Travel with a baby: car seats, taxis, and bicycles

What’s the law on car seats?

Where possible, every child should travel in the correct size child car seat in the UK from birth until they reach 12 years old or 135cm tall. So, families who plan to use a car will need a car seat before the baby is born (Gov.uk, no date; NHS, 2026).

Do children with disabilities need a car seat?

Children with disabilities must use a car seat. However, they can use a child restraint designed for their needs, or a disabled person’s seat belt. Where necessary, a doctor can issue an exemption certificate for children unable to use a seat belt or suitable restraint (Gov.uk, no date).

When there is no room for a car seat

If there is no room in the back of a car because there are already two car seats in use, then the third car seat can be placed in the front passenger seat. Any airbag must be disabled (Gov.uk, no date).

Older children

Over the age of 3, children can use adult seat belts in rear car seats only if there is no child car seat and the journey is short and unexpected (Gov.uk, no date).

Full information on car seat rules is on the government website.

Which car seat should I choose?

Car seats sizes are based on either the child’s height or their weight. They are either rear-facing or forward-facing.

Newborns and young babies should always travel in rear-facing car seats, which offer the most protection for the child’s head and spine. The child should not be moved into a forward-facing seat until they exceed the maximum height or weight of their rear-facing seat. Some parents choose extended rear-facing seats which can be used until around four years old (Gov.uk, no date; Lullaby Trust, 2025; NHS, 2026; Rospa, no date a).

See the government website for full details about height-based and weight-based seats.

How do I know the car seat is safe?

Required safety marks on car seats are (Gov.uk, no date):

• An ‘E’ in a circle to show it meets European Union Safety standards, plus either
• ‘R129’ for height-based seats, or
• ‘ECE R44’ for weight-based seats

Can I buy second-hand?

A car seat is one of the pieces of baby equipment it’s recommended to buy new. The safety can be compromised if it has been in a crash, after general wear and tear, or if you don’t have the fitting instructions (NHS, 2026; Lullaby Trust, 2025).

Car seats don’t have an expiry date, but it’s advised to replace a seat after five years, and always when it has been involved in a collision (Rospa, no date a).

Fitting a car seat

Before buying a car seat for a family car, make sure it fits any car that will be used regularly. Car seats must be fixed in place with (Gov.uk, no date; NHS, 2025):

• a diagonal strap seat belt
• a lap seat belt only when specially adapted for that purpose

or

• ISOFIX anchor points in the seat which attach to an ISOFIX car seat

Aim to always put the seat into a car from the pavement side (NHS, 2026).

Where does the car seat go? (Gov.uk, no date; NHS, 2026; Rospa, no date a)

• Car seats must not be placed in the front passenger seat of the car unless the airbag is disabled and when there is no other option.
• Front-facing car seats are not ideal in a front passenger seat but are legal. It is always safest for children to travel in the back of a car.
• Do not fit a child seat in side-facing seats.

Straps should be adjusted following the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove snow suits or bulky coats before putting a child into their car seat. The extra padding can mean the straps are too loose. The suit or a blanket can be placed over the baby after they’re safely strapped in (Lullaby Trust, 2025).

Safety around cars

It’s recommended to start talking to children about safety around cars as soon as possible. However, it’s up to adults to always check where children are before moving a vehicle (Rospa, no date b).

Car safety tips include (Gov.uk, 2015; Rospa, no date b; Mini First Aid, no date):

• It is illegal to smoke or vape in any vehicle with anyone under the age of 18 because of the dangers of second-hand smoke
• Never leave a baby or children in a car without an adult
• Make sure child locks are enabled to prevent doors opening when the car is moving
• Keep car keys out of sight and reach
• Discourage playing near cars
• Face the car forwards to leave a driveway, rather than reverse, so the view is clearer
• Keep a first aid kit in the car for any scrapes while out and about. Include a pair of tough scissors to cut seat belts in an emergency.

Tips for driving long distances with a baby or toddler

For premature and young babies, the advice is to avoid travelling long distances. Babies are at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep upright in a seated position for too long, which increases the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) (Lullaby Trust, 2025).

When it’s necessary to travel a long way with a baby, take regular breaks where the baby is taken out of the seat to stretch and move around. Ideally, an adult would travel in the back seat with the baby to check on them (Lullaby Trust, 2025).

When travelling alone, some parents use a mirror to keep an eye on the baby. If the baby slumps forward, stop as soon as is safe. Take them out of the car seat for a while and check the harness is well fitted when restarting the journey (Lullaby Trust, 2025).

Long distance tips:

• Plan stops along the route of longer journeys.
• Window shades can shield the baby from strong sun.
• Music or audio stories can help keep babies and children entertained.
• Snacks can be provided by an adult in the back. If this isn’t possible, wait until the car is stopped before giving a snack to the baby in case they choke (Mini First Aid, no date).
• BBC CBeebies Parenting has activity ideas for long journeys.

Cycling with a baby or child

Children from roughly 9 months old or 9kg, can ride in a child bicycle seat with a harness on an adult caregiver’s bike (Rospa, no date c). This can be a fun way to travel for the child and is a great way for the caregiver to get exercise.

The seat must conform to safety standards BS EN 14344:2004 and the baby and adult should wear a helmet (Rospa, no date c).

A reputable bike shop can help with finding a seat suitable for use with the bicycle. The specialist may fit the seat, or if fitting the seat at home follow the instructions carefully and check brackets are tight (Rospa, no date c).

Other tips (Rospa, no date c):

• Never fit a seat in front of the handlebars, which can affect steering and braking.
• Fit the seat between handlebars and adult, or behind the adult.
• Make sure the child’s feet are shielded from the wheels, and their hands from any moving parts.
• Get used to the increased weight and stopping time by practising cycling in quieter roads first.

Cycling UK is a national charity which also has information on trailers and tag-a-longs for children.

Further information

You can also check our separate articles on public transport and overseas travel.