Which is the right one? When buying a child seat, the parents pay particular attention to safety. But that's not the only aspect that matters, as an ADAC test shows. While more than half of the twenty tested models with "good" sections, four seats fell through. The reason: they contained too many pollutants.
In the models "Uppababy Mesa i-Size" and "Uppababy Mesa i-Size + i-Size Base" the testers found in the fabric a high quantity of the flame retardant TCPP. Two other models contained too much naphthalene, a plasticizer for plastics known to cause cancer. All four child seats exceeded the limit values for these pollutants and were accordingly rated as "poor".
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ADAC test: How to cut off current child seatsThe testers also assessed the operation, ergonomics and safety of the seats. For the safety test, the ADAC examiners fastened a crash test dummy in the child seat and then simulated an impact. The good news: All seats passed the frontal impact test.
However, the model "Hauck iPro Baby with iPro Base" came to its limits. This model consists of two parts: a base, which is firmly connected to the vehicle body via a so-called Isofix connection. And secondly, the baby seat, which is removably attached to the base.
In the crash test, this model still held the dummy back, but partially broke away from its Isofix base. Overall, the testers rated the seat "deficient". In the test offered the identical model without base, fastened only with the vehicle belt, according to ADAC better protection.
The most important questions and answers about the child seat
Forward or backward - how should a child be transported?
As long as possible backwards in a baby seat. Because in the case of a frontal collision, the neck is less heavily loaded. The ADAC recommends that children up to the age of two be transported in the opposite direction of travel. There are so-called Reboarder, so rear-facing child seats. However, when using such a seat or a baby seat on the passenger seat, the local airbag must be disabled.
When should a child seat be used instead of a baby seat?
Only when the top of the child's head is no longer in the shell.
What must be considered for booster seats?
Such elevations are meaningful only for children from about four years, since only then the shoulder of the child is more stable pronounced. It is important that the lap belt is passed through large hooks and can not slip into the abdominal area in an accident. Booster seats with a back support increase safety in a side impact. In addition, you should make sure that the child does not fall out of the belt while sleeping.
When may a child be secured without a child seat?
Children up to a height of 150 cm must be secured with a suitable child seat, so that even with older children the seat belt runs like an adult. Therefore, booster seatings must have pronounced belt hooks, as the lap belt can otherwise cause severe abdominal injuries. If a child is not 12 years old, but is taller than 150 cm, and the belt runs like an adult, no child seat is required.
What to look for when buying?
Before buying one should necessarily orientate to test judgments. In addition, always a built-in rehearsal with child and the respective seat in your own car must be made, because not every child seat fits in any vehicle. For rear-facing seats or baby carriers, the strap must be long enough.
Which children are allowed in the passenger seat?
When the passenger airbag is active, rear-facing child seats on the front passenger seat have lost nothing, because the triggering airbag could even kill the child. There are no legal restrictions on the forward-facing child seats on the front-passenger seat, but the warnings on the seat and the operating instructions should be observed. The ADAC recommends always using the rear seat.
What about the middle seat in the back seat?
New child seats can usually only be secured with a three-point safety belt, so the middle seat must be equipped with such a belt. At the same time modern child seats are a bit wider, which is why often no three child seats fit on a classic rear seat at the same time. Is there a suitable seat belt and enough space, but nothing speaks against the middle seat.
The best safety rating was the "BeSafe iZi Kid X3 i-Size" (for children from 1 to 4 years). The testers rated the seat "very good" in both frontal and side impact.
Most of the tested seats are suitable for children up to the age of about 1.5 years. The cheapest model, which in this age category with "good" section, is the "Jané Koos i-Size R1" for 210 euros. However, the examiners also tested seats for children up to four, or up to twelve years, as well as for children between one and twelve years.
All tested models and reviews you can see in the photo gallery.