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car seat guide: from newborn baby to 12-year-old adventurer
A trip to the city or a trip around the world, every ride with your little one is an adventure to cherish. In the world of car seats safety is the absolute priority. In Belgium, it is compulsory to use an appropriate restraint system for children under the age of 18 and smaller than 1.35 meters. Choosing the right car seat based on the size and weight of your child is therefore crucial.
car seats
for every age group
Car seats come in different groups. These range from group 0 for newborn babies to group 2/3 for children up to 12 years old. Below you can find everything clearly arranged.
group | weight | age | size |
Group 0 | Up to 10 kg | Up to 1 year | 40 to 85 cm |
Group 0+ | Up to 13 kg | 12 to 15 months | 40 to 85 cm |
Group 1 | 9 to 18 kg | 12 months to 4 years | 80 to 105 cm |
Group1/2/3 | 9 to 36 kg | 12 months to 12 years | 80 to 135/150 cm |
Group 2/3 | 15 to 36 kg | 3.5 to 12 years | 105 to 135/150 cm |
With or against the direction of travel (i-size)
i-Size (R129) is a European directive on car seats, it has been in force since July 2013. The rules are part of the R129 standard and apply to all new car seats for babies, toddlers and preschoolers up to 4 years of age.
Car seats that comply with the R129 standard provide additional head and neck protection and transport babies and toddlers up to 15 months rearward. The use of an ISOFIX base is necessary because it reduces the risk of incorrect installation.
Group 0 and 0+ (against the direction of travel)
In a group 0+ car seat, your child can be carried rearward than in a group 0 car seat. You can place the car seat against the direction of travel both front or rear of the car unless a frontal active airbag is is present. If so, it is required by law to deactivate the airbag. deactivation. If this fails, then the baby seat must be placed in the rear. The seat can be used until your little one weighs 13 kg or until its head protrudes above the backrest. If this is the case, it is time for a new seat.
Group 1 (with or against the direction of travel)
A group 1 car seat is one with a backrest where your little one is still secured with straps to the seat. Installation of this type of depends on the type of seat, so always consult the user manual. user manual. Use this car seat until your child weighs 18 kg or until when your child's head protrudes above the seat.
Group 2 and 3 (with the direction of travel)
The group 2 car seat is a car seat with backrest where you attach your little one with the seat belt. You can use it from 15 kg to 25 kg or from plus-minus 3 to 12 years of age. You can switch to a Group 2/3 car seat when your child is at least 110 cm tall and at least 15 kg. The car seat with backrest (Group 2) remains the safest choice. These car seats include a headrest and side supports and offer better protection in side collisions.
important safety requirements
There are a lot of different models of car seats on the market with varying installation methods. To install your car seat correctly, it is necessary to read the instruction manual carefully read the instruction manual before proceeding installation.
The two European standards applicable for the safe transport of children in cars are the ECE/R44 standard for classic car seats and the new 2013 i-Size (R129) standard for transporting children in a seat that can be used against the direction of travel for longer than conventional seats. Car seats are required to comply with the ECE R44 mark, recognizable by the orange label. The new i-Size standard of 2013 is not (yet) mandatory mandatory but offers your little one extra safety. Most new car seats already meet this standard.