Child car seats are mandatory for all children weighing less than 36 kg or shorter than 150 cm. Make sure to buy a quality new seat, as second hand seats may not provide adequate safety. When choosing a car seat, focus primarily on the child’s weight and height, safety standards, and the seat’s anchoring system?.
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How to choose a car seat
- The car seat must match the height and weight of your child. The baby's head must be completely protected by the car seat.
- Make sure to buy a new car seat.
- Do not use a car seat for more than 4-6 years. Temperature changes negatively affect car seat safety properties.
- The seat must meet European safety standards.
- The car seat anchoring system must be compatible with your vehicle.
First steps
Select the appropriate size
Car seats are generally divided into categories, according to the weight of the children for whom they are suitable. See below for the basic car seat categories:
- Group 0: for children from birth to 10 kg (approx. 12 months)
- Group 0+: from birth to 13 kg (approx. 12-18 months)
- Group I: for children from 9 to 18 kg (approx. 1 year to 4 years)
- Group II: for children from 15 to 25 kg (3 to 7 years)
- Group III: for children from 22 to 36 kg (6 to 12 years)
You can also find car seats that cover several weight categories at once. These so-called combination seats are practical, since you can use them considerably longer. This section lists basic combination seat categories:
If your child is older (weights 15 kg or more), you can also use a booster seat, though you have to keep in mind that booster seats do not provide the same degree of protection (especially in the case of side impact).
Car seat safety
Make sure the seat meets applicable safety standards. Also check the seat’s anchoring system, which must be compatible with your car. You can find car seats with a universal mounting system or with the special modern ISOFIX system.
