
The best child car seats: rating of popular models in different age groups, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Recommendations for choosing a car seat for a child and the main selection criteria.
We present to your attention the rating of the best child car seats. From our review you will find out what criteria you need to choose a good car seat for your baby. We will also talk about well-known brands and manufacturers, the pros and cons of popular models in different age groups.
Content:
- Ranking table
- How to choose the right child car seat
- Top Producers
- The best car seats-carriers, group 0+ (up to 13 kg)
- The best car seats, group 0-1 (up to 18 kg)
- The best car seats, group 1 (from 9 to 18 kg)
- Best car seats, group 1-2-3 (from 9 to 36 kg)
- Best car seats, group 2-3 (from 15 to 36 kg)
- Best boosters (from 22 to 36 kg)
- conclusions

Ranking table
Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
---|---|---|
Car seats-carriers, group 0+ (up to 13 kg) | ||
Doona+ | 96 out of 100 | from 28 899 to 33 999* |
Zlatek Colibri | 92 out of 100 | from 2,100 to 3,267* |
Maxi Cosi City | 90 out of 100 | from 8 200 to 9 250* |
Car seats, group 0-1 (up to 18 kg) | ||
BRITAX ROMER First Class Plus | 94 out of 100 | from 17 999 to 21 970* |
RANT Star | 98 out of 100 | from 4,250 to 5,990* |
Car seats, group 1 (from 9 to 18 kg) | ||
BRITAX ROMER King II | 96 out of 100 | from 16 400 to 25 930* |
Maxi Cosi Toby | 94 out of 100 | from 16,000 to 19,700* |
Car seats, group 1-2-3 (from 9 to 36 kg) | ||
Chicco Youniverse Fix | 95 out of 100 | from 13 700 to 18 999* |
RANT Thunder Ultra SPS Isofix | 92 out of 100 | from 12 200 to 14 890* |
BRITAX ROMER Evolva 1-2-3 | 97 out of 100 | from 12 390 to 18 670* |
Car seats, group 2-3 (from 15 to 36 kg) | ||
BRITAX ROMER Kid II | 98 out of 100 | from 8 900 to 11 390* |
Heyner MaxiProtect Aero SP | 93 out of 100 | from 8 350 to 9 250* |
Recaro Monza Nova 2 | 95 out of 100 | from 17 800 to 22 990* |
Boosters (from 22 to 36 kg) | ||
Siger Booster FIX | 91 out of 100 | from 2 679 to 3 930* |
Heyner SafeUp XL Fix | 97 out of 100 | from 6 640 to 7 350* |
* price is for July 2020

How to choose the right child car seat
After the child reaches the age of 12 and weighs 36 kg, while traveling in a car, he can use stationary seat belts. And until this moment, children should be transported in special car seats. The main selection criteria for this device are:
- Group. Belonging to one or another group is determined by the weight and age of the children for whom the car seats are intended. The division of seats into groups is provided for by the ECE R44 / 04 standard in force in the European Union.
- Safety Compliance. Compliance with this standard should be indicated by a special marking on the side or on the back of the chair. A certificate must be obtained by every car seat that goes on sale. In parallel with ECE R44/04, the i-Size safety standard (ECE R129) also applies. If the label contains the designation ECE R44/04 or i-Size (ECE R129), then the chair has been tested and complies with the current version of the European Safety Standard.
- fastenerse. There are two ways of fastening: regular car seat belts and using a special Isofix system (analogues - Isofit and Latch). When fastened with Isofix, the seat is attached at two points on the rear lower part to metal brackets built into the car seat. Advanced models have two lower mounts and one upper mount. The Isofix system is considered safe, reliable and eliminates the possibility of error when installing the chair.
- Internal seat belts. Pay attention to the fact that the pads on the belts located in the shoulder and neck area are comfortable for the child. The overlay in the area of the buckle should be sufficiently dense and wide. The lock must have a reliable design so that the child cannot unfasten it on his own.
- Additional elements. Depending on the model, car seats can be equipped with headrests, armrests, a table, an anatomical pillow, a sun visor, a mosquito net or a carrying handle. They can have pockets for things, a footrest, removable covers made of hygroscopic and wear-resistant materials.
- Adjustments. If your child often falls asleep during the trip, choose a seat with an adjustable backrest. Because children grow, an important option would be to adjust the width of the backrest, the height of the belts and the headrest. The swivel system allows the seat to be rotated during boarding or disembarking.
In addition to mandatory certification, every year the most popular models undergo independent crash tests. In Germany, these tests are carried out by experts from the German ADAC Automobile Club. They are carried out in conditions close to real accidents, and, as a rule, are more stringent.


