Car seat safety rules explained: What does the orange label on your car seat mean?

Car seat safety rules explained: What does the orange label on your car seat mean?

What Does the Orange Label on Your Car Seat Mean?

Have you ever noticed the small orange label on your child's car seat and wondered what it's for? That label is important because it tells you that the car seat meets safety regulations. If a car seat doesn’t have this label, it may not be safe for your child.

Where Can You Find the Orange Label?

The orange label is usually found on the side or bottom of the car seat. This label proves that the seat follows safety regulations set by the European safety standard. You should always check for this label when buying a car seat.

Difference Between R44 and R129 Car Seats

There are two types of safety standards when it comes to car seats:

R129 (i-Size)

R129, also called i-Size, is the latest standard. It provides better protection, especially for the head and neck, because it goes through more crash tests. i-Size car seats are chosen based on your child's height, making it easier to find the right fit.

Read more about the R129 safety rules here.

R44 Standard

The R44 standard is older and classifies car seats based on weight. Although R44 seats are still allowed, they don’t offer the same advanced protection as R129 seats.

Check out the latest laws and rules for car seats.

Is i-Size the Same as R129?

Yes, i-Size is a part of the R129 regulation. It ensures that the seat fits properly in cars with an i-Size seat position. However, not all R129 seats are i-Size, as some bigger seats may not fit smaller cars.

Can My Child Use Any Car Seat?

No, it's important to use a car seat that matches your child’s height or weight. The orange label on the seat will tell you the correct size range. R129 seats are marked by height, while R44 seats are grouped by weight:

  • Group 0+: Newborn to 13 kg (rear-facing only)
  • Group 1: 9 kg to 18 kg
  • Group 2/3: 15 kg to 36 kg

Can an R44 Seat Follow i-Size Regulations?

No, a car seat can either be approved under R44 or R129, but not both. If safety is your priority, go for an R129 seat.

What Can You Learn from the Orange Label?

The orange label is legally required on all car seats sold in the market. It ensures the seat meets either R44 or R129 standards. If a seat doesn’t have this label, it is not approved for use.

Looking for the Best Car Seat for Your Baby?

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More Helpful Guides

Understanding the R129 Orange Label

R129 Orange Label

The orange label indicates the brand and type of car seat, as well as the size range.

The R129/03 identifies the regulation to which it is tested (R129) and the version of the regulation (3rd update).

The E1 and '030063' numbers are linking the car seat to its government testing reports.

Explore Our Full Collection of Car Seats

Browse our full selection of car seats, including all the best options for your baby’s safety, comfort, and style:

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