When you have a child, it's crucial to take care of their safety in the car. This means choosing the right car seat appropriate for their age, height and weight. Car seats are classified into groups according to these criteria, ranging from group 0 for newborns to group 3 for older children. But how do you know when it's time to change your car seat group? In this article, we'll look at the criteria that determine when to change car seat groups to ensure your child's safety.
The different car seat groups
The regulations for car seats are very important to consider when choosing the most appropriate seat for your child. The two most common regulations are R44/04 and i-Size.
-
Car seat groups in accordance with regulation R44/04
The R44 standard is based on the child's weight and divides car seats into groups:
-
- Group 0 (from birth to 10 kg)
- Group 0+ (from birth to 13 kg)
- Group 1 (from 9 to 18 kg)
- Group 2 (from 15 to 25 kg)
- Group 3 (from 22 to 36 kg)
- Group 2/3 (from 15 to 36 kg)
- Group 1/2/3 (from 9 to 36 kg)
-
Car seat groups according to R129 (i-Size) regulations
La i-Size standardis based on the child's height rather than weight.
-
- From birth to 75/85 cm (approx. 18 months)
- From 75 to 105 cm (4 years approx.)
- From 105 to 135 cm (4 to 12 years approx.)
Group | Child's weight | Approximate age | Types of car seat |
---|---|---|---|
0 | up to 10 kg | from birth to 75/85 cm (approx. 18 months) | Nacelles, cosy |
0+ | up to 13 kg | from birth to 75/85 cm (approx. 18 months) | Nacelles, cosy |
1 | 9 to 18 kg | from 75 to 105 cm (approx. 4 years old) | 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 | from birth to 135 cm (approx. 12 years) | Evolving car seats |
2-3 | 15 to 36 kg | Approximately 3 to 12 years old | Booster seats with backrest |
Criteria for changing car seats
A number of factors determine when to change car seat groups to ensure your child's safety. The main considerations are your child's height, weight and age. If your child exceeds the weight or height limit recommended for their car seat group, it's time to move on to the next group.
-
Child size
The child's height is a key factor in knowing when to change car seat groups. Car seats have maximum height limits for each group, and it's important to respect these limits. If your child's head exceeds the upper edge of the car seat, it's time to move on to the next group.
-
Child's weight
Your child's weight is another decisive factor when choosing a car seat. If your child exceeds the maximum weight limit for his or her car seat group, it's time to move on to the next group. It is important not to exceed the recommended weight limits to avoid any risk of injury in the event of an accident.
How do I know when to change car seat groups?
In addition to the signs mentioned above, here are some other signs to look out for to know when it's time to change your car seat group:
-
Your child is cramped in his current car seat
If your child is cramped in his current car seat, this means that his weight and/or height exceed the recommended limits for that car seat group. A car seat that is too small can be dangerous, as it cannot protect your child properly in the event of an accident. It is therefore important to change to a higher group car seat so that your child can travel safely.
-
Your child can no longer be properly secured in its current car seat
If your child can no longer be properly secured in his or her current car seat, this means that the harness and/or buckle can no longer be adjusted to the correct position. An incorrectly adjusted harness can be dangerous, as it cannot restrain your child properly in the event of an accident. If you have this problem, it's time to move up to a higher group car seat.
-
The car seat harness can no longer be adjusted to the right height for your child
Car seats have specific weight and height limits for each group. If your child is growing and the height of the harness on their current car seat can no longer be adjusted to the right height, it's time to move up to a car seat in a higher group.
-
Your child's head extends beyond the top of the car seat, even with the harness at its highest level
If your child's head extends beyond the top of the car seat, this means that your child has exceeded the height limits for his or her current car seat. In this case, it is important to change to a car seat from a higher group to ensure optimum safety.
-
Your child exceeds the maximum weight and/or height authorised for their current car seat
Finally, if your child exceeds the maximum weight and/or height authorised for their current car seat, it's time to switch to a car seat in a higher group. It is important to respect the weight and height limits of each car seat group to ensure your child's safety.
When should I switch from a cosy to a car seat?
Le baby cosy is the first type of car seat designed for infants from birth to around 12 to 18 months. Because they are installed with their backs to the road, we recommend using a baby cosy for as long as possible.
As a general rule, when your child reaches the weight or height limit recommended for a baby cosy, it's time to switch to a larger child car seat.
- For i-Size approved models, the child's height must be between 75 and 85 cm.
- For R44/04 approved models, the maximum weight of the child must be 10 kg (Group 0+) or 13 kg (Group 0).
However, if you notice that your child is cramped in his current cosy, that his feet are sticking out over the edge of the seat or that the height of the harness can no longer be adjusted properly to his shoulder height, it may be time to change car seats.
When should I switch from a car seat to a booster seat?
Switching from a car seat to a car booster seat is done when your child has reached the maximum weight and height of the car seat indicated on the label. the approval label.
- For car seats approved to R44/04, it is generally recommended to use a booster seat from 15 kg (Group 2) upwards.
- For i-Size approved models, the child must be at least 100 cm tall to switch to a booster seat.
The special case of evolving car seats
Evolving car seats are an interesting alternative for parents who want to buy a single car seat for their child, from group 0+ to group 2-3. These seats are designed to grow with your child, by adjusting the seat and harness as your child grows. This means you won't have to buy a new car seat every time your child grows.
An example of a progressive car seat is the Group 1/2/3 car seat, which can be used for children aged between 9 months and 12 years, weighing between 9 and 36 kg. This type of car seat allows you to follow your child's growth, with adjustable settings to suit their age and height. This type of seat can initially be used as a Group 1 car seat (9-18 kg), then transformed into a Group 2 car seat (15-25 kg) before becoming a Group 3 car seat (22-36 kg), as the child's weight and needs change.
However, it is important to note that progressive car seats may have weight and height limits for each group. So it's important to check the seat's specifications carefully and make sure it's suitable for your child's height and weight. In addition, progressive car seats may not be as comfortable or adapted to your child's needs as specific car seats for each group.
When should I stop using a child booster seat?
There are a number of factors to take into account when determining until what age to use a child booster seat. First of all, you need to check the maximum weight or size limit for your car seat according to the regulations in force.
- For ECE R44/04 approved booster seats, the maximum weight limit is 36 kg.
- For UN R129 approved booster seats, the maximum height limit is 150 cm.
Next, you need to refer to national laws to find out up to what age a car seat must be used. In France, this limit is set at 10 years.
Finally, it's important to check your child's position in the car without a car seat, because even if they have reached the minimum legal age, they may not yet be ready to use the vehicle's safety belt safely.
Conclusion
Knowing when to change car seat groups is important for your child's safety when travelling in the car. By choosing a car seat that's right for your child's body shape and looking out for the signs that indicate it's time to change groups, you can be sure that your child is optimally protected. Don't forget to regularly check the compatibility of the car seat with your child by checking the weight, size and height of the harness, as well as the position of your child's head.