As a parent, your child's safety is an absolute priority. To guarantee optimum protection in the event of an accident, it's important to use high-quality car seats. Group 2 3 car seats are specially designed for children aged between 4 and 12 and weighing between 15 and 36 kg. These evolving car seats offer superior protection and their long life makes them a popular choice for many parents.
What is a Group 2/3 car seat?
The car seat Group 2/3 car seats are governed by regulation R44/04. These car seats are designed for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg, i.e. between the ages of 4 and 12. Unlike car seats for children in groups 0, 0+, 1 and 2, group 2/3 booster seats do not have an integrated harness to hold the child in place. Instead, they are designed to use the car's safety belt to hold the child in place.
Group 2/3 car seats raise the child so that the car's safety belt fits correctly over the child's shoulder and does not cut into the neck or face. The seat belt must fit correctly over the child's hips and not be too loose or too tight.
Group 2/3 car seats are often equipped with a backrest to provide extra support for the child during longer journeys. The backrest helps protect the child's head, neck and back in the event of a side or rear impact.
Group 2/3 car seats are not recommended for children under 105 cm. Smaller children should be installed in car seats for children in groups 0, 0+, 1 or 2, fitted with an integrated harness to keep them in place.
The different car seat groups
Under the R44/04 regulations, child car seats are divided into groups according to weight. This ensures that the car seat is adapted to the child's height and weight to provide sufficient protection in the event of an accident.
- Group 0 : The car seats in this group, designed for children up to 10 kg or around 9 months, are mostly carrycots, with a few exceptions. baby cosy.
- Group 0+ : Car seats in this group are more commonly known as baby cosies, and are designed for children up to 13 kg or around 15 months. Car seats in this group face away from the road and offer extra protection for the head and neck.
- Group 1: Child car seats, designed for children from 9 to 18 kg or approximately 9 months to 4 years. Car seats in this group can face forwards or backwards and offer sufficient protection in the event of a collision.
- Group 2: Child car seats, designed for children weighing between 15 and 25 kg or aged between 3 and 7 years. Car seats in this group are generally forward-facing and offer sufficient protection in the event of a collision. This group also includes some rear-facing car seats (Britax Max-Way or Axkid One) or car booster seats.
- Group 3: The car booster seatsdesigned for children from 22 to 36 kg or approximately 6 to 12 years of age. Booster seats are designed to help position the seatbelt correctly on the child.
| Group | Child's weight | Approximate age | Types of car seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | up to 10 kg | from birth to around 9 months | Nacelles, cosy |
| 0+ | up to 13 kg | from birth to around 18 months | baby cosy |
| 1 | 9 to 18 kg | approximately 9 months to 4 years | Group 1 car seats |
| 2 | 15 to 25 kg | approximately 3 to 7 years old | Group 2 car seats |
| 3 | 22 to 36 kg | Approximately 6 to 12 years old | Booster seats with backrest |
| 1-2-3 | 9 to 36 kg | approximately 9 months to 12 years | Evolving car seats |
| 2-3 | 15 to 36 kg | Approximately 4 to 12 years old | Booster seats with backrest |
Regulations for Group 2 3 car seats
European standard R44/04 sets out safety requirements for Group 2-3 child car seats in Europe. It defines more broadly the different groups of seats according to the weight of the child and requires car seats to be tested to guarantee sufficient protection in the event of an accident.
The i-Size regulation, also known as the R129 standard, is a more recent European regulation aimed at improving the safety of child car seats. Unlike the R44/04 regulation, which is based on the child's weight, the i-Size regulation focuses on the child's height and also takes into account other factors such as whether the car seat is secured in the car using an ISOFIX anchorage system and side impact protection.
As far as i-Size regulations are concerned, car seats equivalent to group 2/3 are for children between 100 and 150 cm (i.e. between the ages of 4 and 12).
When should I switch to a Group 2/3 car seat?
Before switching to a Group 2/3 car seat, your child should be in a Group 1 car seat for children weighing between 9 and 18 kg (approx. 9 months to 4 years) or a Group 0+/1 car seat for children weighing less than 18 kg.
