Kevin Macliver, renowned car seat expert and inventor of the Multimac multi-child car seat system, is urging families to prioritise safety this festive season. He explains that however, tempting it is to squeeze in a little extra luggage, never compromise on your child’s seat. Safety must always come before convenience. Here are his top festive travel hacks to help families arrive safely and with holiday cheer intact.
With the Christmas season fast approaching, many parents’ thoughts are turning to the festive period – and the logistical juggling act of when to see friends and family both near and far. With that often comes the familiar frenzy of packing the car: making sure gifts are hidden from curious eyes, fitting in overnight bags, and somehow squeezing in everything else needed for the journey.
But while it’s easy to get caught up in making sure you’ve packed everything but the kitchen sink, it’s just as important to ensure your family is travelling as safely as possible – especially during the colder, icier winter months.
Driving home for Christmas
In the UK, the law requires all children under 12 years old, or under 135 cm in height, to travel in a car seat that’s right for their size. Babies must remain rear-facing until at least 15 months old, but it is advised that parents keep children rear-facing for as long as the seat allows. Unlike adults, babies and toddlers have proportionally larger heads and weaker necks, so in a forward-facing seat, a crash can cause the head to jerk forward with huge force, increasing the risk of serious injury. Rear-facing seats provide much better protection for the head, neck and spine.
Parents often feel pressure to switch children forward-facing early – whether due to boredom, travel sickness, or wanting them to see more – but age alone isn’t enough. The only true sign a child is ready to face forward is when they’ve outgrown the height or weight limit of their rear-facing seat.
For families whose children are ready to move forward-facing check for these main elements:
- 5-point harness to spread crash forces across the body.
- Side-impact protection, particularly around the head and neck.
- Padding and recline to support children while sleeping.
- Compatibility with your car – not all seats fit all vehicles.
Common mistakes include buying a seat that’s too big, choosing a cheaper option that lacks protection, or not checking compatibility before purchase. Investing in the right seat is worth it, as it could be the most important purchase you ever make.
Keeping Spirits Bright While Travelling with Siblings
Christmas often means bigger family trips – and for those with three or more children, fitting everyone safely can feel impossible. Many cars simply aren’t designed to take multiple seats across the back row. Macliver designed the Multimac system to solve exactly this problem, allowing parents to safely seat three or even four children across the back without compromise and ensuring you can still use that vital boot space.
No matter what setup you use, each child should have their own properly fitted, age-appropriate seat. Long journeys can be challenging with excited siblings in the back, so it helps to keep them entertained with simple activities that won’t distract the driver. Think festive music, audiobooks and stories, sticker books, or the classic game of I Spy. And when tensions rise, a gentle reminder that “Father Christmas is watching” can work wonders.
Pack like a pro
Organisation is your best friend. Assign each child a small bag with essentials – snacks, water, and one comfort item like a toy or blanket. Keep healthy, mess-free snacks to hand, such as apple slices, mini sandwiches, or rice cakes, and avoid sticky or crumbly foods that cause chaos in the back seat – and another thing for parents to clean up.
Pit stops
Regular breaks are vital. Plan to stop every couple of hours so children can stretch their legs and recharge. These breaks are also a good chance to double-check that harnesses and straps are still correctly fastened – small adjustments can make a big difference after hours of travel.
Final Thought
Holiday travel with children is always an adventure, but with the right preparation it doesn’t need to be stressful. Car seat safety isn’t just about the seat – it’s about giving your child the best protection possible, every single journey.
And of course, there’s always the option for decorating the exterior of your car if you really want to spread some Christmas joy!
About the expert
Kevin Macliver is the innovative engineer and devoted father of four who transformed a garage invention into Multimac – the world’s only multi-child car seat system, now trusted by families and Royals alike. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Birmingham University and a background in process and environmental engineering, Kevin has spent his career creating ingenious, safety-led solutions for everyday challenges. What began as a practical design for his own growing family has evolved into a £2.5 million international business, pioneering child travel safety. Today, alongside his daughter Araminta, Kevin continues to engineer groundbreaking, family-focused innovations for the future. Find out more at www.multimac.com
