Child safety away from home
Choosing a baby car seat
When buying a baby seat for your car there are lots of things to consider, these include:
- the size and weight of your baby,
- type of car you have,
- and how to install the seat.
It is recommended that yo have purchased a baby seat before your child is born. You will need to make sure it fits into your car and you know how to secure it.
If your baby is born in a hospital or birth centre you will need to have the car seat to take your newborn home safely.
Car seat sizes
Car seats are split into 3 sizes, depending on your child's age and weight.
Group 0+ seats are:
- Suitable for babies aged up to around 15 months, or who weigh up to 13kg (29lb).
- Rear-facing seats
Some 0+ seats can be clipped on to a pushchair frame. These are also known as travel systems.
Group 1 seats are:
- Suitable for children aged from around 9 months to 4 years, or weighing 9kg to 18kg (33lb to 5st 9lb).
- Rear or forward facing seats
Group 2/3 seats are:
- Suitable for children aged around 4 to 11 years, or weighing 15 to 36kg (33lb to 5st 9lb).
- Rear or forward-facing high-backed booster seats.
Further information
For more information on choosing a bay seat, take a look at the NHS website. They have more information on:
- Tips for buying a baby seat
- i-Size car seats
- Baby or child car seat fitting
- Using a baby or child car seat