Wondering when it's time to move your baby into the next stage car seat?
You're not alone. This is one of the most common questions we're asked by parents both in-store and online.
Many people think changing car seats is based on age, but that's only used as a guide. The safest time to move to the next stage is when your child reaches the height or weight limit of their current seat - not simply because they've reached their first birthday.
At our two stores, our IOSH-trained car seat specialists help hundreds of families every year choose the right car seat for their child and vehicle. Whether you're visiting us for expert advice or shopping for your next stage car seat online, this guide explains everything you need to know.
When Should You Change Your Baby's Car Seat?
The simple answer is:
You should move your child to the next stage once they have reached the maximum height or weight limit of their current infant carrier.
Every car seat is different, so always check the manufacturer's guidance for:
- Maximum height
- Maximum weight
- Harness position
- Installation instructions
Popular Infant Carrier Height & Weight Limits
One of the easiest ways to know whether it's time to upgrade is to check the limits of your current infant carrier.
|
Infant Carrier |
Height Range |
Maximum Weight |
Typical Age* |
|
45–87cm |
13kg |
Birth to approximately 18–24 months |
|
|
40–87cm |
13kg |
Birth to approximately 18 months |
|
|
40–87cm |
13kg |
Birth to approximately 18 months |
|
|
40–87cm |
13kg |
Birth to approximately 18 months |
*Age is only a guide. Always follow your child's height and weight before considering age.
Although many parents expect to move out of an infant carrier around their baby's first birthday, modern i-Size infant carriers are designed to accommodate children for much longer.
Every child grows differently, which is why checking height and weight is far more important than looking at age alone.
How Do I Know My Baby Has Outgrown Their Infant Carrier?
There are three things to check.
1. They've reached the maximum height
Most of today's best-selling infant carriers have a maximum height limit of 87cm.
Once your child reaches this height, it's time to move to the next appropriate stage.
2. They've reached the maximum weight
Most infant carriers are approved up to 13kg.
Even if your child is below the height limit, reaching the weight limit means the seat has been outgrown.
3. The harness no longer fits correctly
The harness should always fit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you're unsure, our IOSH-trained car seat specialists can check the fit for you in-store.
You can book an appointment with one of our car seat specialists
My Baby's Legs Hang Over the Seat – Is It Time to Change?
This is probably the biggest myth we hear.
No.
Babies sitting with bent legs, crossed legs or feet hanging over the edge of the infant carrier is completely normal.
Children are naturally flexible and comfortable in these positions.
Leg length does not determine whether your child has outgrown their seat.
Instead, always follow the manufacturer's height and weight limits.
Should I Move to a Forward-Facing Seat?
Not necessarily.
Rear-facing is the safest way for young children to travel because it provides greater protection for the head, neck and spine during a collision.
That's why safety experts recommend keeping children rear-facing for as long as their car seat allows.
Many modern next-stage seats allow extended rear-facing well beyond four years of age.
Browse our large range of extended rear facing cars to find the perfect model for your family
What Happens After an Infant Carrier?
As your child grows, they'll usually progress through these stages:
Stage 1 – Infant Carrier
Birth until the manufacturer's maximum height or weight limit.
Stage 2 – Rear-Facing Car Seat
Keeps your child rear-facing for longer while providing additional room to grow.
Stage 3 – Forward-Facing Harness Seat
Used once your child has reached the rear-facing limits.
Stage 4 – High-Back Booster Seat
For older children who have outgrown their harnessed seat.
Choosing the right stage depends on your child's size, your vehicle and your family's needs - not simply their birthday.
Why Expert Advice Makes a Difference
Not every car seat fits every car equally well.
Different vehicles have different seat shapes, ISOFIX positions and available space.
That's why our two stores have IOSH-trained car seat specialists who help families every day with:
- Choosing the correct next-stage seat
- Checking compatibility with your vehicle
- Demonstrating correct installation
- Adjusting harnesses correctly
- Helping parents know when it's genuinely time to move up
Having expert advice gives you confidence that your child is travelling as safely as possible.
Buying Your Next Stage Car Seat Online
If your child has reached the limits of their infant carrier, choosing the right next-stage seat is the next step.
When shopping, consider:
- Your child's height
- Your child's weight
- Your vehicle
- ISOFIX compatibility
- Whether you'd like to continue rear-facing for longer
Our online range includes carefully selected next-stage car seats from leading brands, making it easy to find the right option for your growing child.
Explore our full range of Next Stage Car Seats
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I move my baby out of an infant car seat?
Once they've reached the manufacturer's maximum height or weight limit.
Is my baby's age the most important factor?
No. Height and weight are much more important than age.
My baby's feet hang over the edge. Have they outgrown it?
No. Hanging legs are perfectly normal and are not an indication that the seat has been outgrown.
Can I move to a forward-facing seat at one year old?
No. Many children remain rear-facing safely for much longer and the legal minimum for I Size Car Seats is 15 months.
How do I know which next-stage seat is right?
The right seat depends on your child's size, your vehicle and how you intend to use it. If you're unsure, our IOSH-trained specialists are always happy to help.
Need Help Choosing the Right Car Seat?
Whether you'd like expert advice in-store or you're ready to buy your child's next-stage car seat online, we're here to help.
Visit one of our two stores to speak with one of our IOSH-trained car seat specialists, or browse our carefully selected range of next-stage car seats online.