Top Producers
One of the largest world leaders in the production of car seats is the Britax-Romer concern. It was created as a result of the merger of the German company Römer and the English company Britax. BRITAX ROMER infant carriers and child seats are comfortable, simple and extremely reliable. Many experts consider the products of this brand to be practically the standard of comfort and safety.
Stylish, practical and reliable car seats are produced by the Canadian corporation Dorel Industries Inc. The Dutch division of the company is engaged in the production of these products, and children's car seats are sold under the Maxi-Cosi brand.
The production of car seats is the main activity of the German company RECARO GmbH & Co. kg. Recaro branded products are made with revolutionary innovations. They have gained notoriety in professional sports circles and popularity among buyers of child car seats.


The best car seats-carriers, group 0+ (up to 13 kg)
Doona+

Specifications:
- price - from 28,899 to 33,999 rubles;
- user rating - 4.8;
- crash test score - 4;
- installation - back forward;
- weight - 7 kg.
The car seat is equipped with a rocking base, a removable cover and internal five-point harnesses.
The design provides support for the head of the baby and side protection. Internal straps are adjustable in 3 levels of height, the handle has 3 positions. The car seat can be transformed into a stroller.
Zlatek Colibri

Specifications:
- price - from 2,100 to 3,267 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.7;
- installation - back forward;
- weight -2.5 kg.
The rocking base allows the chair to be used as a carrycot. Among the options are head support for a small passenger and side protection.
The chair is equipped with a carrying handle, which can be fixed in 5 positions. The set also includes a sun awning and an anatomical pillow. External and internal three-point belts.
Maxi Cosi City

Specifications:
- price - from 8,200 to 9,250 rubles;
- consumer assessment - 4.7;
- crash test score - 3.9;
- installation - back forward;
- weight - 2.75 kg.
Included with it are a removable cover, a protective awning from the sun and an anatomical pillow. The design provides a carrying handle, which can be fixed in 3 positions.
There is a swinging base and a compartment for things. The design provides lateral protection and support for the baby's head. This chair can be attached to the chassis and used as a stroller.

The best car seats, group 0-1 (up to 18 kg)
BRITAX ROMER First Class Plus

Specifications:
- price - from 17,999 to 21,970 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.7;
- installation - back or forward;
- weight - 8.4 kg.
You can choose the angle of the backrest. The cover is made of practical multi-layered fabric and can be easily removed. The anatomic pillow is delivered in a set. The chair can be fixed with car belts.
RANT Star

Specifications:
- price - from 4,250 to 5,990 rubles;
- customer rating - 5.0;
- installation - back or forward;
- weight - 6.7 kg.
Among the useful options are baby head support and side protection. The design provides adjustment of an inclination of a back of a car seat which can be fixed in 3 provisions. The height of the inner straps is also adjustable (also in 3 positions). The seat is secured with seat belts.

The best car seats, group 1 (from 9 to 18 kg)
BRITAX ROMER King II

Specifications:
- price - from 16,400 to 25,930 rubles;
- consumer assessment - 4.8;
- crash test result - 3.7 points;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 10.3 kg.
The car seat is equipped with an anatomical cushion and a removable cover. The design provides side protection. The position of the belts, the headrest and the angle of the backrest can be adjusted. The chair is fixed with car belts.
Maxi Cosi Toby

Specifications:
- price - from 16,000 to 19,700 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.7;
- crash test score - 4;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 8.9 kg.
The chair is completed with an anatomical pillow. It is possible to adjust the backrest inclination (in 5 positions), the height of the internal belts and the comfortable headrest. The chair is securely fastened with straps.