The transition to a Group 2/3 car seat should not be made until your child has reached the required minimum weight of 15 kg. Moving your child to a Group 2/3 car seat early could compromise his or her safety in the event of a road accident, as the seat belt will not fit properly.
That said, there is no precise time for changing car seat groups. Every child develops differently, so it's important to monitor their growth and weight to determine the right time to switch to a Group 2/3 car seat.
As a general rule, your child can switch to a Group 2/3 car seat when the shoulders extend beyond the highest point of the safety strap of the previous car seat. It is also important to check whether your child's head extends beyond the top of the seat.
How do I choose the right Group 2 3 car seat?
To choose the right Group 2 3 car seat, there are a number of criteria to consider:
- The child's weight/height : When choosing a child car seat, it is important to take into account the child's morphology, in particular its weight and height. An unsuitable seat can cause the child to adopt an incorrect position, reduce the effectiveness of the safety systems and increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
- Car compatibility : Not all car seats are compatible with all types of car. It is therefore essential to check that the car seat you choose is compatible with your car.
- Build quality : It's best to choose a quality car seat that offers optimum protection in the event of an impact. Choose models with side impact protection systems, which offer greater safety in the event of a side impact. It is also advisable to refer to the results of crash tests carried out on car seats, particularly those carried out by independent bodies such as the ADAC. These tests verify the car seat's resistance in the event of a collision, as well as its effectiveness in terms of protection, comfort and ease of installation.
- Options and accessories : Some car seats offer additional options, such as adjustable headrests, reclining backrests or cup holders. Choose a car seat that meets your needs.
The Best Group 2/3 Car Seats
Group 2/3 car seats for children aged 4 to 12, between 100 and 150 cm tall (i-Size approval) or weighing between 15 and 36 kg (R44/04 approval). Within this category of car seats, there are a variety of models offering different safety, anchoring and reclining systems to meet the specific needs of each child.
It is important to point out that all the recommended seat models have obtained excellent crash test results carried out every year by ADAC and its partners, guaranteeing the best possible protection for your child.
Britax car seats
The Britax car seats Group 2/3 car seats have been specially designed to ensure the safety of children weighing between 15 and 36 kg, while offering optimum comfort for parents. Practical and easy to use, they are available in a wide range of colours and models to suit everyone's tastes and needs.
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Britax Römer Kidfix i-Size
Le Britax Römer Kidfix i-Size is an i-Size approved evolving car seat designed for children from 100 to 150 cm. This model incorporates innovative safety features such as SecureGuard to offer your child optimum protection in the event of an accident. It also has a side protection system and XP-PAD for better shock absorption. What's more, the height-adjustable headrest allows the seat to be adapted to your child's growth for enhanced comfort and safety.
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Britax Römer Kidfix III M
The Britax Römer Kidfix III M is an R44/04 approved progressive car seat for children from 15 to 36 kg (Group 2/3). It features SecureGuard technology for improved seatbelt positioning and the SICT side impact protection system for better side impact absorption. It also has a height-adjustable headrest to adapt to your child's growth.
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Britax Römer Kidfix III S
The Britax Römer Kidfix III S is similar to the Kidfix III M model, except that it has a shock-absorbing foam cushion called XP-PAD. This improves safety in the event of frontal impact by reducing the forces exerted on the child's thorax.
Cybex car seats
Cybex Group 2/3 car seats are designed to offer optimum comfort and maximum safety for children aged from around 4 to 12 years. With their many features and stylish design, these car seats are a popular choice for parents concerned about their children's safety on the road.
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Cybex Solution B-Fix
The Cybex Solution B-Fix is an R44/04-compliant model for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (approx. 3 to 12 years). It incorporates the L.S.P. protection system to limit the risk of serious injury in the event of a side impact. Attached using the car's seatbelt and the ISOFIX anchorage points, the seat is easy to transport thanks to its low weight. The 12-position adjustable headrest ensures perfect adjustment to the child's head position.
