Using UK car seat in US

U

Unregistered

Guest
Hi, I know that a similar question was posed in 2006 but I thought I would ask again in case anything has changed. I am British but currently living in the US and pregnant. I am having some baby stuff sent over from the UK from my first child but I'm particularly concerned about the infant carrier/babys seat issue. Is it true that I cannot use our UK babyseat over here (it's a British brand not available here)? Many thanks in advance (also is there a website I can go to read the laws pertaining to this myself?)
 
ADS

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
Your UK seat is not legal to use here. I'm looking for the wording for your state, but I don't see it. A seat used here in the US must pass FMVSS213 testing (our version of ECE R44). If the seat hasn't passed FMVSS213 testing it's considered I guess unsafe, at least illegal. Plus, most UK seats only rear face to 9 kg, and in the US, just as in Britain, we're moving toward rear facing until four years old, or about 45-55 pounds. So a 9 kg British group 0 seat just wouldn't cut it in that regard either.

Wendy
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
For that matter, in the last few years there have been some awesome improvements in car seat technology and design, and neat new seats released. I don't know how old your older child is, or how old your car seat is, but it quite possibly lacks safety features that are newly available in both the UK AND the US. A new seat might be an excellent investment for that reason. :) Look around a bit and you'll find that there are some very good seats (infant-- with a base and carrier-- or convertible-- rear and then later forward facing) that can be had in almost any price range.

Information on what car you have, what features you want in a seat, what your other child rides in, and how much you'd like to spend could help us give you better recommendations for U.S. seats. :)
 
U

Unregistered

Guest
Ok, thanks for confirming this...my older son is 3. What was annoying was that we initially had a seat for my son that went up to 9kg (all that was available at that time). He went over 9kg before he was 1 and in the meantime the company (which was compatible with the carriage) introduced a seat that went up to a higher weight limit for rear facing. It was the only one available so we bought 2 seats in quick succession but consoled ourselves thinking we'd use it for our next child (but didn't factor moving overseas into the equation). We also have US car seats we have used for our older child that can rear face (but not for new babies). So- any suggestions would be much appreciated. We have a Lincoln (can't remember the model but not that huge) and a Honda Civic. Thanks again...
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,655
Messages
2,196,895
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top