Which Car Seat Should You Choose?
The right car seat is crucial for your child’s safety and comfort while driving. We help you choose the right seat for your child.
This guide is based on recommendations from the Road Safety Council, FDM, and the Danish Consumer Council “Tænk“.
Note that this is just a guideline. Always check that the car seat meets legal requirements and fits your child’s size to ensure optimal safety.
Legislation and Standards
When buying a car seat, make sure it meets the applicable standards and legislation. In the EU and EEA, the most common standards are ECE R44/04 and ECE R129 (i-Size). Car seats that meet these standards have been tested for safety and will have an orange label with the ECE approval number.
Age, Weight and Height
Car seats are divided into weight categories from newborn until your child weighs around 36 kilograms. Here is an overview of your options:
- Group 0/0+ (0-13 kg): An infant car seat can be used from newborn. The baby is placed with their back facing the direction of travel in the seat, which can be installed on the back seat or front seat if airbags are deactivated. Note that back seat installation is the safest choice. The seat can be fastened with a 3-point seatbelt or using a base. According to i-Size rules, the child must be rear-facing for the first 15 months.
- Group 0+/I (0-18 kg): Car seats in this group can be used from infancy – typically with a seat reducer – and up to a maximum of four years. Some are rear-facing throughout the usage period, while others can be turned to be forward-facing. The advantage is that you get both an infant and junior seat in one. With i-Size, this applies until the child is 105 cm tall.
- Group I (9-18 kg): When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can choose between a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat. Rear-facing is safest but requires more space. A forward-facing seat is easy to remove, which can be advantageous if you often need to move the seat between multiple cars.
- Group I/II/III (9-36 kg): Car seats in this group can be used from about nine months up to 12 years and are practical if you plan long-term and want to keep your child in a car seat for as long as possible.
- Group II/III (15-36 kg): When your child has outgrown their 9-18 kg seat, it is possible for them to sit with the car’s regular seatbelt. To prevent the belt from being too close to the neck and to protect the child in case of a side collision, a booster seat with a backrest is a good choice. A booster seat with a backrest raises the child and keeps the car’s seatbelt properly positioned over the shoulder and hip. We recommend using a booster seat with a backrest until the child is at least 135 cm tall.
Direction of the car seat
Typically, it is advised that children remain in a rear-facing position for as long as possible – at least until 15 months – as this provides the best protection. Often, the child can sit rear-facing up to around three years old, depending on the child’s height and the car seat model, but many turn the seat before then. The advantage of a forward-facing seat is that it is easier to keep an eye on your child in the rearview mirror, but the safest option is to keep your child rear-facing.
Studies have shown that rear-facing car seats are up to five times safer than forward-facing car seats because the weight during a collision is distributed much better in a rear-facing car seat. Therefore, i-Size approval and Danish law require the seat to be rear-facing until the child is at least 15 months old.
A forward-facing car seat should not be installed rear-facing unless the car seat is specifically designed for both purposes. Read the instructions carefully before use to ensure the correct installation of the car seat.
Remember: If you place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat, the airbag must be deactivated. If you want to place the child in the front seat in a forward-facing car seat, check the car’s manual to see if the airbag should be turned off. In newer cars, it is often possible to use a car seat/booster seat in the front seat without deactivating the passenger seat’s airbag, but always check the car’s manual to see if this is possible.
A rear-facing car seat takes up more space than a forward-facing car seat, so make sure there is enough room for the car seat in the car. Also, be mindful of this if you need space for more than one car seat in the car.
ISOFIX or seatbelt installation?
- ISOFIX System: The ISOFIX system provides a more stable and secure installation of the car seat in the car. If your car has ISOFIX anchor points, you should definitely find a car seat with ISOFIX installation—it also minimizes the risk of incorrect installation.
- Seatbelt Installation: If your car does not have ISOFIX anchor points, choose a car seat that can be installed with the car’s seatbelt. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and check that the car seat is always properly installed and the belt is correctly fastened.
Features and Accessories
Consider the following features and accessories when choosing a car seat:
- Seat Cushion: A car seat with an adjustable seat cushion will provide better support and comfort for your child, especially on longer trips.
- Headrest: An adjustable headrest can help keep your child’s head and neck in the correct position and increase comfort.
- Padding and Strap Protectors: These can improve comfort for your child and prevent irritation from the straps.
- Removable and Washable Cover: A removable and washable cover makes it easier to keep the car seat clean and tidy.
Tips for Installation and Use of Car Seats
- Read the instruction manual thoroughly and follow all steps to install the car seat correctly.
- Regularly check that the car seat is properly installed and tightened.
- Adjust the straps and headrest to fit your child’s size and ensure the straps are tightened correctly.
- Teach your child the importance of sitting correctly in the car seat and using the straps.
Check Used Car Seats
When buying a used car seat, check the following:
- Check the car seat’s age and safety label (ECE R44/04 or ECE R129)
- Inspect the car seat for damage, cracks, or missing parts. If there are any signs of damage, do not buy the car seat.
- Ensure that the instruction manual comes with the car seat or that it is available online from the manufacturer. Always read the manual carefully before use.
We hope this guide helps you choose the right car seat for your child and ensures they are as safe and comfortable as possible while driving.
Drive safe 🙂