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Cybex Solution S i-Fix
The Cybex Solution S i-Fix is an i-Size approved seat for children between 100 and 150 cm tall. It is easy to install thanks to the ISOFIX system for greater stability, or via the seatbelt if the vehicle is not compatible. The reclining backrest adapts to the child's position in the vehicle. The headrest can be reclined to protect the child's head in the event of a side impact or during a nap. The Lateral Protection System (LSP) makes the seat even safer.
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Cybex Solution S Fix
The Cybex Solution S Fix has similar features to the Cybex Solution S i-Fix, except that it is an R44/04 approved model for children from 15 to 36 kg. Compared with the Cybex Solution M-Fix that it replaced, this seat saves 10% of space in the car and offers 15% of extra room for children.
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Cybex Solution Z i-Fix
The Cybex Solution Z i-Fix is an R129/03 approved car seat for children between 100 and 150 cm tall. It features a reclining headrest and shoulder protectors that grow with your child, preventing their head from tilting forward while they sleep. The Cybex Solution Z i-Fix is also equipped with a side protection system that reduces the force generated by side impacts. Installation is made easier thanks to the ISOFIX system for increased stability.
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Cybex Solution M-Fix
The Cybex Solution M-Fix is an R44/04 approved car seat for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg. Its reclining headrest prevents the child's head from tilting forward, while the side protection (L.S.P. system) is adjustable to guarantee maximum safety. The ISOFIX Connect system improves the safety and stability of the seat. What's more, the Cybex Solution M-Fix is compatible with vehicles that do not have an ISOFIX system.
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Cybex Solution M-Fix SL
The Cybex Solution M-Fix SL is another excellent choice for parents looking for a high-quality Group 2 3 car seat. It offers side impact protection, a height-adjustable headrest and a ventilation system to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible.
Recaro car seats
Recaro is a German brand specialising in the design and manufacture of car seats for children. Its flagship products include Group 2 / 3 car seats, which guarantee comfort and safety for children aged between 3 and 12.
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Recaro Mako Elite 2
The Recaro Mako Elite 2 is an i-Size approved seat for children from 100 to 150 cm. This seat has an extendable leg rest, a backrest that adapts to the child's morphology and an additional reclining position. It comes with padded wings to prevent shoulder pain and is fitted with ISOFIX connectors to ensure quick installation in the car. This seat has a speaker built into the headrest so your child can listen to their favourite music or stories.
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Recaro Monza Nova 2 Seatfix
The Recaro Monza Nova 2 Seatfix is a Group 2 3 car seat offering side impact protection and a reinforced structure for optimum safety. It is also extremely comfortable thanks to its soft padding and height-adjustable headrest.
Joie car seats
Joie Group 2/3 car seats are designed for children aged 4 to 12, weighing between 15 and 36 kg or measuring between 100 and 150 cm. They offer excellent value for money, optimum safety and great comfort for children during car journeys.
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Joie i-Traver
The Joie i-Traver is an i-Size approved evolving car seat that can be used facing the road for children from 100 to 150 cm. The adjustable ISOFIX hooks make installation quick and easy. Safety is enhanced by Guard Surrend Safety and side reinforcements in the seat. For optimum comfort, the headrest, backrest and seat depth are fully adjustable. Colour-coded belt guides and padded armrests ensure practicality and comfort.
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Joie i-Trillo LX
The Joie Trillo LX is an R44/04 compliant seat for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg, corresponding to Group 2/3. The Trillo LX is equipped with side impact protection, Guard Surround Safety™ panels and ISOSAFE connectors to lock the seat in addition to the safety belt. This child booster offers optimum comfort thanks to its breathable fabric, padded armrests, memory foam cushions and adjustable headrest.
Nuna car seats
Nuna Group 2/3 car seats offer an excellent level of safety and comfort for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg, while offering an elegant, contemporary design for parents concerned about the aesthetics of their vehicle.
