Car Seat Safety Guidance

Today, Britax Römer operates a globally distributed manufacturing network, producing close to each region’s markets to shorten supply chains and minimize environmental impact. Product development is conducted locally — in the United States for North America, China for Asia, Melbourne for Australia, and Germany for Europe — ensuring a deep understanding of regional markets and delivering products that meet the specific needs of consumers worldwide.

At Britax Römer, we want to share our wealth of experience to empower you with the knowledge, confidence and peace of mind to enable smooth family car journeys each and everyday.

Check out our Car Seat Safety Guidance below!

What is the UK law for child car seats?

It is mandatory by UK law to use child car seats until a child has reached the height of 135cm / 1.35m or if this height is not reached, until they have reached the age of 12 years. 

More about car seat standards in the UK

ECE R129 - i-Size – this standard is the most recent of the two legal car seat standards in the UK. It incorporates more strict testing criteria and sets more advanced safety standards based on recent safety data collected by industry testing bodies. The key enhancements are that:

• Car seat suitability is established via age and size of the child rather than weight
• ISOFIX only car seats are required to reduce incorrect installation in vehicles
• Extended rearward facing travel is required until a minimum of 15 months
• There is now side impact testing, to provide improved protection in the event of a side collision
• An i-SIZE seat can be used for children up to 150 cm tall

Should my child travel rearward facing?

Children under the age of 15 months and in R129 (i-Size) approved child car seat must travel rearward facing in a vehicle by law.

Once your child is aged over 15 months and using an R129 child car seat, forward facing travel is permitted however not recommended and we would encourage parents to keep their child rearward facing for as long as possible. By keeping your child rearward facing in their child car seat, this is the safest way for them to travel, especially in the event of a frontal impact with another vehicle.

How do I know if my child car seat is compatible with my vehicle?

You can verify whether your chosen Britax Römer car seat is compatible with your vehicle using our unique FIT FINDER®. This comprehensive fitting resource ensures that your selected seat can be installed correctly, allowing all safety features to perform as designed – so your child remains fully protected and you can travel with complete peace of mind.

How long can my child travel in their car seat before I need to take them out?

Britax Römer recommends that babies be taken out of their car seats regularly during longer journeys. This guidance is supported by scientific research and insights from healthcare professionals, safety experts, and vehicle manufacturers to ensure your child’s comfort and well-being throughout travel.

Can my child wear a coat in their child car seat?

Children should not wear thick winter coats or jackets while secured in their car seat. Bulky clothing can prevent the harness or vehicle belt from being tightened properly, reducing its effectiveness in the event of a collision. We recommend removing thick outerwear before securing your child and, if additional warmth is needed, placing a blanket over the harness or seat belt instead.

Can my baby sleep in their child car seat?



It is normal for babies and young children to fall asleep during journeys. This is perfectly safe for short trips. For longer journeys, take regular breaks to remove your child from the car seat. Once you reach your destination, always transfer your baby or young child to a suitable, approved sleeping environment, such as a cot or moses basket, even if they are still asleep.

Rearward facing child car seats in the front of the vehicle - what you need to know!



Baby car seats, suitable from birth (Group 0/0+), must always be installed rearward-facing. These seats should never be used in a front passenger seat with an active airbag, as this poses a serious safety risk.

The same guidance applies to Group 0+/1 and Group 1/2 seats—covering children from birth up to approximately 6 years of age—depending on the specific seat model. For older children or different seat types, always consult both your child car seat instructions and your vehicle manual to ensure safe installation.

Rearward-facing seats are safer because they support the child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a frontal collision, distributing impact forces across the back of the seat rather than concentrating them on vulnerable areas.