| 0+ | 0+/1 | 1+ | 1/2/3 | 2/3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate age range | Birth - 15 months | Birth - 4 years | 9 months - 4 years | 9 months - 12 years | 4 - 12 years |
| Child weight range | 0 - 13 kg | 0 - 18 kg | 9 - 18 kg | 9 - 36 kg | 15 - 36 kg |
| Usual seat facing | Rear-facing | Combination | Forward-facing | Forward-facing | Forward-facing |
Boots guide to car seats
All children up to the age of 12, or until they reach 135cm in height (whichever happens first), require a car seat and it can be tricky to know which one is going to best suit you and your children's needs. We've sorted out the facts for you to help you find your perfect car seat.
These rear-facing car seats are suitable from birth and generally have a bucket-seat design for extra protection to help comfortably support your baby.
Features:
Some will even fit in pushchair chassis meaning that your baby doesn't have to be lifted in and out their seat to transition between the two.
Things to consider:
This type of seat is suitable only from birth to 15 months old.
This type of car seat is usually suitable from birth to four years old, giving it more longevity than a group 0+ seat.
Features:
Most are rear-facing, but some models can be either rear or forward facing.
Things to consider:
It's safer to keep the seat facing the rear for as long as possible as it offers greater protection in the event of an accident.
Group 1 is the follow-on car seat from group 0+. They are for children aged between 9 months and 4 years old.
Features:
These seats still tend to be bucket shaped and are usually front-facing seats designed for comfort and safety.
Things to consider:
Group 1 car seats are designed to be left in the car and so do not have the handy carry handle like Group 0+ seats.
This group is a long term investment car seat as it will grow with your child and should be useable for their full car seat life.
Features:
This is a good option to consider if your baby has previously been in a group 0+ car seat as it should last until they no longer need a seat making it a good budget buy.
Things to consider:
Group 1/2/3 car seats are only suitable for children over nine months old.
This group of car seats follow on from the group 1 or group 0+/1 car seats and can cover car seats and booster seats.
Features:
Many have high-backed seats with plenty of support for your child's neck and head.
These seats should last until your child no longer requires a car seat.
Things to consider:
Booster seats can function as an alternative to standard car seats for children to help them feel more grown up.
