As a retailer, you probably already know the various rules and regulations for car seat safety. But still, recapping on this is always useful as is ensuring your staff, even if only part time, have a full understanding of what the law requires.

According to www.childcarseats.org.uk babies should be in rearward-facing baby seats and should not be moved to a forward-facing seat until they weigh at least 9 kgs and can sit up unaided. Once a child is above the maximum weight for a rearward-facing seat or the top of their head is above the top of the seat, they should be moved into a forward-facing seat. It is illegal to carry a child up to 3 years old in a rear-facing child seat in the front of the car, which is protected by an active frontal airbag.

In the rear seat, the correct seat must also be used. The only exception is in a licensed taxi or licensed hire car - if a child restraint is not available then the child may travel unrestrained. This exception was introduced from a practical perspective only says the organisation, adding that for safety reasons a car seat should be used at ALL times. It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure that the child is correctly restrained.

For children aged three and above, until they reach EITHER their 12th birthday or 135cm in height, the correct child restraint should continue to be used in the front seat. In the rear seat, the correct restraint must also be used where seat belts are fitted. There are three exceptions where there is not a child seat available. In each case, the child MUST use the adult belt instead. They are: in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle; if the child is travelling on a short distance for reasons of unexpected necessity; or if there are two occupied child restraints in the rear which prevent the fitment of a third.

Although the law outlines some exceptions to the use of car seats, you should always underline the importance of not taking any chances to customers. Grandparents and others responsible for child care will often need to purchase a car seat in addition to Mum and/or Dad. When selling a car seat it is important that you ask a parent who else will be responsible for the child care and whether arrangements have been made either for sharing use of the seat or purchasing another to guard against being in the situation where one is not available.

Following 18 months of lobbying by the BPA, it has been confirmed that as of 1st July this year, the VAT for child car seat bases will now carry the reduced rate of 5% bringing it in line with the VAT for child car seats. This is great news for the Industry, which is committed to ensure that all children travel as safely as possible, at all times.

Accessories

Children often get bored on very long car journeys, so a range of accessories that allow parents to concentrate while driving should also be offered. From sun canopies and sun blinds to head support cushions and travel blankets, there are a range of accessories designed to make a child's journey more comfortable. A car tidy is also a great way of storing books and toys for the journey, making them easily accessible when required.