When choosing a child seat for your child, the first thing to get right is deciding what stage seat they need! This isn't always as easy as it sounds, as there are crossovers on weight and each group offers different benefits. There are 7 groups, with some seats combining groups - but you won't have to buy 7 seats! Generally, you only need to buy 3 seats through your child's first 12 years - baby seat, toddler seat and child seat.
Children are safest traveling in the lower stage seat for as long as possible. The below information details the weight and height limits for each seat.
NOTE: Group 0 is not included in this chart - however Group 0 is suitable from newborn to 10kg.
Children are safest traveling in the lower stage seat for as long as possible. The below information details the weight and height limits for each seat.
NOTE: Group 0 is not included in this chart - however Group 0 is suitable from newborn to 10kg.
Group 0:
Most are lie flat car seats. Some are rear facing infant carriers - so always check the labelling on the seat for the weight limit.
Benefit:
The healthiest position for a newborn is lying flat, this stage seat is particularly good for preemie or tiny babies or for parents who will be making regular long trips with their small baby.
Group 0+
Rear facing child seat, bucket like with a carry handle that also acts as a roll cage or rebound bar.
Benefit:
Convenient, lots can be used on the pram as part of a travel system. ISOfix or Seat Belt fitted base options available.
Group 0+1 - Combination car seat
Full size Group 1 seat with insert for newborn. They fit REAR facing up to 13kg, then turn forward. **Please note!! You can get Group 0+1 car seats that will keep your little one rear facing right through to the 18kg mark.
Benefit:
Little one gets maximum rear facing time as they are unlikely to outgrow the seat by height before hitting the 13kg rear facing weight limit that lots of 0+1 seats offer. As previously mentioned, some rear face through to 18kg, providing even more safety.
Group 1
Full Size car seat, these normally have a recline for best comfort and they are well padded. These are generally accepted as forward facing, but rear facing options are available.
Benefit:
Specifically designed with a toddlers protection needs in mind. This seat will offer maximum comfort.
Group 1,2 - Combination car seat
Most seats are rear facing in this group, offering the very best protection from frontal and frontal offset impacts. They also offer good side and rear impact protection. Some of these seats recline, some offer extended leg room options and others convert to the next stage booster seat up to 25kg. They are normally very versatile.
Benefit:
Maximum rear facing safety for your toddler. Toddler gets a better view out of rear window.
Group 1,2,3 - Combination car seat
Great longevity on this group car seat - lasting from when baby has fully outgrown the infant carrier through to not needing a car seat at 12 yrs or 4'5. These seats are better for infrequent travellers or grandparents cars.
Benefit:
Good longevity spanning an age range of 12m-12y.
Group 2,3
Most group 2,3 seats are now high back boosters. These route the lap and chest part of the belt correctly and some provide additional side impact protection. A good quality group 2,3 seat is just as important as your good quality 0+ or group 1 seat, your 18kg child hasn't become invincible overnight and still needs a good amount of protection. Booster cushions provide no side impact protection, children only have what the car can offer them. Some booster cushions come with a shoulder belt guide.
Benefit:
Lightweight, easy to transport, fit a majority of cars, ISOfix options available.
Most are lie flat car seats. Some are rear facing infant carriers - so always check the labelling on the seat for the weight limit.
Benefit:
The healthiest position for a newborn is lying flat, this stage seat is particularly good for preemie or tiny babies or for parents who will be making regular long trips with their small baby.
Group 0+
Rear facing child seat, bucket like with a carry handle that also acts as a roll cage or rebound bar.
Benefit:
Convenient, lots can be used on the pram as part of a travel system. ISOfix or Seat Belt fitted base options available.
Group 0+1 - Combination car seat
Full size Group 1 seat with insert for newborn. They fit REAR facing up to 13kg, then turn forward. **Please note!! You can get Group 0+1 car seats that will keep your little one rear facing right through to the 18kg mark.
Benefit:
Little one gets maximum rear facing time as they are unlikely to outgrow the seat by height before hitting the 13kg rear facing weight limit that lots of 0+1 seats offer. As previously mentioned, some rear face through to 18kg, providing even more safety.
Group 1
Full Size car seat, these normally have a recline for best comfort and they are well padded. These are generally accepted as forward facing, but rear facing options are available.
Benefit:
Specifically designed with a toddlers protection needs in mind. This seat will offer maximum comfort.
Group 1,2 - Combination car seat
Most seats are rear facing in this group, offering the very best protection from frontal and frontal offset impacts. They also offer good side and rear impact protection. Some of these seats recline, some offer extended leg room options and others convert to the next stage booster seat up to 25kg. They are normally very versatile.
Benefit:
Maximum rear facing safety for your toddler. Toddler gets a better view out of rear window.
Group 1,2,3 - Combination car seat
Great longevity on this group car seat - lasting from when baby has fully outgrown the infant carrier through to not needing a car seat at 12 yrs or 4'5. These seats are better for infrequent travellers or grandparents cars.
Benefit:
Good longevity spanning an age range of 12m-12y.
Group 2,3
Most group 2,3 seats are now high back boosters. These route the lap and chest part of the belt correctly and some provide additional side impact protection. A good quality group 2,3 seat is just as important as your good quality 0+ or group 1 seat, your 18kg child hasn't become invincible overnight and still needs a good amount of protection. Booster cushions provide no side impact protection, children only have what the car can offer them. Some booster cushions come with a shoulder belt guide.
Benefit:
Lightweight, easy to transport, fit a majority of cars, ISOfix options available.