The child grows out of the Baby Seatout it needs another one Child seat, Often baby bowls up to a weight of 13 kg are allowed. Practice shows that children grow faster and need a larger child seat earlier. Child seats are generally divided into groups, which are staggered according to body weight. After the infant carrier, the next highest group is in child seats, which are suitable for 9 to 18 kg – they belong to group 1.

Why are child seats required?

If the child is taken in the car, the legislator prescribes a suitable restraint device. This is to avoid that the child gets injuries in an accident due to an incorrect seating position. If a child is taken without a child seat and there is a check, high fines are the result. Parents who are concerned about the safety of children use a suitable child seat.

Purchase criteria for a child seat 9 to 18 kg

A child seat must meet certain criteria in order for it to be approved as such. Unfortunately, there are always manufacturers that do not carry out appropriate checks and are therefore not allowed. Especially if child seats are purchased abroad, other laws that do not necessarily comply with German legislation apply. Parents who want to purchase a child seat that ranges from 9 to 18 kg should pay attention to the following safety features:

– Safety standard ECE-44/03
– Safety standard i-size

These two safety standards are approved in Germany for child seats. The safety standard ECE-44/03 is an older regulation that, while still valid, has been superseded by the i-size standard. i-Size or also ECE-R129 has been valid since July 2013 and offers a higher level of protection. Child safety seats with i-Size have safety features such as side impact protection. In addition, the child seats are made exclusively with the Isofix mounting system. They can no longer be fixed with the three-point belt of the vehicle. The Isofix fastening system can often not be used in old or small vehicles, so that child safety seats with the ECE-44/03 safety standard are used.

Child seats Group 1 – 9 to 18 kg

Child seats of group 1 are suitable for ages from 9 months to 3 years. They must also have the appropriate standard to be allowed in vehicles. If the child safety seat does not fall below the standard during a check, the facts as such are clarified as if no child seat had been carried along. Not only the fine matters, but also that the safety of the child is at risk.

More safety for the child

For group 1 child safety seats, there are special systems that allow the child to be belted in the child seat. A popular method is the five-point belt. There is also an impact table that secures the children in the seat. Many seats of this group are mounted in the direction of travel. However, some models are also suitable for mounting against the direction of travel. Up to the age of 4 years, it is recommended that children sit against the direction of travel. The reason is that the head is still relatively heavy and big. An impact can cause serious injury for this reason. If the child is seated in a collision with the direction of travel, the cervical spine is not so heavily loaded as it pushes the child into the seat and not away from it.

Popular manufacturers of child seats of group 1

Britax Römer, Maxi-Cosi, Recaro or Chicco are among the most popular brands for child seats. They comply with safety standards and offer additional practical features such as the Isofix fastening system or ensure easy cleaning of the child seat. Easy installation in the vehicle as well as individual adjustments of the harness system ensure the child’s safety both on long and short distances.