Until a child has reached a determined age and weight (13 kg or 75 cm high), the use of child seats in cars is mandatory. The measure is approved by type approval regulations R44/04 or R129 i-Size (see the information on the approval labels). You should consider changing your car seat: For babies: when the top of their head is higher than the top of the seat back; For small children: when the shoulders are above the holes where the upper straps come out of the car seat; For children: when the car’s seatbelt fits snugly around the hip bones and over the shoulder, the child can now move on to using the standard adult seatbelt. In addition to the height, it is also important that the child’s weight does not exceed the maximum weight for which the car seat is approved. Follow this advice and travel safely. Which car seat is required for children aged up to 12 years old and/or 1.35 metres tall? According to Portuguese legislation, all children aged up to 12 years, until they reach 1.35 m in height, must use a child restraint system approved for their height and weight when travelling by car. In Europe , there are 2 regulations for the approval of child restraint systems: Regulation 44; Regulation 129. R44 is the oldest, its first version was created in the 1980s . R129 , also known as i-Size, is the most recent regulation. It was published in 2013 and introduced more stringent safety requirements for approval. What do the R129 changes consist of? This regulation introduced several important amendments, in particular the approval of forward-facing seats only for infants older than 15 months. In practice, this means that when using seats approved under Regulation R129, it is compulsory for children up to the age of 15 months to travel with their back to the direction of travel. Another new element of the R129 is the categorisation of car seats , which has changed from weight to height . Choosing a car seat based on height ensures the child is better adapted to the seat. How do you read the labels identifying the approval of the child seats? In accordance with the relevant type-approval standard, these labels must appear on the car seat when it is purchased. R44/04 Labels ECE R44/04: type-approval standard; UNIVERSAL: compatible with all types of cars fitted with safety belts; Gr. 1 (9 kg-18 kg): Group 1 car seat approved for children weighing between 9 kg and 18 kg; Y: Seat with 3-point harness; E2: “E” means the product is approved, and the number 2 corresponds to the country of approval (2 = France); 04 06011: the approval number. The first two digits (04) mean the approval was carried out in accordance with version 04 of Regulation R44. R129 Labels i-Size: type-approval standard; Universal ISOFIX: compatible only with cars equipped with an Isofix system; 45 cm -105 cm (<19 kg): car seat approved for children between 45 cm and 105 cm in height and weighing a maximum of 19 kg; E2: “E” means the product is approved, and the number 2 corresponds to the country of approval (2 = France); 00 16159: approval number. The first two digits (00) mean the approval was made in accordance with version 0 of Regulation R129; UN Regulation No. 129/00: type-approval standard (the same as i-Size, version 0). In collaboration with Dorel. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
