Child car seats (Group 1)

9 to 18kg (approx 9 months - 4 years)

Features

As your child gets to around nine months, though some will be earlier, it's time to think about moving them out of the infant carrier and into a forward-facing seat. Seats in group 1 usually consist of a seat shell attached to a frame. The child is held in the seat by an integral five-point harness and the frame attached to the car using the adult seat belts or ISOFIX anchorages.

Some booster seats, aimed at older children in groups 2 and 3 are supplied with a removeable harness for younger children, so it's possible to buy a single seat covering the range from 9 months or so up to their 12th birthday. Look for seats marked 'Group 1,2 and 3'.

Check whether your car is fitted with ISOFIX anchorage points. Besides being more secure, these dedicated attachment points can also make it quicker and easier to fit a child seat correctly.

Look for a seat that's easy to adjust
You'll need to adjust the harness a lot to suit the thickness of clothes the child's wearing. Try to adjust the sample in the shop but bear in mind that it'll be harder with a child in the seat.

Built-in reclining facility
Might cost more but can be useful, particularly for younger children who may sleep more often and on longer journeys.

Consider ISOFIX
But check the vehicle handbook carefully first to make sure you get the right size class for your car.

Fitting tips

Fitting the adult belt correctly around the frame and adjusting it so the seat is tight in the car takes time and effort. Compared to booster seats, this type of seat can be more difficult to move from one car to another.

Compatibility can be a problem

Few, if any, 'universal' child seats can actually be fitted properly in every seating positions in every car. Check the manufacturer's application list and ask the retailer to show you how the seat can be installed correctly in your car. More about compatibility

Fitting errors are common
This is another good reason to ask shop staff to show you how to fit the seat properly. Read the fitting instructions carefully and keep them with the seat in the car.

The adult belt must pass through all the right belt-guides and the buckle imustn't be bent or lie across the seat frame. Some seats are deigned with an 'alternative belt route' to help you avoid contact between the buckle and frame.

Child seats must be fitted tightly and securely
Kneel into the child seat to compress the car seat cushion underneath while pulling the adult seat belt as tight as possible. You should be able to get it so tight that you can rock the car slightly by pulling and pushing on the top of the child seat.

Belts can work loose
Check the seat before every journey and retighten it if necessary.

Harnesses should lie flat
The harness should be comfortably tight and without twists which could increase injury. Place your hand flat on the child's chest and pull the harness up tight against it for the ideal adjustment.

Buying second-hand

If you are thinking about buying second-hand to save money, don't buy anything that you even suspect might have been involved in an accident as it will not be capable to offer the protection it did before the accident.

Check that nothing is missing or broken - including the fitting instructions which are essential if you're going to be able to fit and adjust the seat properly.

Buying from family or friends is a good idea because you'll know the history of the seat and can be sure that it's not been involved in an accident.

Car boot sales, free ads and other sources where you don't know the seller can't be recommended.

 

11 August 2011