What are child restraints?
Approved child restraints include:
- infant restraints for young babies (often called baby capsules)
- restraints for older babies, toddlers and preschool children (often called car seats)
- booster seats for preschool and school-aged children
- child safety harnesses (used with or without a booster seat) for preschool and school-aged children.
All approved child restraints display standard markings to show they are approved.
Requirements for child restraints
Children aged under five must be secured in an approved child restraint when travelling in cars or vans.
- Children aged between five and seven must use a child restraint if available. If not available, they must use a safety belt. If a safety belt is not available they must travel in the back seat.
- Children aged between eight and 14 must use safety belts if available. If not available, they must travel in the back seat.
- People aged over 14 must wear safety belts where they are available.
Want more information?
See more information on child restraints.
