car seats - how to choose the perfect fit

The Basic Checklist we start with:

✔ What is the child’s height in centimeters, and is the child a newborn?

✔ Does the car have ISOFIX anchors?

✔ How many cars need to be covered? For example, if a family has two cars, will two car seats be purchased (one for each), or will a single car seat be shared between the cars?

✔ What is the available budget?

Newborn

When the baby is a newborn, we need to decide whether we are interested in purchasing a travel system (stroller–carrycot–car seat). Therefore, the first thing to consider is what kind of stroller we want!

For newborns, the decision on a car seat is closely tied to the stroller choice.

• If you’ve already decided on a stroller, consider whether you want to find a car seat (infant carrier) that is compatible with it, meaning a seat that can attach to the stroller’s frame.
• If compatibility isn’t a priority, you can explore standalone car seats suitable for newborns (whether they are infant carriers or not).
• If you haven’t chosen a stroller yet, first decide whether you want a travel system or just a stroller:
  ▢ If you choose a travel system, the included infant carrier will cover your needs until the child reaches 75 cm (approximately 12 months old).
  ▢ If you don’t want a travel system, decide which car seat subcategory you prefer for a newborn:
  • Do you want the car seat to be easy to transport? If so, choose an infant carrier.
  • Do you want the car seat to last longer, allow for rear-facing installation, and offer multiple reclining positions? In this case, opt for larger categories, such as 40 cm to 105 cm.
  • Do you want to avoid buying a second car seat as the child grows and prefer one that adapts to the child’s development? If yes, choose a category like 40 cm to 150 cm.

Children 75 cm and taller

In this case, you need to check if the child’s height corresponds to Category 2 (from 76 cm) or Category 3 (from 100 cm):

• Category 2:
  To decide on the best subcategory, think about whether you want:
  • A seat that lasts until the end (76–150 cm).
  • A seat with rear-facing capability up to 105 cm.
    • Seats designed for up to 105 cm (approximately 4 years old) often offer more reclining positions since they are intended for younger children compared to those that go up to 150 cm (approximately 12 years old).
• Category 3:
  For this category, ensure that:
  • The child is at least 100 cm tall.
  • The child can sit upright comfortably without requiring significant reclining for comfort.