Choosing the right car seat
1. Find the right seat for your child's weight
Car seats are divided into groups based on the child’s weight. These correspond broadly to different age groups, but it is the weight of the child that ultimately determines the type of car seat that must be used.
2. Does your car have ISOFIX?
ISOFIX is the safest and securest method of installing a car seat. If your car doesn’t have ISOFIX, you can from a range of belted seats, which are secured using the cars 3-point seat belt.
3. Make life easy
Look out for useful features such as car seats with harness hooks, for easy loading and installation indicators that let you know you have installed the seat securely.
4. Avoid Second hand Car Seats
Although financially tempting it may be, it’s not a good idea. You can’t be sure the car seat hasn’t been involved in a car accident, which means its structure could be compromised even if there’s no physical sign of damage. When it comes to installation the chances are you won’t have an instruction manual for the second-hand seat, and won’t be sure you are fitting it correctly.
The Law
It is mandatory to use child car seats within the EU for children up to the height of 1.35m or 1.5m or age 12 (whichever comes first) – depending on the member state. It is prohibited to place a child in a rear facing seat in the front of the car, if the car is equipped with active front seat airbags.
Single Group Car Seats
Designed for a single weight range, once the child has moved out of that weight range a new car seat will be required in the next group.
Group 0 / 0+Suitable from 10 - 13kg (birth to 12-15 months)They are rearward facing in the car, portable and can be used in the home, car or as part of a travel system. |
Group 1Suitable from 9 – 18kg (9 months - 4 years)They are forward facing in the car, and normally have comfort recline systems which are easy to adjust while the child is in the seat. |
Group 2-3Suitable from 15 – 36kg (4 years - 12 years)They are lightweight and easy to transfer between cars. |
See our Single Group Car Seats
Combination Car Seats
They are adjustable and grow with your child. They are great value for money, and ideal for parents and grandparents who are regularly driving children of varying ages.
Group 0+ & 1Suitable from birth – 18kg (birth - 4 years)They are designed to be used rearward facing for babies from birth to approximately 13kg, and then forward facing from approximately 9 – 18kg. |
Group 1-2-3Suitable from 9 – 36kg (9 months - 12 years)Between the weight of approximately 9 – 18kg your child is normally secure in useing the car seats integral harness. Between 15 – 36kg the harness is usually removed, and both the child and the car seat are secured by the vehicles 3-point seat belt. |
