car seats

[betterhalf]

Someone explain to me at what age children move to a front facing child seat. Is it age or weight that prompts the move? Or is it illegal before a certain age?

Don't think that age comes into it. Most car seats have an upper weight limit.

I think that the legal implication is that they have to be adequately restrained, rather than 'they must be front facing until they are xxKG', but don't quote me on it!

If you're worried, you could go to Mothercare and ask for some advice. I found them really helpful.

Weight is the deciding factor, min 9kg and should be able to support head and sit. Age is irrelevant as long as these criteria are met. If in doubt keep them rear facing which is far safer, most infant carriers go up to 10 or 13kg at least. Legally you cannot use a rear facing seat in front with an airbag but no other law apply as as long as the child restraint is appropriate to age/weight.

the englsih car seast that a foreward facing start at 9kg

a child lighter than this must NOT sit in one.... its NOT SAFE

however most group 0 car seats go up to 13kg, and you child is MUCH safer rear facing, so keep them in them as long as possible.

In other EU countries they keep children rear facing until aged 4 / 18 kgs...
and children who use those car seats have a much better survival rate and less injuries than those who forward face..... BUT they dont even SELL those car seats in england

Moct children get big enough for a forward facing car seat between 9 and 12 months, but some children dont reach 9kg til 15+ months, so they need to rear face until they are heavy enough

Im sure in this country its the law that you have to put a child in an appropriate car seat so until they are the correct weight it would notbe appropriate and you would still be breaking the law.

Thanks for all your help.

I think they do say not to put them in a froward facing until 9 months even if they are heavy enough because before 9 months they don't have the body strength to be safe on a froward facing