A car seat is an essential for most parents, but choosing one is not just a matter of personal preference. Here’s everything you need to know.
Unlike buying a playhouse or a scooter for your child, you don’t have complete free will when it comes to selecting a car seat. You can choose the make and model that suits you / your child best, but fundamentally there are laws around car seats that you have to follow. What’s more, these legal requirements change as your child gets older.
1. What's the law?
The law says that your child must be:
In a car seat until the age of 12 or until they reach 135cm in height, whichever comes first.
The seat also has to meet EU safety standards - shown by an E on the label. Of course, if you’re buying from a reputable dealer it will almost certainly meet these regulations, but check to make sure.
You also need to make sure the seat is the right type for your child’s age and size. The car seat must be rear facing until your child is 15 months old.
Car seats are split into categories from 0 to 3, representing different weights (a no:1 seat is for children between 9 and 18kg, for example). This Government web page explains a little more about what the numbers mean, but the main details are in the table below.
Some car seats cover more than one category, and you can buy seats that adjust to cover them all.
2. Which 'Group' is your child in?
Before shopping for a car seat, check your child’s weight and height. That will give you the information you need to buy the right car seat to keep them both comfortable and safe.
NEVER buy a second hand car seat - it may have wear and tear and may even have been weakened or damaged in an accident.
GROUP | CHILD'S WEIGHT | SEAT TYPE |
|---|---|---|
Group 0 | 0kg to 10kg | Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
Group 0+ | 0kg to 13kg | Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness |
Group 1 | 9kg to 18kg | Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield |
Group 2 | 15kg to 25kg | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
Group 3 | 22kg to 36kg | Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield |
3. What else to look out for?
As well as the law and checking your child's weight, there are a few other things to consider when you're buying a baby car seat:
It fits the car.
Most modern seats will fit in most modern cars, but it’s best to check to make sure. Remember that you may be using the seat not just in your own car, but in - for example - a grandparent’s car too.
The right seat fit.
Be confident that you can fit the seat properly. A seat is only safe if it has been fitted correctly, so follow all instructions carefully. These Which? videos (rear facing, forward facing) should help.
What accessories do you need.
As with all things, more expensive models tend to have more accessories. For example, you may think it worth splashing out for a sunshade, cup holder or mirror (so you can see your baby’s face in a rear facing seat).
4. The Best Car Seats - Our Full Reviews
“Well designed, simple to use, solid & reliable.”
Suitable from birth to approximately 12 months, this cosy car seat is for group 0+ and will wrap your baby in a safe and comfortable nest. It features optimal side impact protection and easy click-and-go isofix installation (you have to make sure that your car is isofix ready before you can use this method - most modern cars are). This lightweight seat is easily transferable to Maxi-COSI pushchairs.
Great if you want:
“Our granddaughter loves it and has never attempted to wriggle out of it.”
This forward-facing Cybex car seat was a winner in the European child car seat test, and features an adjustable impact shield and side impact protection. It is designed for children in Group 1, and uses the isofix system to secure to the car seat.
Great if you want:
“Great seat....feels solid and comfortable and makes us feel our daughter is safe.”
Your young racing driver will love being strapped into this sporty car seat. It’s not the cheapest, but the racing car design is matched by high levels of safety and comfort. The seat is designed for Groups 1-3. Its HERO safety system means shoulder supports, shoulder belts and headrest form one unit, preventing the seat belt from twisting and slipping.
Great if you want:
“Excellent car seat, plenty of padding keeping little man comfortable, secure when fitted into position.”
This all-in-one car seat from Graco easily converts from one riding mode to the next as your child grows, meaning it’s the only car seat you’ll need to buy to cover all groups. It also features a four-position recline to ensure your child’s complete comfort, even on long journeys.
Great if you want:
“It looks smart and seems to be well made out of quality materials.”
This cost-effective car seat is designed for Group 1 children, and is particularly handy for small cars because of its slim base and lightweight feel. Unusually, it can also be installed with either a 3-point seat belt or a 2-point lap belt. The seat can be reclined without disturbing your child.
Great if you want:
“Brilliant, comfortable, secure feeling and a well designed car seat.”
This patterned seat takes your child from toddler to pre-teen as a Group 2-3 seat, and does so in padded comfort. The seat is easy to install and features a click ‘n’ go isofix anchoring system. Its height adjustable backrest grows with your child.
Great if you want:
“Very good and cheaper than the other brands!!”
This no frill seat is safe, comfortable and easily transferable. It is designed for groups 2-3 and has cup holders as well as a removable, washable cover. But you’re not buying it for accessories alone. The Trillo does its job at a highly competitive price.
Great if you want:
“Very easy to use and install in the car and on the city select (pushchair).”
This smart, chic car seat is designed for children at Group 0+. It is compatible with a range of Baby Jogger pushchairs, meaning you can choose from a number of travel systems. It can be fitted using an isofix base or your car’s three-point seatbelt.
Great if you want:
