Child Car Seats: Classification by Group

Child car seats differ in design depending on the age and weight of the child they are made for. Parents buying a car seat for their little one should take both of these factors into account.

There are several types of child car seats, divided into groups:

Group 0. These are car-seat bassinets (carrycots) for transporting infants from birth to about 6 months. Seats in this group are designed for babies weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb). A car bassinet is similar to a stroller, but it has special mounts that hold it in place on the car's back seat. The baby always lies flat in the bassinet and is held securely by a special harness made of soft but strong material.

Group 0+. Seats for children from birth to about 1 year, able to support a weight of up to 13 kg (29 lb). This car seat can also be used as a baby carrier. The seat is adjustable, so the baby can lie flat or recline in a semi-reclined position. Group 0+ seats have an anatomically shaped design. They also have a headrest so the child is more comfortable in the seat.

Group 1. Car seats designed for children aged 1 to 4 years, weighing up to 18 kg (40 lb). These seats have a five-point harness, and the seat back can be adjusted. The side walls are reinforced to protect the child from impacts while the vehicle is moving. The anatomically shaped backrest keeps the child from getting tired or uncomfortable, even on a long trip.

Group 2. Designed for children aged 4 to 7 years, weighing up to 25 kg (55 lb). These seats have removable harnesses, with the buckle built into the headrest. The headrest can be adjusted for the child's comfort. Group 2 seats are modular: you can remove not only the harness but also the backrest, which works well for a child of 6 to 7 who will soon be secured with the car's own seat belt.

Group 3. Car seats designed for children aged 7 to 12 years, weighing up to 36 kg (79 lb). This isn't a seat in the usual sense, just a booster cushion. The child sits on it and is buckled in with the car's seat belt. The cushions can be set to the right height, and the child rides on one until they grow taller than 150 cm (about 4 ft 11 in).

Once a child is taller than this, a car seat is no longer needed.