From nappies to pushchairs, sleepless nights to baby car seat safety, there’s a lot to take in.

Here at Swansway Group we thought that we’d  give you an idea of some of the things you'll have to bear in mind when it comes to baby car seat safety.

Features that you'll have to consider as you looks forward to your new arrival include:

Forward or backward facing seats Seats from Group 0, 1, 2 or Boosters ISOFIX fittings

But do you really need any or all of these things? Or are they just nice-to-have? 

UK law states that:

• ​Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm (4’ 6”) tall, whichever comes first.
• ​Only EU-approved child car seats (with a label showing the symbol ) should be used in the UK.
• ​The driver is responsible for ensuring that any child under 14 is using the correct seatbelt or child seat whilst in their car.
• Children under 3 MUST travel using a baby car seat.
• Backward-facing baby car seats must not be used in a front passenger seat unless the airbag has been turned off.
• If there is room in the rear passenger seat for only 2 child seats, a 3rd child (over the age of 3) may travel in the rear of the car using a seat belt alone.
• Taxis and buses are exempt from these rules but will allow parents to install their own baby car seats for the safety of their own child.

The only exceptions to these rules is if the journey is unexpected AND necessary AND over a short distance.

So, Which Seat To Choose

Car seats are based on the weight, age and height of the child, the entire range of which are catered for by most reputable car seat manufacturers. A Group 0 backward-facing seat should be her first choice, progressing to a Group 1 at 9 months or 10kg (22lbs).

If you end up having a long baby who outgrows his/her first car seat, you could look at an i-size seat that might suffice up to 15 months, progressing to a forward-facing Group 2 seat (from 4-6 years) and a Group 3 seat (from 6-11 years) which is a high-backed booster seat with head rest.

Whatever brand you choose, you'll will to stay on the ball regarding legislation. Swansway Group has learned that laws regarding booster seats, for example are currently under review with the likelihood that they will soon only be approved for use by children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg or 48lbs.

A recent survey by Sheila’s Wheels claiming that up to 32% of car seats are wrongly fitted. However ISOFIX may help with this!

Tucked away in the rear seat of most cars, at the base of the seat back, ISOFIX points allow the child seat to be directly connected to the car without the use of seat belts. Compatible baby car seats can even be instantly clicked into a base that is permanently fixed into the car using these ingenious points.

If you’re awaiting the arrival of a new baby and want to trade in your old car, upgrade to one of our fantastic used cars or get your car booked in for a vehicle health check to make sure its safe running before the happy event, you’ll be more than welcome at any Swansway Group garage. Our team of advisors and qualified technicians are on standby to help.