It is very important to ensure that your child travels in an appropriate child restraint, which:

Conforms to the United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the 'E' mark label on the seat.

Is suitable for your child's weight and size

Is correctly fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

There are many different types available. They are divided into categories, according to the weight of the children for whom they are suitable. These correspond broadly to different age groups, but it is the weight of the child that is most important when deciding what type of child seat to use. i-size seats are designed to keep children rearward-facing until they are at least 15 months old.

Group 0 rearward baby seats, Group 0+, 1, 2 combination seats and Group 2 forward-facing seats are less common than the other types.

Many child seats cover more than one group and are adjusted as the child grows. They may be called combination seats, extended seats or multi-group seats. For example:

Group 0+ and 1 seats start off rearward-facing until the baby is at least 9 kg and are then turned forward-facing - some stay rearward facing until the child has reached 18 kg.

Group 0+, 1 and 2 seats (which are not very common) start rearward-facing up to 18kg and are then turned forward-facing (they can be turned forward facing from 9 kg).

Group 1, 2 and 3 seats are forward-facing. The child uses the seat's integral harness, or an impact cushion, until they are 15 kg and then uses the car's seat belt, which secures the child and the seat.

Group 2 and 3 seats are high-backed booster seats, although they can also be booster cushions without a back. On some of the high-backed seats, the back can be removed once the child reaches 22 kg, but it is far better to keep the back on the seat.