From March 1, new rules will come into force banning traditional backless booster seats for children.

The new regulation means manufacturers will no longer be allowed to bring out backless booster seats for children under 125cm tall, or who weigh less than 22kg.

The change is being introduced in the UK and across Europe to improve safety, as backless booster seats offer less protection in a crash.

But parents who have an existing model will NOT be breaking the law by continuing to use them, according to www.gov.uk

Here’s what you else need to know to keep your child safe and avoid breaking the law:

  • A car seat must be used until your child is 12 years old, or 135cm tall – whichever comes first.
  • If using a height-based seat – known as i-Size – it must be kept rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. The seat must be checked to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child. You can only use an EU-approved height-based child car seat in the UK – these have a label with a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘R129’.
  • Weight-based seats come in different sizes suitable for different weights. Only EU-approved weight-based seats can be used in the UK – these have a label with a capital ‘E’ and the code ‘ECE R44’.
  • A car seat must be fitted using ISOFIX anchor points or secured with a diagonal seat belt strap, unless is it specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt.

  • Front air bags must be de-activated when fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat.
  • Some child car seats aren’t suitable for certain car models – always check before you buy.