At four years old, your little one might be growing out of their baby car seat, and you'll no doubt be on the hunt for the best car seat for 4-year-olds to keep them safe and secure in the car.
Around this very exciting time, your baby will soon be heading to 'big' primary school, but they may have also outgrown their car seat that they've had since birth. At some point soon, they'll need to move up to a group 2/3 car seat which are suitable for tots up to 12 years old. These may come as part of a complete travel system and should be compatible with your car.
You may be wondering, is it worth getting a new car seat? But due to the current Government rules here in the UK, car seats are mandatoryfortransporting babies in cars according, and all children under 12-years-old in the UK (or who are less than 135cm tall) so you'll definitely be getting your money's worth over the next couple of years.
Editor's pick
• The best car seat for 4-year-olds overall: Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat – Buy now from Silver Cross Baby
• Best safety features: Joie Baby Every Stage FX Group 0+/1/2/3 Car Seat – Buy now from John Lewis
• Best car seat for ease of use: Nuna Tres LX i-Size Children's Car Seat – Buy now from John Lewis
• Best car seat for taller children: Cybex Silver Solution X-Fix – Buy now from Amazon
We've done the research and found the best car seats for four-year-olds. We've included some Mother&Baby Award winners that have been reviewed by our real parent testers, and that'll last for years to come.
The best car seats for 4-year-olds 2023
The Best Car Seats For 4-Year-Olds Overall
Description
Awarded Gold for Best Multi Stage Car Seat at the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards, the Silver Cross Motion
Pros
- Three-year warranty
- Long lasting — designed to grow with your child from newborn to 12 years old
- The 360 swivel offers both rearward and forward-facing modes
Cons
- Not many recline positions
Best safety features
Description
The Joie Every Stage comes with Guard Surround Safety panels that provide extra side protection
Pros
- Shortlisted in the Mother&Baby 2022 Awards
- Side impact protection provides added security for the head, body and hips
- 5-point harness with soft, padded covers keeps baby cosy and secure
Cons
- Doesn't have spin feature
- Instructions for changing between modes aren't very clear
Best car seat for ease of use
Description
Using the i-Size system, the Nuna Tres LX is an all-in-one car seat that's comfy and practical
Pros
- Premium R129 protection
- Magnetic buckle holder
- Fits well in all types of cars
Best budget car seat for 4-year-olds
Description
If you're looking to get a new car seat for your growing four-year-old, the Halford’s Group 2/3
Pros
- Affordable
- Covers are machine washable
- Retractable cupholder
- Adjustable headrest as your child grows and easy to fit in car
Best lightweight car seat for 4-year-olds
Description
This i-Size car seat has a secure seat belt installation system and three layers of protection;
Pros
- Isofix compatible
- Meets the i-Size ECE R129/03 standard
- Removable, machine washable covers
- Lightweight, easy to transfer from vehicle to vehicle
Best luxury car seat for 4-year-olds
Description
The newest addition of the Minikidallows extended rear-facingup to seven years of age, ensuring
Pros
- Extended rear-facing
- Suitable until seven years old approximately
- Sturdy and stylish
Best car seat for easy installation
Description
The RECARO Toria Elite R129 is the perfect solution for parents looking for a safe car seat that,
Pros
- Suitable from approximately 15 months to 12 years old (76-150cm)
- R129-compliant (i-Size ready)
Best car seat for comfort
Description
Perfect for three-year-olds and up, this travel buddy has seven different height positions that
Pros
- Affordable
- Washable seat cover
- Reclines
- Memory foam cushion for extra comfort
Cons
- Quite wide, so can be difficult to fasten
Best car seat for taller children
Rrp: £174.95
Price: £113.59
Description
This sturdy high-back booster from Cybex comes locked and loaded with built-in side impact
Pros
- Sturdy and comfortable
- Headed adjustable to prevent neck strain when asleep
Cons
- Car seat is prone to twist a little once buckled in place
Best car seat for moving between cars
Description
This basic and affordable option is highly rated by parents and grandparents alike on Amazon. With
Pros
- Cheap
- Sturdy but lightweight, so easy to move around
Cons
- Not as much padding as other car seats
- Cup holders don't have much grip
How to choose a car seat for 4 year olds
When looking for a car seat for your four-year-old, you should be looking for their 'stage group' based on their weight, rather than their age. The stage groups for little ones are broken down as follows under ECE R44 regulations with different seat designs as a result.
