Child seats

Choosing and fitting a child car seat.

Children are amongst the most vulnerable road users and passengers. That’s why, by law, all children under 150 cms in height or 36 kgs (79 lbs) in weight must use a child restraint system (CRS) suitable for their height and weight while travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi).

There’s a wide range of child car seats available for children of all ages and sizes. It’s vitally important that you always choose the right child car seat, fit it or have it fitted correctly and ensure that it remains securely fitted and suitable for your growing child.

If in doubt, always ask an expert.

Child car seat types

Child restraints are categorised according to the weight of the children they are suitable for. These weight categories correspond broadly to different age groups, but it is the weight of the child that is most important when deciding what type of child restraint to use. 

The sizing chart in our child safety in cars booklet will help you find out what types of child car seats are suitable for your child's weight.

Choosing a child car seat

A properly fitted child restraint system keeps the child in their seat, preventing them from being thrown about inside or being thrown from the vehicle. It also absorbs some of the impact force. This means that your child is much less likely to be killed or injured in a crash.

Our videos offer clear and trusted advice to help you choose the right child car seat for your child.

An appropriate child restraint is one which:

• conforms i-Size (Regulation 129).  From the 1st September 2023, R129 replaced R44 entirely as the only approved EU car seat testing standard.
• always look for the E mark to ensure your child car seat meets these standards
• is suitable for your child’s weight and height;
• is correctly fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Fitting your child car seat

You should always choose a retailer who can fit child car seats for you, and who can show you how to fit it correctly yourself. You should also make sure you get the instruction manual with your car seat on how to fit it safely in your car.

We have published a helpful new DVD which gives examples of how to fit some child car seats and you can order your free copy.

Or you can watch one of our online videos now that demonstrate how to fit a child car seat correctly.

Code of practice for child car seat retailers

Whether it's deciding the correct type of car seat for your child’s weight and height, or understanding what makes the child car seat compatible with your car, our Code of Practice for Child Car Seat retailers aims to help you feel confident that you are getting the correct information and help.

All child car seat retailers in Ireland and all child car seat manufacturers who supply goods to Ireland are welcome to participate in this code at any time.  We are committed to work with them and helping them on all aspects of this code.

Participating retailers 2023

Below is a map of participating retailers who have signed up to the Code of Practice for 2023.

Participating Manufacturers 2022

This is a list of participating manufacturers for the year 2022. Manufacturers can sign up at any time of the year so the list will be updated as manufacturers sign up. This initiative was only launched in December 2020 so keep checking this page for the most up to date information.

 Last updated - 15 February 2022

FAQs

Child safety in cars frequently asked questions (FAQ). Child safety, child car seats, seat belts, booster seats. Choosing a safe child car seat. Check It Fits.

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