Car Seat Buying Guide
Choosing the right car seat for your child is a critical decision for any parent. Navigating the vast array of options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to find the safest and most suitable solution for your growing family. We understand the importance of this investment in your child's safety. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision and select the best car seat that provides the greatest protection for your little one.
Whether you’re bringing baby home from the hospital or taking your child to football practice, you’ll need a car seat. In fact, EU law requires children to be in a suitable car seat until they’re 150cm in height, which is about 12 years old. Continue on to discover more about the different types and which are suitable for your growing family.
Graco baby car seats are expertly designed to ensure your baby is both safe and comfy during the first years.
Toddler car seats provide a durable, long-term solution as your growing child transitions out of a baby car seat.
Our selection of both highback and backless boosters are perfect for those last few years before your growing big kid no longer needs a boost.
When you're on the search for a car seat, it's essential to keep in mind the car seat laws in your country. In the EU, car seats must meet stringent safety standards. R129 car seats, sometimes referred to as i-Size seats, represent the latest in child car seat safety.
R129 (legally known as ECE R129) car seats are based on your child's height, providing a more accurate fit as they grow. Under R129, all children must remain rearward facing until they reach 75cm and 15 months of age. Additionally, these car seats must undergo side impact testing to improve protection of a child’s head and neck. While Graco already takes the initiative to test for side impact on all our car seats, this new measure will ensure the standard is met industry wide. R129 also uses the most high-tech crash test dummies which have more enhanced sensors.
Take a look at the chart to learn more about the height and age requirements for your child.
Although some brands and publishers use i-Size and R129 interchangeably, there are some differences between the two.
ECE R129 refers to the most recent and safest European safety regulation that controls the manufacturing of car seats. The ECE R129 safety regulation provides better side-impact protection, requires rear-facing for longer, and makes it easier to find the best-fitting car seats for your child.
i-Size is an enhancement of ECE R129, that makes it easier to confirm your i-Size car seat's compatibility with any i-Size approved vehicle - reducing the risk of installing your car seat incorrectly.The idea behind i-Size is that all car seats will eventually fit in all cars.
While all i-Size car seats meet ECE R129 testing standards, not every ECE R129 car seat fits i-Size vehicles compatible seating positions.
No matter which car seat you are thinking of purchasing, you will need to properly install it. There are two main ways to safely install a car seat: using your vehicle’s seat belt or using ISOFIX.
ISOFIX is an internationally standardised car seat fitting system that attaches your car seat or car seat base to the two metal ISOFIX anchor points in your vehicle's rear seat. The easiest way to know if your car is ISOFIX compatible is to check your car seat manual. Keep this information in mind when you are deciding which installation method is right for you and your family.
We have more detailed information about ISOFIX below.
Gives all the benefits of an ISOFIX installed car seat with the added safety of a multi-position load leg which adjusts to fit securely in your car and absorbs energy in the event of a collision.
Gives all the benefits of an ISOFIX installed car seat with the added safety of a top tether which provides an additional point of attachment, further preventing the seat from rotating or tipping forward in a collision.
ISOFIX is an added safety bonus as the vehicle's 3-point seat belt is the main installation method
During your car seat research, you may have encountered the renowned ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) and its rigorous car seat testing standards. ADAC, a leading German automobile club and consumer protection agency, subjects selected car seats to more comprehensive tests than are required by European Union regulations. Their unbiased and objective test results, published twice annually, are highly regarded within the industry.
We are delighted to announce that 2 Graco car seats have successfully passed the demanding ADAC tests, providing parents with the peace of mind that comes with knowing their child is protected by a car seat that meets the highest safety standards.
SnugEssentials i-size R129
