PARENTS URGED TO DO RESEARCH AND NOT COMPROMISE ON PRICE BEFORE BUYING A CAR SEAT

Maxi-Cosi- a leading innovator in child car seat safety for 30 years - is urging parents to do their research and not compromise on price when it comes to buying a car seat.

The call comes as the BBC reports that UK Trading Standards officers have uncovered a trade in dangerous car seats being sold online.

Trading Standards have thus far found people selling car seats in Surrey and Yorkshire that, when tested, fell apart on impact and "failed all the relevant rules".

Maxi-Cosi has therefore offered its top tips when it comes to researching and buying a car seat:

1. Check that the car seat you want to buy has the recognisable orange ECE quality mark label. All car seats sold in the UK must meet the minimum safety requirements from the European legislation ECE R44/04 or ECE R129 (i-Size). Products that don't have this ECE RR/04 or ECE R129 (i-Size) label cannot be sold in the UK and are not safe to use.

2. Buy from a reputable UK retailer - and, if you're unsure, go to a nursery products supplier who can advise you, demonstrate how the car seat works and show you how to fit it. Make sure the car seat fits your car.

3. Make sure you select a car seat that it is straightforward to use and favour an easy to install IsoFix system.

4. The risk of serious injury to the head and neck is highest between the ages of zero and four years, when a child's head is significantly larger in proportion to its body. A rear-facing car seat will provide greater head and neck protection in the event of a collision.

5. Don't scrimp on cost. While it is understandable that not everyone can stretch to the more expensive car seats, going for the cheapest option might be putting your child at risk of serious injury or even death in the result of a collision.

Andrew Ratcliffe, Managing Director of Maxi-Cosi UK, said: "Buying a car seat is one of the most important purchases a parent will ever make.

"It is therefore vital that parents and parents-to-be thoroughly research the car seat market and realistic options available to them before making a purchase.

"The best car seat manufacturers offer a wide range of affordable options, but the best car seat is ultimately one that offers safety, fits your child, fits your car and is easy to install and to use."

Maxi-Cosiitself recently launched aCar Seat Advisory Toolto help parents select the best and safest car seat for their child. The easy-to-use tool can be found on the Maxi-Cosi website athttp://www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/gb-en/#wizard/car-seat-advisory-tool.

Ends