We understand that your child's safety is a top priority for you. That's why we've put together detailed information to help you choose the best car seat group 1/2/3 for your child weighing between 9 and 36 kg and measuring up to 150 cm. In this article, we'll look at the most important features to consider when buying a car seat for your child, as well as the top-rated models on the market.
What is a Group 1 2 3 car seat?
A Group 1/2/3 upgradeable car seat is a practical option for parents looking to buy a single seat for their child, which can be used as their child grows. These seats offer increased safety and durability, particularly compared with child car seats that are intended to be used for a shorter lifespan.
Regulations for convertible car seats
There are two regulations for car seats for children using evolving car seats of group 1 2 3 :
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Regulation R44/04
Regulation R44/04 classifies car seats into groups according to the child's weight. For group 1/2/3 car seats, the weight limit is between 9 and 36 kg, corresponding to an age range from around 9 months to 12 years. This classification is important to help parents choose a car seat that suits their child's morphology and to ensure that he or she is properly supported and protected in the event of an accident.
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R129 (i-Size) regulations
The i-Size regulation (R129) aims to provide better protection for children in the event of a road accident by classifying car seats according to the size of the child. It is more recent and stricter in terms of safety than the R44/04 regulation, as it takes into account additional safety criteria such as side impact tests and the compulsory use of rear-facing car seats for children under 15 months of age. For group 1/2/3, the i-Size equivalent corresponds to children measuring between 76 cm and 150 cm, i.e. from around 15 months to 12 years of age.
The advantages of Group 1 2 3 car seats
Group 1/2/3 car seats are evolutionary seats designed to accompany the child's growth and offer maximum protection during car journeys. By moving from one group to another, these seats offer a practical and economical solution for parents, while guaranteeing their child's safety.
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Economical
One of the advantages of Group 1 2 3 car seats is that they are economical, as they can be used for several years. In fact, by using a car seat of this type, you won't need to change it every time your child grows up, which can mean significant savings for parents in the long term. So it's a wise investment for anyone looking to protect their child on a budget.
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Versatile
As well as being economical, Group 1 2 3 car seats also offer great versatility. They can be used for different ages and sizes of child, making them very practical for families with several children or for those looking to invest in a car seat that will last for many years.
Precautions to take with Group 1 2 3 car seats
When choosing a Group 1/2/3 car seat, it is essential to pay particular attention to safety features. Evolving car seats, which can be used for different weight and height categories, are not always as safe as traditional models, as they must be able to adapt to body shapes ranging from 9 to 36 kg (R44/04 regulations) or 76 to 150 cm (R129 regulations).
Although 1/2/3 progressive car seats have been extensively tested, the list of the best performing models is still fairly limited. Given that these seats are designed exclusively to be forward-facing, this can represent a significant risk of serious injury to young children in the event of a head-on collision. It is therefore essential to refer to the crash tests carried out by ADAC to ensure your child's safety.
Most group 1 2 3 car seats do not have sufficient recline for younger children before the age of 2, which can make the sleeping position uncomfortable and unsafe. Although approved from 9 kg or 76 cm for some models, the minimum settings are often not suitable for smaller children with a harness or shield that is too large or badly positioned.
It's important to try out the car seat before buying to make sure it's really suitable for your child's height and weight. Wherever possible, we recommend that you use a baby cosy or a rear-facing car seat for added safety, as these models offer up to 5 times more protection for your child.
The best Group 1/2/3 convertible car seats
Discover our selection of the best Group 1/2/3 progressive car seats, from brands such as Kiddy, Joie, Cybex, Britax and gb. Designed to provide optimum safety and comfort for children weighing from 9 to 36 kg, these car seats have scored highly in the ADAC crash testsThis ensures a worry-free travel experience for young and old alike.
Kiddy car seats
Discover our selection of Kiddy car seats, offering an optimum combination of safety and comfort for children of different age groups.
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Kiddy Guardianfix 3
Le Kiddy Guardianfix 3 is approved for air transport and is suitable for children weighing from 9 to 36 kg (groups 1/2/3). It has wide side walls for added safety, a shock-absorbing system and a K-Fix+ system for protection in the event of impact. Installation is easy and safe thanks to the ISOFIX system and the vehicle's safety belt. The seat can be attached to the child using a shield or the vehicle's safety belt.
Joie car seats
With their innovative approach to safety and comfort, Joie car seats offer optimum protection and comfort for children of all age groups.
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Joie Traver Shield
The Joie Traver Shield is a progressive car seat that complies with European standard ECE R44/04 for children weighing from 9 to 36 kg (approx. 9 months to 12 years). It is designed for use with a protective shield for children weighing from 9 to 18 kg (group 1), then without the shield for children weighing from 18 to 36 kg (group 2/3). It is easy to install in the vehicle with the 3-point safety belt and can be reinforced with ISOFIX fixings.
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Trillo Shield Joy
Le Trillo Shield Joy is a safe choice for children from 9 to 36 kg. It is easy to install using the ISOSAFE system or the vehicle's safety belt, and can be used in protective shield mode for children weighing from 10 to 18 kg, then in safety belt mode for children weighing over 15 kg. The seat complies with the ECE R44/04 standard and offers optimum protection thanks to its impact shield and side reinforcements.
- For use in walking from 15 kg to 36 kg
- Reinforced side impact protection
Cybex car seats
Discover the range of Cybex car seatsdesigned to provide maximum safety for children while offering optimum comfort for long car journeys.
