When considering how to choose a child car seat, it’s best to begin with your vehicle. The right vehicle ensures plenty of interior space, easier child seat installation and better compatibility. Here are some of our favourite vehicles that make fitting and using car seats hassle-free.

As you choose the best family car, consider these features and practical touches:

• Wide rear doors: Allow for quick access to the back seat and more space while loading children into their seats.

• Flat back seats: Allow for better installation of car seats without unnecessary tilting.

• Spacious boot: To hold all of the travel accessories and strollers needed for a trip.

• ISOFIX points across multiple seats: Providing options where the child seat can be installed. 

• Advanced safety features: In conjunction with securing a child in the car seat, you want advanced technology protecting occupants.

Are you ready to buy a used vehicle for your family? At AvailableCar, we have a vast selection of cars with superior car seat compatibility and family-friendly features. Browse our online selection today.

A proper car seat is a must-have if you want to ensure your child’s safety during travel. Properly installed car seats protect your child from injury during a crash, offering superior support for their age and size. If you fail to choose a suitable car seat or you don’t install it correctly, your child may be at risk of an injury because they won’t be properly restrained during a crash.

In the UK, children are required to be in a car seat until they are 12 years old or reach 135cm tall, whichever occurs first. EU regulations are closely aligned with UK laws, but the requirement is for children under 150cm instead. Failure to adhere to these child car seat safety laws can result in penalties, with the UK fining drivers £60 and putting three penalty points on the driver's licence. If the case ends up in court, there could be a maximum fine of £500. In a few EU countries, fines can reach up to €350.

The best car seats for children ensure that your child is comfortable and protected. Car seats are classified into three main groups, based on your child’s weight and age:

• Group 0+ (birth to 13kg): Rear-facing seats for newborns and infants.

• Group 1 (9-18kg): Rear- or forward-facing seats with harnesses.

• Group 2/3 (15-36kg): Booster seats for older children.

Combination or multi-group seats span across several groups, such as Group 0+/1, suitable from birth to until the child weighs 18kg, around four years old. The i-Size (height-based) standard is another regulation introduced across the EU meant to improve child car seat safety. With its focus on the child’s height versus the weight, the seat should provide a more accurate fit.

When buying a car seat, consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Safety ratings: Look for ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) certifications.

• Ease of installation: Car seats that are ISOFIX-compatible allow for a secure, seamless fit.

• Comfort: Adjustable headrests, padded seats and recline functions can make the child more comfortable.

• Durability: Choose a build quality and materials that last long term.

• Brand: Paying a little more for a high-quality brand should pay off in longevity and comfort.

• Added features: Washable covers make it easier to keep the seat clean, while side-impact protection can add more peace of mind. 

We understand that it may be tempting to buy a second-hand car seat and save money, but you shouldn’t. It could have been in an accident, leading to structural damage that would sacrifice protection.

When installing child car seats, always follow the manufacturer guidelines. Use ISOFIX points when they’re available, ensuring a secure fit. After you install the car seat, firmly shake it to ensure that it’s secure. Also remember to fit the harness snugly around your child’s body. If you need more guidance to secure the child seat, look for local safety days where experts demonstrate the proper fit. These events take place in shopping centres or supermarket car parks.

Before you head out, make sure that your child’s car seat matches their age, weight and height for maximum safety. Take the time to correctly install the car seat in an appropriate position, usually in the rear. Finally, remember to consider the type of car you drive, ensuring that it is a good choice for the family. Browse our range of family-friendly vehicles, perfect for installing any car seat, at AvailableCar today.

Any journey can be more enjoyable with the whole family in tow, especially if you enjoy the car you have. If you aren’t happy with your current model, browse the selection of family-friendly vehicles at AvailableCar today. We’ll help you find the vehicle that’s perfect for installing car seats and travelling with the family.

When considering how to choose a child car seat, it’s best to begin with your vehicle. The right vehicle ensures plenty of interior space, easier child seat installation and better compatibility. Here are some of our favourite vehicles that make fitting and using car seats hassle-free.

As you choose the best family car, consider these features and practical touches:

• Wide rear doors: Allow for quick access to the back seat and more space while loading children into their seats.

• Flat back seats: Allow for better installation of car seats without unnecessary tilting.

• Spacious boot: To hold all of the travel accessories and strollers needed for a trip.

• ISOFIX points across multiple seats: Providing options where the child seat can be installed. 

• Advanced safety features: In conjunction with securing a child in the car seat, you want advanced technology protecting occupants.

Are you ready to buy a used vehicle for your family? At AvailableCar, we have a vast selection of cars with superior car seat compatibility and family-friendly features. Browse our online selection today.

A proper car seat is a must-have if you want to ensure your child’s safety during travel. Properly installed car seats protect your child from injury during a crash, offering superior support for their age and size. If you fail to choose a suitable car seat or you don’t install it correctly, your child may be at risk of an injury because they won’t be properly restrained during a crash.

In the UK, children are required to be in a car seat until they are 12 years old or reach 135cm tall, whichever occurs first. EU regulations are closely aligned with UK laws, but the requirement is for children under 150cm instead. Failure to adhere to these child car seat safety laws can result in penalties, with the UK fining drivers £60 and putting three penalty points on the driver's licence. If the case ends up in court, there could be a maximum fine of £500. In a few EU countries, fines can reach up to €350.

The best car seats for children ensure that your child is comfortable and protected. Car seats are classified into three main groups, based on your child’s weight and age:

• Group 0+ (birth to 13kg): Rear-facing seats for newborns and infants.

• Group 1 (9-18kg): Rear- or forward-facing seats with harnesses.

• Group 2/3 (15-36kg): Booster seats for older children.

Combination or multi-group seats span across several groups, such as Group 0+/1, suitable from birth to until the child weighs 18kg, around four years old. The i-Size (height-based) standard is another regulation introduced across the EU meant to improve child car seat safety. With its focus on the child’s height versus the weight, the seat should provide a more accurate fit.

When buying a car seat, consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Safety ratings: Look for ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) certifications.

• Ease of installation: Car seats that are ISOFIX-compatible allow for a secure, seamless fit.

• Comfort: Adjustable headrests, padded seats and recline functions can make the child more comfortable.

• Durability: Choose a build quality and materials that last long term.

• Brand: Paying a little more for a high-quality brand should pay off in longevity and comfort.

• Added features: Washable covers make it easier to keep the seat clean, while side-impact protection can add more peace of mind. 

We understand that it may be tempting to buy a second-hand car seat and save money, but you shouldn’t. It could have been in an accident, leading to structural damage that would sacrifice protection.

When installing child car seats, always follow the manufacturer guidelines. Use ISOFIX points when they’re available, ensuring a secure fit. After you install the car seat, firmly shake it to ensure that it’s secure. Also remember to fit the harness snugly around your child’s body. If you need more guidance to secure the child seat, look for local safety days where experts demonstrate the proper fit. These events take place in shopping centres or supermarket car parks.

Before you head out, make sure that your child’s car seat matches their age, weight and height for maximum safety. Take the time to correctly install the car seat in an appropriate position, usually in the rear. Finally, remember to consider the type of car you drive, ensuring that it is a good choice for the family. Browse our range of family-friendly vehicles, perfect for installing any car seat, at AvailableCar today.

Any journey can be more enjoyable with the whole family in tow, especially if you enjoy the car you have. If you aren’t happy with your current model, browse the selection of family-friendly vehicles at AvailableCar today. We’ll help you find the vehicle that’s perfect for installing car seats and travelling with the family.