UK car seat finder
By BabyNido editorial team · Published · Last updated
Law summary from GOV.UK child car seats (checked 13 Aug 2026). Not an installer. Read the car seat guide.
What does the law require if JavaScript is off?
Children need a child car seat until 12 years or 135 cm, whichever comes first. New height-based R129 seats must stay rear-facing until the child is over 15 months. Never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active frontal airbag. An unknown-history second-hand seat is a skip.
| Situation | Shop for |
|---|---|
| Buying new, newborn | R129 / i-Size infant carrier, rear-facing, ISOFIX or belt as the manual says |
| Over 15 months, still growing | Stay rear-facing if the seat allows; forward-facing is legal on R129 after 15 months, not a target |
| 12 or 135 cm | Seat belt, unless a clinician says otherwise |
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Frequently asked questions
Should I buy i-Size or R44?
Buy R129 / i-Size if purchasing new. An R44 seat you already own can still be legal with the right label and fit. Do not buy an unknown-history second-hand seat.