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Cybex Pallas S-Fix
Le Cybex Pallas S Fix is an R44/04 approved progressive car seat for children from 9 to 36 kg (approx. 9 months to 12 years). This seat offers optimum protection with its reinforced shell and L.S.P. side protection system. It is also height-adjustable, reclinable and easy to install with ISOFIX connectors. Once the shield is removed, the seat transforms into a Cybex Solution S-Fix booster seat (Group 2/3).
- High-quality child car seat for great durability - For children aged from 9 months to around 12 years (9-36 kg), Suitable for cars with or without ISOFIX
- Maximum safety - depth-adjustable impact shield, Cybex-patented 3-position reclining headrest, Integrated linear side impact protection (L.S.P. System), Energy-absorbing shell
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Cybex Pallas G i-Size
The Cybex Pallas G i-Size is a shield car seat i-Size approved for children from 76 to 150 cm (15 months to 12 years). It has ISOFIX anchorage points and a Top Tether strap for quick and easy installation. What's more, it adapts to the child's growth with an adjustable backrest and shield, a reclining seat and a 12-position height-adjustable headrest, as well as a lateral protection system (L.S.P.). Once the shield has been removed, the car seat can be used as a Cybex Solution G i-Fix child booster seat.
- Stable, high-quality car seat with a long service life - For children aged between 15 months and around 12 years (9-50 kg)
- Patented 3-position reclining headrest, Integrated side impact protection (L.S.P. System)
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Cybex Pallas B-Fix
The Cybex Pallas B-Fix is an R44/04 approved progressive car seat for children from 9 to 36 kg (approx. 9 months to 12 years). It offers completely safe installation with its ISOFIX-compatible Latch-Connect system and optimum protection thanks to the L.S.P. system for side impacts. With a height-adjustable headrest offering 12 different positions, this car seat grows with your child. What's more, it converts into a Cybex Solution B Fix booster seat once the impact shield has been removed, like the other models in the Cybex range.
- High-quality car seat for children aged 9 months to 12 years (9-36 kg)
- Maximum safety: integrated side impact protection (L.S.P. system), removable impact shield for children from 9 to 18 kg to reduce the risk of serious neck injuries
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CBX Xelo
The Xelo car seat from CBX by Cybex is R44/04 approved for children from 9 to 36 kg. Weighing in at just 4.9 kg and with a sleek design, it offers maximum safety thanks to its shield and safety hooks. ISOFIX attachment soft. Its integrated L.S.P. protection system is effective in the event of a side impact. The headrest can be adjusted to 12 positions, and the seat converts into a car seat on its own. group 2 3 from 15 kg by removing the shield.
Britax car seats
The Britax car seats offer advanced side impact protection and enhanced safety for children of all ages.
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Britax Römer Advansafix IV R
Le Britax Advansafix IV R is designed for the safety of children from 9 to 36 kg. With advanced safety features such as SecureGuard, adjustable SICT and V-shaped headrest, the seat offers extra protection in the event of a side impact. Unlike other seats with an impact shield, the Britax Advansafix IV R is equipped with a 5-point harness to ensure the safety of children from 9 to 18 kg. After 15 kg, it can be used as a car booster seat with the car's standard safety belt. The padded sides and EasyRecline system ensure a comfortable journey.
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Britax Römer Advansafix i-Size
The Britax Advansafix i-Size is an evolving car seat approved to the latest i-Size standard, designed to provide comfort and safety for children measuring from 76 cm to 150 cm, or approximately 15 months to 12 years. With its FLIP&GROW function, it's easy to switch from the 5-point harness to the 3-point belt when the child reaches a weight of 21 kg. This seat offers advanced safety features such as Secureguard, XP-Pad and SICT side protection, which are also found on other models from the brand (Britax Kidfix or Britax Dualfix). For safe installation, the Britax Advansafix i-Size must be attached to your car's ISOFIX anchorage points with a Top Tether strap for optimum stability.
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GB Everna-Fix
gb Everna-Fix is approved for groups 1/2/3, offering optimum safety for children weighing between 9 and 36 kg (approx. 9 months to 12 years). Thanks to its patented 12-position adjustable headrest, the child's head is kept within the safety zone of the seat, even when he or she is falling asleep. The flexible shell absorbs impact energy for added protection. For maximum safety, the seat is equipped with the L.S.P. safety system, a 5-point harness (9 to 18 kg), ISOFIX attachment and a Top Tether strap for secure installation.
- Road-facing harness
- Top téter with acoustic signal
Characteristics when choosing a Group 1/2/3 car seat
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Your child's height and weight
Your child's weight and height are the most important factors to take into account when choosing a Group 1 2 3 car seat. It is essential to find a car seat that is suitable for your child's height and weight to ensure his or her safety in the event of an accident.
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Safety first and foremost
Safety is the first thing to consider when buying a group 1/2/3 car seat. Check that the seat is ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) approved. Also check that the seat has a five-point restraint system, a height-adjustable headrest, reinforced side protection and an easy-to-use safety belt.
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Comfort and convenience
A comfortable car seat is also important for your child, especially if he or she is going to spend long hours sitting in it. Check that the seat has comfortable padding, a height-adjustable headrest, a padded headrest and padded armrests for optimum comfort. Models with removable, machine-washable covers are also practical for busy parents.
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Easy to install
Make sure the car seat is easy to install and use. Models with an ISOFIX installation system are easier to install and safer than those that use the vehicle's safety belt. Models with installation indicators are also useful for ensuring that the seat is correctly installed.