Keeping Your Child Safe in the Car
A PARENT‘S GUIDE
Did you know?
The new i-Size regulation (R129) was introduced to improve children’s safety. It includes a requirement to keep young children rear-facing at least until 15 months old.
This is because, in a frontal collision, the forces on a child’s neck and head are up to five times lower when they are rear-facing.
i-Size car seats are tested not only for frontal collisions but also for side impacts – something that was not required before.
The old ECE R44/04 standard was used for over 20 years, but you won’t find new seats meeting it anymore. They may appear only on the second-hand market, which shows the product is already older.
Keeping your child safe in the car is not just a duty – it protects their life and health.
Choosing the right car seat for your child’s age and height 1
Infant: 40 cm to about 87 cm (0–15 months)
Rear-facing seat that provides optimal head and neck protection.
Toddler: 61 cm to 105 cm (6 months–4 years)
Rear-facing at least until 15 months – ideally longer, as it’s the safest position.
Older child: 100 cm to 150 cm (4–12 years)
Seats with backrests that position the car belts correctly and adjust them to the child’s height.
⚠ Always check that the seat has i-Size (R129) approval.
Rear-facing – for as long as possible 2
EU rules (i-Size, R129) require children to travel rear-facing until at least 15 months. Many experts recommend keeping them rear-facing even until 4–6 years old for maximum safety.
This position spreads impact forces better, reducing the risk of spine and head injuries.
However, the exact timing depends on your child’s size, age, seat type, car model, and other factors.
Correct car seat installation 3
⚠ Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
⚠ Check that the seat is stable.
⚠ Use ISOFIX if your car has it – it reduces installation errors.
Did you know that proper seat belt adjustment is key to your child’s safety?
The belts must fit snugly against your child’s body to protect them in sudden braking or a collision. Belts that are too high, too low, or too loose may fail to do their job and increase injury risk.
Securing your child correctly 4
⚠ Belts should be snug but not press on the skin.
⚠ Make sure the belts are not twisted – even a small twist reduces their effectiveness.
⚠ In winter, don’t buckle your child in thick coats – it’s better to cover them with a blanket.
Did you know that thick, slippery jackets can create a gap between the belts and your child’s body?
The danger comes from the fact that in a crash, this gap leads to much greater impact force acting on the child. The looser the fit, the stronger the force, and therefore the higher the risk. What’s more, a bulky, slippery jacket can also cause the straps to slide off the child’s shoulders, leaving them unrestrained. In extreme cases, the child may simply slip out of the car seat altogether!
The safest place in the car 5
⚠ Middle of the back seat (if ISOFIX is available) –furthest from impact zones.
⚠ Otherwise, the rear seat behind the passenger.
⚠ Never fit a rear-facing seat in the front if the airbag is on.
Did you know that you should never install a rear-facing car seat on the front seat if the airbag is activated?
Its sudden deployment can seriously injure the child. Even in a minor collision, the airbag’s explosion may cause the seat to be pushed forward or the child to be forced against the car seat.
Longer trips –breaks and comfort
⚠ Take breaks every 2 hours for stretching and position changes.
⚠ Bring a favourite toy, book, or audiobook
⚠ Check that your child’s head hasn’t fallen forward (especially infants) – this can make breathing harder
⚠ Monitor the temperature – the child should not overheat or get cold.
Did you know that you should never leave a child alone in the car?
Even short moments can be dangerous due to overheating or hypothermia.
Common mistakes 7
❌ Belts too loose or twisted
❌ Incorrect seat installation
❌ Switching to forward-facing too early
❌ Feeding a child while driving
❌ Holding a child on your lap – extremely dangerous
❌ Choosing a seat that doesn’t match your child’s height
Did you know that not replacing a seat after a crash is a serious mistake?
Even without visible damage, tiny cracks can reduce its safety in future incidents.
About us
Parenting can be wonderful but challenging. That’s why we aim to inspire and support parents every day
We create strollers, car seats, high chairs, bikes, and cots with comfort, safety, and style in mind.
Our products are recognised in international design competitions (Red Dot Awards), loved by parents (Mother & Baby Awards), and tested by independent institutions such as ADAC and Stiftung Warentest.
We are a global brand, dedicated to being a real support for parents every day.
Why we make travel safer
Safe Car Seat Program
Replacement seats after a crash ensure your child travels in a fully functional seat that meets safety standards.
10-year warranty
No forms needed – your 10-year warranty starts with purchase. Focus on what matters, leave safety to us.
100-day return
If the product doesn’t meet your expectations, return it within 100 days.
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