Guide to Group 0+ car seats

Choosing a car seat for your baby can feel like a big responsibility, with your little one’s safety always your top priority. Throughout their life, you’ll find yourself doing everything you can to protect your child, but nothing feels quite as huge as being responsible for your brand new baby. 

Group 0 and Group 0+ car seats: safety first

It’s crucial that the Group 0 car seat you choose for your newborn baby meets the latest safety standards and is fitted correctly in your vehicle. Group 0 or 0+ is sometimes referred to as Stage 0 or 0+ which can cause confusion, but the meaning is the same.

Your newborn’s car seat must be:

• Rear-facing.
• Group 0, meaning it’s suitable from birth.
• EU-approved.
• New (it’s impossible to know the history of a second-hand car seat and whether it is damaged, for example from being in a collision).
• Purchased and ready for when you bring them home from the hospital.

ISOFIX explained

ISOFIX refers to a fixed fitting in the chassis of most modern cars, allowing you to fit an ISOFIX car base from which your car seat easily clips into. This ensures your baby’s seat is positioned correctly and safely. If your car seat isn’t ISOFIX compatible it will need to be secured via your car’s seat belt. Most infant Group 0 and Group 0+ car seats have the option to be used with an ISOFIX base and a seat belt, although some will only be seat belt compatible. 

i-Size explained

Many parents-to-be are opting for an i-Size car seat for their newborn baby’s travel. i-Size is the new European safety standard for child car seats and was introduced in 2013. We’d suggest reading this full guide to i-Size to understand more, but a main takeaway is that all i-Size seats are standardised, regulated and, thanks to improved head and neck protection, help make travelling with your baby as safe as possible. 

All i-Size car seats are used with ISOFIX.

Why are baby car seats rear-facing?

While road collisions are not very nice to think about, every parent wants to do all they can to protect their baby should a car accident occur. Research and tests have proven that being rear-facing reduces the stress on an infant’s spine and neck, giving better protection in the event of a car accident. Remember that a baby’s muscles are still developing, and because their head weighs a quarter of their total body weight, it needs protection against being thrown forward to lessen the risk of damage to their neck and spine. 

Group 0+ car seats for travel systems

Travel systems are the most popular choice of pram here at Little Angels. They offer parents convenience and flexibility for being out and about with a little one, so if you’re thinking of a travel system you just need to check your pram is compatible with your chosen Group 0+ car seat before you commit.  

You can find out about compatibility online or in store, with most pram descriptions including the car seats that make them travel system ready.  We include this information and more in our range of pram and pushchair buying guides, and you can always call us on 01159305772 with any questions you might have.  

Joie Every Stage Group car seat

For parents less interested in a travel system, there’s also the option of purchasing an infant car seat to last your little one through several stages. For example, the Joie Every Stage FX car seat works with an ISOFIX base and starts as rear-facing. As your little one grows, it can be switched to forward-facing and lasts until your child is approximately aged 7.  

Car seat fitting demonstrations

Fitting your baby’s car seat for the first time is something many parents find a little daunting. At our Nottingham store, our friendly car seat specialists will happily demonstrate how to fit a base and car seat so you can feel comfortable and confident with yours. You can pop into the store or call ahead for an appointment on 01159305772.

You can view our Group 0+ car seat range HERE and sign up to our newsletter list below for help, advice and offers direct to your inbox.