Infant Carriers (Group 0 and 0+)
Birth to 10kg or 13kg (approx 9 or 12 months)
Newborn babies can't support their heads until the age of about six weeks so child seats for this group must be rear facing, designed to support the head, neck and back evenly.
From the point of view of safety it is better to keep children in rear facing restraints for as long as possible.
- The smaller 'Group 0' seats can be used for children up to 10kg, a weight most will reach at around 9 months.
- Many now meet the requirements of the more recently introduced 'Group 0+' though and are suitable for children up to 13kg (around 12 months), allowing you to keep the child in the safer, rear-facing position for longer.
- Many infant carriers/baby seats are fitted using an adult lap and diagonal belt whilst the child is restrained by an integral harness. No additional fixing kit is required so these seats can be easily moved from one car to another.
- There is a growing number of infant carriers now that can be fitted using the ISOFIX system - typically a 'base' with a front support leg to prevent forward rotation attaches to the car and then the infant carrier is simply plugged-in or unclipped from the base.
Price can be a concern
- Infant carriers are only used for a short time. This means they are suitable for hire schemes. For details of loan schemes operated in your area contact your local Road Safety Officer. Good examples can be bought second-hand. Important points to remember when buying second-hand.
Consider 'two-way' seats
- A further cost saving option is to buy one of the 'two-way' seats. These are rear-facing for the first 9 to 12 months and then, after a few adjustments, forward-facing for a child in the next weight range (Group 1).
- Two-way seats are a compromise; they are generally heavier and less convenient to use than normal infant carriers and their fitting instructions can be complicated. They may suit you and save you money.
- Misfitting is most common with two-way seats.
Convenience
- Carrying handles are essential and convenient. A sleeping child can be carried to and from the car and doors can be unlocked more easily.
- Check that the adult belts are long enough. Make sure the restraint can be installed in your car correctly and that it will sit securely at a comfortable angle for the child.
- Avoid harness adjusters located high on the straps. They can cause discomfort to a baby who falls asleep lying against them. You'll be adjusting the harness regularly as the child grows so look for systems that are quick and convenient.
- Check how easy the cover is to remove and replace. You'll have to remove it for cleaning at some point.
Extreme hazard warning
Rear-facing infant carriers must not be used on a front-passenger seat where a passenger airbag is fitted. The close proximity of the restraint to the airbag could result in a severe injury or death to the child if the bag inflates.