Group 123 (12months to approx 12 years)

Once your baby has grown out of the newborn car seat you brought them home from the hospital in, you will need to look for a new safe and secure method of getting them from A to B. This milestone is a minefield for many parents as many different models are available. 

Your main options are buying a toddler car seat that will see them through to around age four or a Group 1/2/3 car seat like the ones shown above that last a while longer. One of the most common reasons we see parents opting for the Group 1/2/3 models is that they last longer; therefore, people believe they offer more value for money. However, that isn’t always the case, especially if you have multiple kids close in age, where you can move the older child to a Group 2/3 car seat while the younger uses their toddler seat. 

Choosing Your Group 1/2/3 Car Seat 

If you go for the extended use option of a Group 123 car seat, you want to pick one that will work for you long-term.  

All models come in a variety of styles with different features. Most models will come with a harness and an insert for your little one to use when they are still tiny, both of which can be removed once your child grows. You can find Isofix group 123 car seats that secure to your vehicle’s chassis and keep the seat extra secure, and you can find those that connect via the car’s seat belt.  

These car seats are designed to cater for your child from around their first birthday when they are 9kg or 76cm, up to 12 years old, 26kg or 150cm. After that, your child should be in a car seat until they are 135cm. Due to the car seats’ longevity, most are forward-facing only. However, you can find some models that will allow you to have your child rear-facing until 4 years old, such as the Joie Every Stage car seat.  

Group 1/2/3 Car Seats from Simply Baby Lancaster  

At Simply Baby Lancaster, we have many years experience of selling car seats online and in-store and can help you determine which model will be best for your lifestyle. Our range of group 1/2/3/ car seats includes models from leading brands such as Joie, Cybex and Maxi Cosi, amongst other leading brands. If you would like our expert advice about which car seat will suit your needs call our team on 01524 66888 or pop into our baby shop in Lancaster.