Best car seats, group 1-2-3 (from 9 to 36 kg)
Chicco Youniverse Fix

Specifications:
- price - from 13,700 to 18,999 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.8;
- crash test score - 3.3;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 9.5 kg.
The set includes an anatomical pillow. The chair is securely fastened with seat belts or using the Isofix system.
RANT Thunder Ultra SPS Isofix

Specifications:
- price - from 12,200 to 14,890 rubles;
- consumer assessment - 4.8;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 8.8 kg.
In this chair, the child is protected from impacts from the side.
The design provides adjustment of internal belts, height of a head restraint (in 7 provisions) and an inclination of a back (in 3 positions). Fastening - seat belts or using the Isofix system.
BRITAX ROMER Evolva 1-2-3

Specifications:
- price - from 12,390 to 18,670 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.8;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 8.1 kg.
For the convenience of the child, the chair is equipped with an anatomical cushion and a cup holder. The chair is fastened with external three-point belts. The design protects the child from side impacts in a collision.

Best car seats, group 2-3 (from 15 to 36 kg)
BRITAX ROMER Kid II

Specifications:
- price - from 8,900 to 11,390 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.9;
- crash test score - 4;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 5.1 kg.
It comes with removable covers and an anatomical pillow. Depending on the weight and height of the child, you can adjust the height of the headrest (in 11 positions). The chair is fastened with car belts.
Heyner MaxiProtect Aero SP

Specifications:
- price - from 8,350 to 9,250 rubles;
- consumer assessment - 4.7;
- crash test score - 4;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 3.9 kg.
The wide seat back provides comfortable conditions during the trip. The V-shaped headrest protects the child's head in the event of a side impact and is adjustable according to the child's height.
The cover, which can be removed for washing, is made of wear-resistant material. There are special inserts on the upholstery in those places where the child's skin comes into contact with the chair. This car seat can be easily converted into a booster seat.
Recaro Monza Nova 2

Specifications:
- price - from 17,800 to 22,990 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.7;
- crash test score - 4;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 6.8 kg.
The kit includes an anatomical pillow with which children can more easily endure trips over long distances. The soft and comfortable headrest has 11 height adjustment positions. The design provides: side protection and RECARO Sound System speakers built into the chair.

Best boosters (from 22 to 36 kg)
Siger Booster FIX

Specifications:
- price - from 2,679 to 3,930 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.7;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 3.1 kg.
It is fastened with the Isofix system or car belts. The frame is made of impact-resistant polymer, and the removable cover is made of soft, wear-resistant fabric. Thanks to the increased size in this booster, the child is comfortable to sit in both summer and winter clothes.
Heyner SafeUp XL Fix

Specifications:
- price - from 6,640 to 7,350 rubles;
- customer rating - 4.9;
- installation - facing forward;
- weight - 3.6 kg.
This model can be fixed in the car using the built-in seat belt or the Isofix system. The soft upholstery is made of wear-resistant fabric. The cover can be easily removed for washing.

conclusions
So, all car seats are divided into groups, each of which is focused on the weight of the child and his age. Group 0+ is for the smallest children weighing up to 13 kg. Such chairs can be mounted on the chassis and used as a stroller. In this category, check out the Maxi-Cosi Citi or Doona+ models.
Group 0-1 includes car seats for children weighing up to 18 kg. The best in this category, according to customer reviews, are the RANT Star and BRITAX ROMER First Class Plus models. Group 1 includes car seats designed for children weighing between 9 and 18 kg. The leaders in this category are the Maxi-Cosi Tobi and BRITAX ROMER King II models.
Chicco Youniverse Fix car seats in the 1-2-3 category (from 9 to 36 kg) and Heyner MaxiProtect Aero SP, which represents the 2-3 group, have proven themselves to be one of the best. This versatile device is designed for children weighing 15-36 kg.
In the event that you do not have the opportunity to use a full-fledged child car seat, you can take a booster with you on a trip. It is the lower part of the chair and is intended for children under 12 years old (weighing from 22 to 36 kg). Some of the best models in this category are the Heyner SafeUp XL Fix and the inexpensive Siger Booster FIX.
When making your choice in favor of a booster, you need to understand that this device only lifts the child above the car seat, but cannot protect the head and provide protection from side impacts.
