Guide to Group 2, 3 car seats
As our little ones become not so little, their car seat needs change. In the first couple of years of your baby’s life, you’ll find yourself needing to change from a Group 0+ car seat to a Group 1 car seat once your toddler reaches a weight of 13kg. This usually happens at some point in their second year when they’re aged 1 but every infant grows at a different rate.
The Group 1 seat you buy for your toddler then lasts longer, usually until they reach the age of 3 ½ approximately. From then, things can feel a little confusing in the world of car safety. You may have heard different terms - Group 2, Group 3, booster seats -- but working out what they all mean and how they apply to your child can be another story.
What is a Group 2, 3 car seat?
The final car seats your child will need are categorised as Group 2 and Group 3. From Group 2, your little one’s car seat will use the seat belt rather than a built in car seat harness. The difference between a Group 2 and Group 3 car seat is that in Group 3, from approximately aged 6 with a weight of 22kg, your child can use only a booster seat. This booster seat is Group 3, whereas a Group 2 seat is a high back booster, so rather than just a raised seat, your child also has appropriate head and back support in the car.
When does my child move to a Group 2 or Group 3?
Once your little one reaches a weight of 15kg, which is usually at around 3 ½ years old. Group 3 car seats can be used from a weight of 22kg which is from approximately aged 6.
Your child will stay in their Group 2, 3 car seat until they are around aged 12 or 36kg -- when they no longer need to use a car seat.
The problem with booster seats
The car seats we sell in these groups combine the above, so they cover your little one’s car seat safety needs from around age 3.5 - 12. This is why they’re categorised as Group 2 and Group 3.
Regular use of a booster seat without any head or back support isn’t the safest option for a child in the event of a collision. It is safer to continue to support developing bones as much as possible, through a Group 2, Group 3 combination seat with a height adjustable headrest. High back booster seats offer more support to your child should your car ever be involved in an accident.
Are Group 2 or 3 car seats still ISOFIX?
Not all Group 2, 3 car seats are ISOFIX, but they can be. ISOFIX seats don’t just sit in your car secured by a seatbelt. They offer extra impact protection because they are fixed to the ISOFIX connector points in your car, keeping the seat’s position secure.
If you’d like to support with your car seat needs, we can help by telephone, online or in store. At Little Angels Prams you’ll get friendly specialist advice and free delivery on all orders over £50.