The world of car seat groups is a complicated one, with a huge range of different types of car seats available, suitable for different ages and weights of children. Trying to get your head around what is on offer, as well as, most importantly, what is the safest option for your child, can sometimes feel like you need a PhD just to understand.
So, what are the different types of car seat groups?
To try and help you avoid enrolling at university we’ve broken down all the different car seat groups and explained what each group means. We’d also suggest reading up on the current legislation as there’s always plenty to remember about car seat laws too.
Some car seat groups overlap depending on the car seat you choose as some can be adjusted to last you through a few different stages.
Group 0+ Car Seats
This is the first of the car seat groups. These baby car seats are suitable from birth until your child is around 12 – 15 months. They are rearward facing, and are generally smaller, lighter and more transportable than the car seats you will buy as your child grows. They are often bought as part of a travel system, so can attach to your buggy, allowing you to transport your newborn easily (and without waking them up!)
Weight Range – 0 – 13kg (0-29lb)
View the products we offer for Group 0+
Group 0+/1 Car Seats
These car seats are suitable from birth to around 4 years old. They will often have the option of changing from rear-facing to forward-facing, though, by law, you must not turn the seat front-facing until your child is over 15 months old. These car seats, unlike the baby car seats, are larger and so are not transportable, they simply stay in the car.
Weight Range – 0 – 18kg (0-40lb)
View the products we offer for Group 0+/1
Group 1 Car Seats
These car seats start from about 9 months to 4 and a half years. Most are forward facing, although some will let your child travel rear-facing until they are about 4 years old.
Weight Range – 9-18kg (20-40lb)
View the products we offer for Group 1
Group 2/3 Car Seats
These are high backed booster seats. Group 2/3 car seats don’t have a harness, instead, you secure your child and the seat with the car’s seat belt. These seats start at about 3 years old and last until your child is 12 years old.
Weight Range – 15 – 36kg (33lb – 5st 9lb)
View the products we offer for Group 2/3
Group 1/2/3 Car Seats
As mentioned previously, there are some car seat groups which can overlap based on the model you choose. The group 1/2/3 car seat is a multi-group seat can be used from nine months all the way up to 12 years. You can secure your child in a five-point harness, and it then converts to a high-backed booster when your child gets bigger.
Weight Range – 9-36kg (20lb- 5st 9lb)
View the products we offer for Group 1/2/3
Group 3 Car Seats
This is essentially a backless booster cushion. It raises your child’s body to a suitable height, so they can use an adult seat belt. They can be used from about 6 years to 12 years old. Legally, newly purchased backless boosters can now only be used by children that are taller than 125cm and weigh more than 22kg.
Weight Range – 22-36kg (48lb-5st 9lb)
View the products we offer for Group 3
We know it can be tricky understanding all the different laws and legislation surrounding car seat groups, we hope this guide has helped to shape your understanding and made picking the perfect car seat that much simpler.
