Growing car seats from approx. 3.5 to 12 years
At the latest when your little one reaches the maximum weight of 18 kg in a Group I car seat, it's time to buy a new, larger car seat! This will take your child through to the end of the mandatory car seat requirement.
Usually a glance at your child sitting in the car seat is enough: if the head already extends above the top of the headrest, you know it's time to buy a new car seat. It's also time to switch once the maximum permitted body weight of 18 kg has been reached. From that point on, the Group I car seat no longer offers reliable protection in an accident!
Don't switch too early
Since your child is secured only by the vehicle seat belt in Group II/III car seats, you shouldn't switch too early! If children are too small, there's a risk they could slip out from under the 3-point belt.
Safety through the end of the mandatory car seat requirement
A car seat in ECE Group II/III is suitable for children weighing 15-36 kg and can therefore be used from around 3 to 12 years of age – in other words, until the end of the mandatory car seat requirement!
Isn't a booster seat enough?
ECE Group II/III (15-36 kg) also includes what are known as booster seats. While these do ensure a correct belt path in the pelvic area thanks to two "belt guides," the lack of a backrest means they offer no side-impact protection or protection for the head! For that reason, a full car seat with a backrest is always preferable as the primary seat.
However, the inexpensive booster seats are great as a mobile second seat for carpools or for grandma's car.
How is the car seat installed?
A Group II/III car seat is installed either using Isofix connectors or the vehicle seat belt. For safety reasons, however, Isofix installation is preferable, since it firmly connects the car seat to the vehicle body, offering greater protection in an accident.
Before buying, please check the car seat manufacturer's vehicle compatibility list (available online) – Isofix car seats in particular can't be installed in every car. Checking the list will provide clarity.
From what age can my child ride without a car seat?
The mandatory car seat requirement ends at a height of 150 cm or at age 12
So if a child is younger than 12 but already taller than 150 cm, they may ride in the car without a car seat. If a child is still shorter than 150 cm at age 12, they are also legally allowed to ride without a car seat, but it's recommended to keep using the car seat until they reach a height of 150 cm.
Car seats at Babyartikel.de
At Babyartikel.de you'll find a large selection of car seats from well-known brand manufacturers such as Recaro, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and many more!