Laws and safety for car seats
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for children to use a child car seat or booster seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm in height. Children over this height can wear a seat belt without the need for a car seat. Here in the UK, there are two main types of seat you can use.
Height-based seats, also known as ‘i-Size’ seats must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. You can then switch to forward-facing when they’re over 15 months old. According to the Government website, only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘R129’.
The other kind of seat is a weight based seat. This is where the different groups of seats are useful to look at. Remember only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘ECE R44’.
Car seat types and groups explained
It's recommended that you should try to keep your child in the lowest stage group for as long as possible to give them the optimal safety features. But all of these group stages would be suitable for a four-year-old:
Group 0+/1/2 car seats
This car seat group is suitable from birth to 25kg, approx. six-years-old.
Group 1/2/3 car seats
This car seat group is suitable for children 9-36kg, approx. nine months to 12 years.
Group 0+/1/2 and Group 1/2/3 are classed as multi-stage car seats. They’re designed to carry your child from baby to the booster-seat stage. Yes, these are initially more expensive compared to other car seats on the market. That said, they prove to be great value for money because of their extended use.
These car seats come with padding, and a five-point safety harness, and most of these seats will fit children up to 18 or 25kg.
Group 2/3 car seats
This car seat group is designed as a high-back booster seat and is suitable for children 15-36kg, approx. three to12-years-old.
The next best choice if your little one has outgrown their existing car seat, this seat will lift your child up to use the vehicle seat belt and comes with a high back and side padding for safety and impact protection.
i-Size car seats (Height-based system)
Expected to eventually be adopted across all new car seats sold, i-Size was introduced in 2013 as safety regulation ECE R129 with rigorous testing through impact crash trials and new state-of-the-art Q dummies to test impact.
Using a height-based system, i-Size car seats have been designed to take the guesswork out of choosing the right fit, provide better protection from side impacts, and keep children rearward-facing for longer, until at least 15 months or 75cm to protect their fragile heads and necks.
Can a 4-year-old use a booster seat?
Based on new safety regulations launched in 2017, group 3 car seats i.e. new booster seats on the market, are limited to children who are taller than 125cm, weighing more than 22kg. The average height and weight of a four-year-old in the UK fall below these requirements so it's likely they would not be able to use a booster seat until they are bigger. Depending on the age of your child, you may even want to have a look into the best car seats for 5-year-olds and the best car seats for 3-year-olds.
Previously, these car seats were approved for use by children weighing between 15-36kg, but they've been deemed by the UN as being unsuitable for protecting smaller children from side-on collisions as they have fewer safety features.
What is ISOFIX?
For a car seat that’s seamless to install, ISOFIX is a must. ISOFIX compatible car seats have two arms that lock onto small metal bars located in the seat of your vehicle to anchor the car seat into place. No seat belt threading necessary – and they’re accompanied by install indicators so you can be sure it’s correctly connected.
Most new cars since 2013 have a pair of ISOFIX anchor points. But, it’s something worth checking in your car if you want to reap the benefits.
Lorna White has been a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby since 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics, from potty training and nutrition to baby names and maternity fashion.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us
FAQs
4 – 7 Years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
What is the number 1 best car seat? ›
The Britax Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seat earned a top overall score thanks in part to its ease of installation scores. Rear facing seat belt installation of the Boulevard is easy to achieve with the ClickTight system.
Does a 4 year old need a 5-point harness? ›
There is no one age that means your child is ready to switch from a car seat to a booster seat. Generally, kids are between the ages of 5-9 when they begin to outgrow the weight limitations of a 5-point harness car seat.
Should a 4-year-old be in a booster seat or car seat? ›
Current California Law:
Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.
