The weight of the child for which the car seat is designed.
In total, there are 5 main weight groups: 0 (0 – 10 kg; a rather rare option nowadays),
0+ (0 – 13 kg),
1 (9 – 18 kg), 2 (15 – 25 kg),
3 (22 – 36 kg). However, many car seats are produced that belong to several groups at once:
0 +/1 (0 – 18 kg),
1/2 (9 – 25 kg),
2/3 (15 – 36 kg),
0 + / 1/2 (0 – 25 kg) and even
1/2/3 (9 – 36 kg) and
0+/1/2/3 (0 – 36 kg). Such versatility affects the price, sometimes quite noticeably. On the other hand, a seat that matches several groups at once remains relevant for a child longer, and it usually costs less than two (or even more) separate products, each for a different weight category.
Note also that the weight group is directly related to age; refer to "Age range" for details.
The age of the child for which the car seat is designed. Many models combine several age groups at once; such products, naturally, cost more, but remain relevant for the baby longer.
Note that this indicator is directly related to the weight group; Here are the main age ranges that are found nowadays, and the weight categories to which they correspond:
— 1 – 6 months (weight group 0); rare today.
—
1 – 12 months (weight group 0+); almost completely replaced the category "0".
—
8 – 48 months (weight group 1).
—
3 – 7 years (weight group 2).
—
6 – 12 years (weight group 3). Note that if only this weight category is indicated for the car seat, then it is a
booster: a lining without a backrest, which is placed on the standard car seat and allows the grown-up child to use "adult" seat belts. If the note "6 — 12 years" is combined with another weight category - then we have a full-fledged car seat with a backrest.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that this characteristic is not strictly defined: children of the same age may differ in development and build. So, when choosing a seat, first of all, weight should be taken into account, and then age; and if the seat corresponds to the child's height and build, there is nothing wrong with the age discrepancy.
The car seat has structural elements that further protect the child from side impacts. At least such elements include sidewalls for head protection made of impact-absorbing material such as polyurethane foam; torso protection may also be provided. If you are looking for a car seat with the maximum level of protection, you should choose from models with
additional side protection.
