If you used a group 0+ baby seat for your baby’s first seat, you will need to buy them a new seat once they outgrow their first seat. The infant seat is outgrown at 13kg, or when the top of baby’s head is level with the top of the seat.
There are three types of toddler seats available, forward facing group 1 seats, rear facing group 1,2 car seats, or combination group 123 seats.
Rear facing toddler seats
Rear facing toddler seats allow your growing child to carry on facing the rear of the car, to continue the maximum protection provided by travelling rear facing. These seats are full size child seats, which fit facing the rear of the car, rather than forward facing. They are normally approved either as a group 0+1 (0-4yrs) or a group 1,2 (9m-6y). There are both ISOFIX and seat belt options available, and many seats offer extended leg room options for when your child is older.
Forward facing toddler seats
Under the current R44.04 rules, babies can be moved into a forward facing group 1 car seat once they are 9kg. While this is legal, it does not offer babies the best safety. If you want your little one forward facing after their baby seat, then it is recommended to ensure the infant seat is completely outgrown before moving them up. Forward facing baby seats can be approved to group 1 (12m-4y) or as group 123 (12m – 12y). There are belted and ISOFIX options available, and they often have a good recline for sleeping.
