Group 0 car seats: What you need to know
From what to look for and the latest on the market in Group 0 car seats
A Group 0+ car seat, suitable from birth to 13kg, is the ideal car seat for your baby’s journey home. In fact, you can’t leave hospital without one, if you’re taking your baby by car.
What to look for
The most important thing to consider when buying any car seat is safety. Make sure the one you choose conforms to ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-Size regulation, R129. Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat.
Look for good side impact protection, a comfortable carry handle and covers that are removable and washable. Make sure the seat is comfortable and snug, many come with a special newborn insert to use in the early weeks.
All Group 0+ car seats are rear-facing, and will fit your baby past their first birthday. Virtually all models can be used as a travel system too, which means that you can click them onto your pushchair’s chassis for convenience. Group 0+ seats can often come as part of a bundle with a pram or pushchair.
Make sure you choose a seat that’s compatible with your make and model of car. You can check this with your retailer or on the manufacturer’s website.
Group 0+ car seats are usually suitable from birth to 13kg (29lbs). Try and keep your child in a safer rear-facing seat for as long as possible, but not if
their head is only beginning to poke over the back of the seat.
Group 0+ seats can either be fitted with a seatbelt or Isofix. Some models require a base to slot into which costs extra.
Checklist
- Check for the ‘E’ mark to ensure it meets safety standards
- Think about whether you want to buy a car seat as part of a travel system
- Make sure that you choose a car seat that’s compatible with your car
Latest products on the market:
Obaby Group 0+ RRP £49.99
- A very lightweight infant carrier with crotch and shoulder pads
- Has side impact protection and a 3-point harness
- Other features include harness sleeves and a quick release buckle
- Includes body support insert cushions for newborns
- Removable and washable seat covers
We love that this very affordable car seat includes a matching removable hood to help protect your child from the elements.
Suitable: Birth to 13kg
Car seat weight: 2.9kg
Fitting: Seatbelt
Graco Snugfix RRP £129.99
- Deep side wings offer superb impact protection
- It includes newborn support pillow, buckle pads for enhanced security and comfort
- Other features include integrated sun canopy and a 5-point harness
- The covers are removable and machine-washable
- Can be fitted using Isofix or a car’s seatbelt
We love the great value and features of this car seat from a recognised brand, which can form part of a travel system with a wide range of well-priced pushchairs.
Suitable: Birth to 13kg
Car seat weight: 5.4kg
Fitting: Isofix/Seatbelt
Phil & Teds Alpha Group 0+ car seat RRP £129.00
- Has high sides and thick EPS foam for ultimate protection
- It is rear-facing with 5 point safety harness and a removable cushion insert for newborns
- Very lightweight with an integrated sun hood included
- It has an ergonomically shaped handle for maximum comfort when carrying
- Very narrow design for smaller cars
We love that the protective layers of fabric are used to hide zips away from your baby’s gentle skin.
Suitable: Birth to 13kg
Car seat weight: 3.9kg
Fitting: Isofix/Seatbelt
We Made Me Pao Papoose baby carrier RRP £89.99
• The Pao Papoose baby carrier from We Made Me is designed to carry babies from 4 to 36 months.
• It is easily adjusted and is a soft structured carrier.
• Offering front and back-carrying positions, it's a two-shoulder carrier for comfort for both baby and wearer.
• It also has an adjustable head support that doubles up as a protective hood.
We love that this carrier is 100% cotton and is machine washable at 40 degrees.
Max weight of child: 15kg