What kind of car seat should a 40 lb child be in? ›
Children under 1 year or less than 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat. Children 1 through 3 years weighing 20 to 40 pounds require a forward-facing car seat. Children ages 4 to 7 who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are less than 57 inches tall must be in a booster seat.
What is the best name brand car seat? ›
The 7 Best Infant Car Seats of 2023
| Model | Editor's Rating | Category |
|---|
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | 9.8/10 | Best Overall |
| Peg Perego Primo Viaggio | 9.8/10 | Best European Belt Path |
| UPPAbaby MESA V2 | 9.7/10 | Best Premium |
| Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX | 9.7/10 | Best Lightweight |
3 more rowsBest Infant Car Seats
- Best Infant Car Seat: Bugaboo Turtle Air.
- Easy-To-Use Infant Car Seat: UPPAbaby Mesa.
- Most Comfortable Infant Car Seat: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35.
- Most Adjustable Infant Car Seat: Chicco KeyFit 30.
- Budget Car Seat Stroller Combo: Baby Trend EZ Ride.
The following guidelines are allowed under the law for children who: Weigh less than 40 lbs: May remain in five-point harness car seat. Weigh more than 80 lbs, or are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches: May use vehicle safety belt without booster.
What age do you change a 5-point harness? ›
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is best for children to ride in a car seat with a five-point harness for as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.
How long should a child be in a 5-point harness booster seat? ›
All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age.
The Rear Middle Seat is the Safest Seat Location
The back seat is more protected from head-on crashes than the front seats. But, the back seats are still vulnerable to side crashes. That's why the middle seat in the back is the safest spot, since it's basically the center of the car.
Is Graco a good brand? ›
Graco is a well-established trusted brand, so you'll be able to use the car seat with most of the big stroller brands. You can use it with more than 50 different stroller models (see the full list below).
Is a 4 year old too small for a booster seat? ›
However, here are some general guidelines that will help you determine if your child is ready to move to a booster seat. Your child weighs at least 40 pounds. Your child is at least 4 years old.
At what age and weight do you stop using a booster seat? ›
Children need to ride in a booster seat until the seat belt fits right, when they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall, about 80 pounds and 8 years old.
When should I put my child in a car seat? ›
When choosing a seat for your newborn, there are two paths you can choose from: either to use an infant carrier from approx. 0-1 year, followed by a toddler seat until approx. 4 years; or to use a 2-in-1 seat from 0 to approx. 4 years.
How much should a 4 year old weigh? ›
Kids at this age are still very physical, but they learn in a more focused and less hectic way than when they were younger. These kids typically gain about 4–5 pounds (2 kilograms) and grow about 2–3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) per year. An average 4-year-old weighs about 40 pounds and is about 40 inches tall.
Are car seats based on age or weight? ›
California's Occupant Protection Law
California law requires all children under two years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. Children under the age of 8 are required to be secured in a car or booster seat.
Is a high back booster safer than a backless booster? ›
Are highback boosters safer than backless boosters? Yes, highback boosters offer a safer seatbelt fit and better protection than backless boosters.
What is seat most popular model? ›
Arona is the top seller in SEAT's SUV range, surpassing 1 million units in 6 years. The 1 millionth SUV was none other than a SEAT Arona, always at the forefront. Since its launch in 2017, SEAT's first urban SUV has become the brand's most popular car, with 481,585 units sold globally.
Does it matter what car seat you buy? ›
Safety is a big consideration when you're choosing a car seat. You'll want to research the safety features of the seat itself—things like side impact protection and harness fit—along with how the seat fits in your particular vehicle.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian are known fans of Maxi-Cosi (she was spotted on social media using a Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 car seat). But, the company is also known for its functional strollers.
What kind of car seat for a 5 year old? ›
Ideally a 5 year old should be in a forward facing 5-point harness car seat. That can either be a convertible car seat (rear facing/forward facing), a combination car seat (forward facing/booster seat) or an all-in-one car seat (rear facing/forward facing/booster seat).