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Nuna AACE
The Nuna AACE car seat is perfect for children from 15 to 36 kg. Easy to install with its ISOFIX connectors, the seat is ECE R44/04 approved. Safety is enhanced by shock-absorbing EPP foam and SIP side impact protection. The belt loop and coloured indicators make it easy to attach the belt to the shoulders. The Nuna AACE offers a high level of comfort with its 11-position height-adjustable headrest, shoulder zone that widens simultaneously with the headrest, 3 depths to follow leg growth and integrated armrests.
Maxi Cosi car seats
The Maxi-Cosi Group 2/3 car seats offer optimum safety for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg or between 100 and 150 cm, while guaranteeing maximum comfort for enjoyable car journeys.
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Maxi-Cosi Kore
The Maxi-Cosi Kore is a modern booster seat for children between 100 and 150 cm tall. Compliant with the i-Size standard, it features an SPS Plus side impact protection system combined with energy-dissipating materials. More comfortable with its full padding and safer with optimum head and shoulder protection, the seat is easy to install and move thanks to the ISOFIX system. The reclining backrest can be adjusted with the headrest to provide even greater comfort.
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Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro
The Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro is a booster seat for children between 100 and 150 cm tall. This model has the same features as the Kore, except that it is equipped with a unique ClickAssistLight feature, an LED light that automatically illuminates the seatbelt buckle once the child is seated in the seat. This makes it easy and safe for children to buckle themselves in. The light switches off automatically after a few seconds.
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Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Airprotect
Le Maxi-Cosi Rodifix AirProtect is a Group 2/3 model approved to R44/04 regulations for children from 15 to 36 kg. This model has an ISOFIX anchorage system for greater seat stability and red markings to make it easier to identify when the seat belt is being used. What's more, the headrest and backrest are adjustable to adapt to the child's growth. The car seat offers great comfort thanks to its padding on the back, head and seat. It also features AirProtect technology to protect the head in the event of an impact.
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Maxi-Cosi Rodi XP Fix
The Rodi XP Fix from Maxi-Cosi is a seat for children from 15 to 36 kg that complies with the ECE R44/04 safety standard. The seat is fully adjustable to follow the child's growth. The seat provides full side protection and can be adjusted in height to offer safe, appropriate comfort for every child, whatever their age. It can be easily installed using the ISOFIX anchorage system, but also with the seat belt, making it easy to transfer from one car to another.
BeSafe car seats
BeSafe car seats are renowned for their high quality and exceptional safety. BeSafe Group 2/3 models are designed to grow with your child, while offering maximum comfort, safety and convenience for parents.
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BeSafe iZi Flex Fix
The BeSafe iZi Flex Fix i-Size is an evolving car seat designed for children measuring between 100 and 150 cm. It can be installed in vehicles with or without an Isofix system, with the child attached to the vehicle's safety belt. Approved to UN R129-02 safety standards, this car seat offers extra side protection, strap guides and a Pad + cushion for added comfort and safety. It is height and recline adjustable, compact and offers good vision and head support for the child. What's more, the side protectors are removable to save space.
How do I attach a Group 2/3 car seat?
Installing a Group 2/3 car seat is relatively simple, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure correct and safe installation. It is essential to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed in the car by using, if possible, the ISOFIX anchorage system or by attaching the seat with the car's safety belt for models without an ISOFIX anchorage system. ISOFIX attachment.
Here are the general steps for installing a car seat of Group 2/3 :
- Place the car seat in the back seat of the car and sit your child in it.
- Pass the car's safety belt through the guides on the car seat. If the car seat is fitted with the ISOFIX anchorage system, check that the car's ISOFIX anchorage points are aligned with those on the car seat.
- Pull the seatbelt out of the car and pass the buckle through the seatbelt catch on the car seat.
- Pull on the safety belt to tighten the car seat against the car seat.
- Check that the car seat is securely fastened and that it does not move left to right or up and down.
- Fasten your child by passing the safety belt through the car seat guides and locking it.
- Check that the seatbelt fits snugly and does not go over your child's neck.
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