What is the best car seat for my child?
The best car seat is one that fits your child, fits your car(s) and is easy to install and to use. Here are some useful tips and recommendations to help you decide.
Weight more important than age
Child car seats are divided into groups, based on the weight of the child (see summary). Please remember that not only the age, but above all the weight of your child is important.
Baby Group 0+ birth to 13 kg | up to 12 months
Toddler Group 1 9 to 18 kg | 9 months to 3½ years
Child Group 2/3 15 to 36 kg | 3½ years to 12 years
Never buy a child car seat that is too big, make sure it is appropriate for your child’s weight from the first day of use. The appropriate weight category is stated on the orange ECE approval. Age categories are also often stated, but because one child can be heavier than the other, the age group should be considered primarily an indication.
It is safest to buy a car seat to suit your child’s weight as they grow, rather than buy a car seat that covers the whole weight range (using the same car seat from birth to 3½ years, or longer).
The Car Safety Expert says: “It's not just the age of your child that you have to consider when choosing a child car seat. You also have to consider their weight and height and which seat provides the most secure fit in your car; whether your baby or child will be taking long or short journeys and if you will need to transfer your child car seat from one car to another, as well as what’s most convenient for you as a parent. My top tip would be opt for a seat that fits onto a base. Once it’s in securely, you’re guaranteed peace of mind your little one is safe, and the seat simply clicks in and out with ease, perfect for busy parents."
When is it time to switch to the next stage car seat?
Rear-facing up to 12 months
Wait as long as possible to switch from a baby to a toddler car seat. Babies up to the age of 12 months are best protected travelling in a rear-facing direction. This way, the energy of the impact is absorbed and distributed by the seat shell and car seat belts.
Switch from baby to toddler seat
Your baby has outgrown his baby car seat when the top of his ears extend past the top of the seat back. Do not switch to the next stage car seat until this time. Make sure your baby’s head is generously protected by the (top of the) seat. Note : it is not a problem if the child’s legs extend beyond the edge of the seat.
Switch from toddler to child seat
From a toddler seat, step up to a group 2/3 child seat if your child’s shoulders are 2 cm above the highest openings for the shoulder straps in the toddler seat, when the headrest is set in its highest position. Make sure the headrest of the child car seat is set at the lowest position when switching over.
No more car seats
You no longer legally require a child car seat if your child is 1.35 or 1.50 metres tall (approx. 12 years of age). See list of countries below for exact maximum height. Children no longer using car seats must use the regular car seat belts at all times.
Buckle up - It’s the law
Since September 2006, the law says that parents must use an approved car seat for their child up to 1.35 meter in height. In some countries, this maximum limit is 1.50 meter, see chart below. Approved car seats carry an orange ECE-R 44/04 label, which means they have been tested to the most recent and stringent European safety standard. Car seats carrying a ECE-R 44/03 label comply to an older standard. Car seats with other ECE labels are too outdated, it is not allowed to use or sell these products.
Country Car seat must be used until
max. height (meter)
| Austria |
1.50 |
| Belgium |
1.35 |
| Germany |
1.50 |
| Ireland |
1.50 |
| Luxemburg |
1.50 |
| Netherlands |
1.35 |
| Switzerland |
1.50 |
| United Kingdom |
1.35 |
Buying a Car Seat Checklist:
- Take your child and your car along when buying a child car seat to check the right fit
- Is the car seat suitable for the weight and age of your child, is it wide enough
- Is the seat tested to ECE R44/04 European Standard (orange approval label)
- Does the seat fit my car properly, can I install it easily, are the car seat belts long enough, can I use the car seat where I want it (airbag)
- Can I fit any other car seats properly along with the new car seat
- Try to install the seat in your car before you buy it
- Is the seat easy for me to use
- Does your child feel comfortable in it, does it have a sleeping position, is the harness easy to adjust
- Can your child get in and out easily
Finally: use the car seat every single time, regardless of how long or how short the journey!
