Child car seat: how to pick the group and buy at a good price
The seat group depends on the child's weight and height
Car seats are divided into groups. A group 0+ seat is for babies up to 13 kg and is fitted facing backwards. Group 9–18 kg suits toddlers, and 9–36 kg is a universal seat for several years. Groups 15–36 kg and booster seats are for older children. There is also the i-Size system, where seats are chosen by the child's height, for example 40–105 cm, and it requires rear-facing travel for longer.
So it is better to give weight, height and age in your request. That way sellers won't offer a seat “to grow into” that doesn't hold the child properly today.
Fitting: Isofix or seat belt
Isofix clips onto special anchor points in the car seat and lowers the risk of wrong installation. A seat-belt fitting works in any car but needs care. Before buying, check whether your car has Isofix points and whether the seat is compatible with your car model: write the make and year.
Look at the extra features: a base, 360° rotation, recline adjustment, a removable cover that can be washed.
What to put in your request
- seat group — the child's weight, height or age, for example 9–36 kg;
- fitting — Isofix or belt, and whether you need a base and rotation;
- model — brand and name, for example Cybex Sirona (a brand without a model is only part of a request);
- make and model of your car, if compatibility matters;
- condition — new or used, and for used also its history;
- colour;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need a new 9–36 kg car seat for a 3-year-old, Isofix fitting, preferably with rotation. Car: Toyota Corolla 2018. Budget up to ₱9,200, delivery to Makati.”
Can you buy used
This is the most sensitive question with car seats. A seat that has been in an accident can lose its ability to protect even without visible damage, so ask directly: was there a crash, and can the seller confirm it. Check that the belts are intact, the plastic has no cracks, and the base and manual are included. Look at the manufacture date: plastic ages, and makers usually state a service life.
If you are not sure, buy new. Saving money on safety is not sensible here.
How to compare offers
Check group, fitting and model, then what is included: base, cover, infant insert, manual. Ask about the warranty and, for a new seat, the original packaging. A photo of the label with the markings and production date is a normal thing to ask a seller for.
How it works in BlaBlaPrice
You write one request and sellers reply in the chat with the model, price and delivery. BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer first, judged on what it contains, and reviews of the seller are next to it. Contacts are hidden and opened only to the seller you choose. More on the “How it works” page.
For walks you may also need a pram or stroller.
