Searching millions of products to find you the best price

Home | FAQ | Contact Us

Compare Prices > Buying Guides > Baby >

Child Car Seats Buying Guide

For safety, security and peace of mind, a child's car seat is an essential item for your car, and is also a legal requirement for children, depending on their age, height and weight.

Here are some hints and tips about things to consider when choosing a child's car seat.

How to Choose a Child Car Seat: Introduction

There are many different types of child car seat available, so it's important to choose one that will suit your child's needs. There are a number of legal and practical factors to take into account when buying a child's car seat, and it's important to make sure that the seat you choose will meet all these requirements.

According to UK law, children less than 135cm tall and under 12 years old must use a child car seat restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle. Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal airbag, unless the airbag has been deactivated manually or automatically. All child car seats must conform to latest European standard ECE R44.03 (or R44.04).

Which is the Best Type of Child's Car Seat?

The type of car seat that you buy for your child will depend on the child's age and size. To make it easier for you to find the child car seat that's right for your child, each model is classified in a particular group. Some models of child car seat can fall into more than one group, as follows:

• Group 0: Rear-facing car seats. For children weighing up to 10kg /22lb, from birth to 9 months old.
• Group 0+: Rear-facing car seats. For children weighing up to 13kg /29lb, from birth to 15 months old.
• Group 0+ & 1: Rear-facing and forward-facing car seats. For children weighing up to 18kg /40lb, from birth to 4 years old.
• Group 1: Forward-facing car seats. For children weighing 9 - 18kg /20-40lb, from 9 months to 4 years old.
• Group 1 & 2: Forward-facing car seats. For children weighing 9 - 25kg /20 - 55lb, age 9 months to 6 years.
• Group 2: Forward-facing car seats. For children weighing 15 - 25kg /33 - 55lb, from 4 to 6 years old.
• Group 1, 2 & 3: Forward-facing car seats. For children weighing 9 - 36kg /20 - 79lb, from 9 months to 12 years old.
• Group 2 & 3: Booster seats. For children weighing 15 - 36kg /48 - 79lb, from 4 to 12 years old.

Most models of car seat for babies are rear-facing, as rear-facing child seats are much safer for younger children.

Features to Look for When You Want to Buy Child Car Seats

Key features to look out for when choosing a child's car seat include:

• Isofix System: Some models of child car seat are compatible with the Isofix System, which provides a rigid connection between the child seat and the car interior. The Isofix System removes the risk of slack installation when an adult seat belt is used as part of the installation, reduces forward head movement and reduces the load in a crash. The Isofix System must not be used with a passenger seat fitted with an airbag, and must only be used if the car manufacturer confirms that the car is compatible with the Isofix System.
• Integral One-Pull Harness: Easy to clip and tighten, an integrated one-pull harness is a convenient system that will save time when positioning your child in the car seat.
• Seat Belt Guides: Make it easier to ensure correct positioning of the seat belt for improved safety and comfort.
• Carry Handle: On rear-facing models. Great for carrying sleeping babies and young children.
• Rocking Facility: On rear-facing models. For use in the home.
• Pushchair Compatible: Some models of rear-facing child car seat fit onto a pushchair chassis.
• Reclining Mechanism: For comfort, a reclining mechanism enables you to alter the recline position of the child car seat.
• Washable Seat Covers: Easy to remove and replace, a washable seat cover cuts down on extra expenses.
• Pull Out Drink and Snack Holders: Space-saving and convenient.
• Shoulder Belt Guides: For booster seats, conveniently improving safety and comfort.
• Arm Rests: For booster seats, for improved comfort.

Set your Budget Before Choosing a Child's Car Seat

It's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend on a child's car seat, and not pay more for unnecessary features. By comparing prices between different online retailers and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you could save money or get a better model of car seat than your budget would normally allow.

A warranty ensures repairs or replacements under certain conditions, and is essential when purchasing a child's car seat. Most models include a reasonable warranty, although if you are buying a more expensive model, it may be worth paying a little extra for an extended warranty. It's also worth comparing warranties between retailers.