Weight group
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.
Age range
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.
Correct installation indicator
The presence in the design of the child restraint system of special
indicators of correct installation. They help ensure that the child car seat is installed correctly and follows all prescribed safety guidelines. Most often, such indicators are represented by special marks that change color or position when the car seat is installed correctly. Such indicators are placed on Isofix system locks, seat belts for fastening a child, etc. And some models for the youngest passengers have built-in levels or angle indicators that help set the seat in the correct position, facing the rear of the vehicle.
Additional side protection
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.
Country of origin
The country of origin of the brand under which the product is marketed. Often indicated by the nationality of the company or the location of its headquarters. At the same time, the actual production capacity of the brand often differs from the country of origin.
The quality of products is more influenced by the organization of processes and quality control at all production stages than by geography. Therefore, biases against brands from specific regions are generally unfounded. Consideration of a brand's country of origin becomes relevant only when the goal is to actively support or avoid manufacturers from a particular state.
