Written by Maud
Edited on
6 October 2025
·
10:42
How do you choose a car seat?
When you go out by car, you're legally obligated to transport your child safely and comfortably in a car seat. Car seats come in different versions, and are categorized into groups. In this article, we'll explain how to choose a car seat that suits you best.
Choose a car seat
When choosing a car seat, it's important to ask yourself a couple of questions. That way, you're sure you'll choose a car seat that suits you, your child, and your car.
- Which age does your child have?
- Do you want a car seat that lasts for years?
- Which attachment method is suitable for your car?
- How much space is there between the backseat and front seat?
- Which extra functions do you want?
Which type of car seat suits your child
Baby car seat
A baby car seat is a small carry cot that you can easily take in and out of the car. With the right adapters, you can place the car seat on your stroller. That's useful for a quick grocery run. The disadvantage is that you can only use the car seat until your child is about 1 year old. After that, you need a different car seat.
Toddler car seat
The next step after a baby car seat is a toddler car seat. You can use a toddler car seat until your child is about 4 years old. You can use some toddler car seats from birth, while others can be used from the moment your child is about 1 year old.
Children's car seat
Maxi-Cosi has car seats for children up to 12 years. For children between 105 and 135cm, you should use a seat without a seat belt harness. You can fasten this car seat in the car with the seat belt and Isofix.
Do you want a car seat that lasts for years?
The Maxi-Cosi toddler and children's car seats grow with your child. These are combination seat. They're for children from 0 to 12 years. Make sure if the chair can be used from birth (40cm) before your purchase or from a later age or length. Up to what length a children's car seat is obligatory is different per country. In the Netherlands and Belgiu this is up to 135cm and up to 150cm in Germany.
Which way of attachment suits your car?
When choosing a car seat, it's important that you choose between an Isofix or seat belt attachment. Cars form before 2014 don't always have Isofix attachment points. In the manual of your car, you can see which attachment you need. That way, you prevent surprises during installation.
Which extra functions do you want?
Pivotable car seat
If you want to easily put your child in the car, you should choose a rotatable car seat. By giving the chair a quarter turn, you can put the child in it without turning them. If you have a small car with little space between the backseat and the front seat, it's important to check the car seat dimensions. That way, you know if your child has enough legroom to turn.
Sleep mode
If your child often sleeps in the car, you should choose a seat with a sleeping position. This function tilt the seat, so your child leans back a bit and can sleep comfortably. The seat supports the head correctly. With seats with a sleeping position, the legs protrude a little, so take your child's legroom into account.
