Put the passenger seat as far back from the vehicle as possible, so that the car seat is very securely fitted and your little one is securely held by the harness or seat belt.
When buying a car seat, make sure to try a few in your car before deciding which one is best for your family. Here at Natural Baby Shower, we offer a car seat fitting service at the store located in Bagshot, Surrey where you can receive expert advice and installation guides from our trained Nursery Specialists. We can also check if your car has its Isofix connector installed. Most modern family cars are equipped with Isofix connection points so look for them in the upholstery crevices of your car's seat. If you expect your baby to travel in different vehicles regularly, such as with other family members, check to see if the car seat fits in their vehicle. Some car seat manufacturers offer online guides that show which cars their seats fit. Always choose a baby or child seat that matches your child's current height and weight, plus have a think about how you will use your car seat. For example, if you frequently load your little one in and out of the car, you may want to purchase a lightweight seat with a base that stays in the car. All car seats in this country must be EU-approved.
