Which car seat do you need by age? | Safe transport from day 1

A good car seat is one of the most important purchases for young parents. It is not only mandatory but also vital: a correctly chosen and properly installed car seat can prevent serious injury in an accident. But with so many options and rules, it can be overwhelming: which car seat fits your child, and at what age should you switch?

In this blog, we clearly explain which car seat you need by age and weight, and what you should definitely pay attention to when making your choice.

Group 0+ (0 to 13 kg)

Een group 0+ car seat, also known as baby car seat called, is suitable from birth. You often recognize them by the 'shell model' with handle, which makes it easy to lift the seat out of the car.

• Placement: always rear-facing – this is safest for your baby's neck.

• Bevestiging: with seatbelt or ISOFIX base

• Tip: You only switch once the head is above the edge or the weight limit is reached (usually 13 kg).

💡 Brands such as Cybex en Thule offer excellent 0+ models.

Group 1 (9 to 18 kg // ±9 months to ±4 years)

If your baby becomes too big or heavy for group 0+, you switch to a group 1 car seatThis one is roomier and offers more support for older babies and toddlers.

• Placement: forward or backward (backward is mandatory up to 15 months. It is even recommended to do this longer if possible)

• Confirmation: with seatbelt or ISOFIX

• Extra safety: ingebouwde 5-point harness and side protection

💡 Consider models with a swivel function for easier getting in and out.

Group 2/3 (15 to 36 kg // ±3.5 years to ±12 years)

Deze car seats are intended for older children who no longer need an internal harness. They use the regular seat belt of the car.

• Bevestiging: with the seatbelt, sometimes supplemented with ISOFIX for stability

• Adjustable: height-adjustable backrest, headrest, and often seat surface

• Important: your child must be at least 135 cm tall for the booster seat to be completely removed (mandatory up to 135 cm in Belgium)

💡 Make sure that the shoulder belt runs properly over the chest, not over the neck or stomach.

i-Size: the new standard

Besides the classic "group division," there has been the i-Size system, that classifies car seats based on length and age, not weight. i-Size seats are often safer because they:

• Stricter testing for side impact

• ISOFIX required for better attachment

• Transport backwards required up to at least 15 months

i-Size is the future and is gradually becoming the standard in Europe.

* Please note: the recommended weight and the recommended age of a Car seats "group" may vary slightly from brand to brand.