Your baby’s second car seat
Once your baby weighs more than 9kg, you can use a Group 1, Group 1/2 or Group 1/2/3 car seat.
A Group 1 car seat is suitable for a baby weighing from 9kg to 18kg, which is roughly 9 months to 4 years.
You might choose to buy a Group 1/2 or Group 1/2/3 instead (known as a combination or multi-group car seats) because they can be used for longer. A Group 1/2 car seat is suitable from 9kg to 25kg, roughly 9 months to 6 years, but isn't a very common option. A Group 1/2/3 car seat is suitable from 9kg to 36kg, which is roughly 9 months to 12 years, and there's quite a wide range of these now on the market. Our buyer's guide has more info on your baby's weight and car seat groups and multi-group car seats.
While your baby’s first car seat would have been a lie-flat or rear facing option, Group 1 car seats are mostly forward facing, though there are a number of rear-facing designs around. It’s important for your baby that she’s in a rear facing car seat until she’s at least 10kg-13kg (roughly 9 months or so) and can sit up unaided. And remember to always follow your baby’s weight, not age, when choosing car seats. We spoke to experts in the industry to answer your questions about when to move on from one car seat to the next.
Getting it right is vital for your baby’s safety, comfort and for your ease of use. It's also worth remembering not all car seats may be suitable for your car - check before you buy.
Now, click through to see 10 top options, suitable from around 9 months and up…