Does Graco make good car seats? ›
Graco is known to have some of the safest car seats on the market. For one, all of their car seats are FAA approved, and they've been crash-tested to guarantee that they're safe and reliable.
Should a 4 year old be rear facing? ›
Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It's the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer.
What age does a child weigh 65 pounds? ›
What is Normal Growth for a Child?
| Age | Height Females in Inches | Weight Males in Pounds |
|---|
| 8 | 47 to 54 | 46 to 78 |
| 10 | 50 to 59 | 54 to 102 |
| 12 | 55 to 64 | 66 to 130 |
| 14 | 59 to 67.5 | 84 to 160 |
7 more rowsIf you're looking for one car seat that will last through all your child's ages and stages, the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is prepped to grow with them for ten years.
What size seat does a 4 year old need? ›
Booster Seat
Usually, this type of car seat goes on a 4-year-old once they weigh 40 pounds. Often, a forward-facing car seat can transition into a booster seat by removing the back.
At what age should a child stop using a car seat? ›
Children should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly, typically when children reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Most children will not fit in a seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years of age.
When should I turn my car seat around height and weight? ›
Most convertible car seats can be used in the rear-facing position until a child reaches the weight limit, typically 40 to 50 pounds. At that point, the seat can be converted into a forward-facing car seat. These seats are larger and designed to stay installed in the vehicle.
How much does a 4 year old weigh? ›
An average 4-year-old weighs about 40 pounds and is about 40 inches tall. Preschoolers are still developing and refining their gross motor skills (using their arms and legs to move and play), as well as their fine motor skills (working on arts and crafts and puzzles).
On average, children are able to sit at the table for 2 to 5 minutes per year of life. For example, a 3-year-old can sit still for 6 to 15 minutes, a 5-year-old can sit still for 10 to 25 minutes, and by around age 7, children can sit still for about 15 to 35 minutes.
Can a 3-year-old sit in a booster seat with harness? ›
You'll see car seats that are called “Harnessed Boosters”, “Harness + Booster”, 3-in-1, or All-in-One. All of these types of seats are generally appropriate to use for a typical 3-year-old child but only when used with the 5-point harness.
Should a 4 year old be in a backless booster seat? ›
Here are the general requirements for backless booster seats: Backless booster seat age requirements: From the time kids surpass the weight or height limits allowed by their car seat to about 8 to 12 years of age (depending on the child's size).
Is a backless booster seat safe for a 4 year old? ›
While any child older than four can legally ride in a backless booster seat, safety experts are more conservative with their recommendations. Car seat experts recommend that children stay in high-back boosters for as long as possible, although older children can use backless seats up to 100 pounds.
What is safer backless booster or booster with a back? ›
Are highback boosters safer than backless boosters? Yes, highback boosters offer a safer seatbelt fit and better protection than backless boosters.
Does car seat go behind driver or passenger? ›
The car seat should always be installed in the back seat. That is the safest spot for your baby. If you can, put the car seat in the center seat. If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side.
What kind of booster seat for a 5 year old? ›
Combination seat: A high-back booster seat with five-point harness is called a combination seat. The five-point harness can be used for children who weigh 40 pounds or more. The harness can then be removed and the seat becomes a belt-positioning booster that works with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt.
Why do car seats expire? ›
Car seats expire because the parts and materials used to keep your child safe gradually weaken or wear down after constant use and because of exposure to heat and cold.
How do I know if my child is too tall for a car seat? ›
You know your child is getting too tall for his forward-facing car seat when the top of his ears reach the top of the seat. Switch to a booster seat when your child reaches the weight or height limit of the forward-facing child safety seat, as he is still too small to fit properly in a vehicle safety belt.
How to position car seat according to age? ›
Use a rear-facing car seat from birth until ages 2–4. Infants and toddlers should be buckled in a rear-facing car seat with a harness, in the back seat, until they reach the maximum weight or height limit of their car seat. This offers the best possible protection.
Most rear-facing infant seats can accommodate children until they reach 28 to 35 pounds or 30 to 35 inches, but keep in mind that many children will reach the maximum height before they do the maximum weight.
