The best
car seat is one that fits your child, fits your car and is easy to install. One of the most
important factors when buying a car seat is choosing a seat that is suitable
for your child's weight. European experts have established six groups for child
restraint systems, which are defined according to the child's weight:
Group 0 for babies
weighing up to 10kg (about 9 months).
Group 0+ for babies
weighing up to 13kg (about 15 months).
Group 1 for small
children weighing 9-18kg (from about 9 months to 4 years).
Group 2-3 for older
children weighing 15-36kg (from about 4 to 12 years).
Group 0+ and 1 for
babies and small children weighing up to 18kg (about 4 years).
Group 1-2-3 for
small children and older children weighing 9-36kg (from about 9 months to 12
years).
When to change car seats You will also need
to consider when it's the right time to change your car seats, this is
especially important when your child moves from a Group 0+ to a Group 1 car
seat, I recommend using the following as a rule:
Move from a Group
0+ to a Group 1 seat when your child can sit up unaided with confidence,
exceeds the weight limit, or if the top of their head is higher than the top of
the infant carrier.
Move from a Group 1
to a Group 2-3 seat when the weight limit is exceeded, or your child's eye-line
is higher than the seat's highest point.
Before you
purchase, check that the seat you've chosen is compatible with your child and
your car by using the Britax Fit-Finder at www.britax.co.uk . Always follow the car manufacturer's recommendations and try fitting
the child seat into your car using the fitting instructions supplied with the
car seat.
When deciding what to buy, take into account that the child car seat may be used in
several different cars. Check that the seat belt is long enough, particularly
in rearward facing systems and always take note of how the child car seat
should be fitted, eg with a three-point seat belt only, or with ISOFIX
according to approved car list.
Please make sure:
The seat is suitable for the weight of your
child.
The height of the child and other dimensions
(form, seat height and seat width) are taken into account.
The seat is tested to the ECE R 44/04 European
Standard (look for the orange approval label).
The seat is suitable for your car (not every
seat fits properly in every car).
You can try to install the seat in your car before you
buy it.
Your child feels comfortable in the seat,
otherwise she/he will complain and distract the driver. Take your child along
when you buy the seat.
The child can get in and out easily. That
saves trouble and nerves.
The installation is simple and existing seat
belts in the car can be used.
The seat is used every time regardless of how
long or how short the journey.
A correctly used child safety system
serves three purposes:
It avoids or reduces injuries in an accident.
It enables the child to sit in a posture which
is appropriate for the age of the child.
The child is well protected and does not
distract the driver.
The best
car seat is one that fits your child, fits your car and is easy to install. One of the most
important factors when buying a car seat is choosing a seat that is suitable
for your child's weight. European experts have established six groups for child
restraint systems, which are defined according to the child's weight: