Child seat in the test - when and which child seat?

Child seat in the test: reviews, opinions and buying tips

From which child seat?

Child car seat in the test: Our child car seat test clarifies which child car seat protects the smallest. © blankmag – Fotolia.com

Child seats are divided into four different groups. "From which child seat when?" Is the central question of many parents. Our article series "Child seat in the test" clarifies which child seat is suitable for which age and for which weight of a child and when a child car seat is mandatory. Handling, operation and ergonomics are also important criteria when choosing. How does the seat behave in the event of an accident? Can a crash test provide enough information about safety?

As a new parent, you are still relatively insecure when dealing with your own baby. The birth of the first child is something beautiful and unique. All parents put the safety of their own baby first. Whether choosing a baby seat or a child seat: Parents are quickly overwhelmed by the large selection of well over 100 models on offer. The result of a safety test is used as a guide and the test winner is included in the current election. However, current tests such as the crash test by "auto motor und sport" show that a good half of the baby seats tested have safety deficiencies and do not only provide optimal protection for the child in the event of a side impact. A test by ADAC and the Stiftung Warentest in 2012 also revealed an unpleasant result on the subject of accidents. The video of the crash test reveals a sad picture. It is all the more important to take your time in choosing the right child seat.

Ergonomics and handling: the right size

Ergonomics and handling are often neglected when choosing a seat. The focus on security is too great. It is certainly not wrong to choose the best seat that optimally protects the child in the event of an accident. But the seat can only do this if it has been selected in the right size to match the child. The legislator has divided child seats into four groups based on the age and weight of the children, so that these child seat groups enable a first division.

Child seat group 0: the baby seat
Group 0 includes the baby seat or baby seat. The baby seat can be used from birth up to an age of around nine months or a weight of up to 13 kg. A suitable baby seat should best be bought a few weeks before the planned date of birth and the handling should be practiced sufficiently. There are baby car seats that can be easily attached to an Isofix system. Please refer to the vehicle documents to determine whether such a system can also be used in your vehicle.
Child seat group I: child seat with five-point belt system
Group I child seats are equipped with a five-point belt system and installed in the direction of travel. They are suitable for children from the age of approximately 9 months to 4 years or a weight of 9 to 18 kg.
Child seat group 2: child seats with belt guide
Group 2 child seats do not have a separate belt. The children are secured with the normal three-point belt of the car, which is attached to the side upper part of the seat by a guide. These child seats in the car are intended for children from 3 1/2 to 12 years or a weight of 15 to 36 kg. Most of these car seats can also be converted into Group 3 child seats.
Child seat group 3: the booster seats
Children under the age of twelve or less than 1.50 meters tall must sit in their own child seat. Group 3 child seats are intended for this purpose.
Combined models of child car seats
There are also combi models of child car seats from different child seat groups. For example, child seats are offered that also correspond to groups 2 and 3. Some manufacturers of child car seats even have child seats in their range that correspond to groups I to 3. The purchase of these seats is not necessarily recommended, as our test report shows child seats. They often only achieve a satisfactory to sufficient as a test grade, as recent tests show. Another argument against this is that hardly any child would like to use the same seat for twelve years. On the other hand, the child seat will hardly be able to withstand this permanent strain over this long period.

Safety: crash test and side impact

The video of a crash test often shows a sad picture: safety is not always guaranteed. Testers also find security flaws with well-known brands. Just the strain on the child’s head often gives rise to criticism. For example, the ADAC demands that the side impact in an accident should be included in the tests for child seats in cars. This crash test should therefore become an integral part of the official approval of a child seat. A demand that is certainly to be supported. So only buy current test winners?

Selection criterion: Also pay attention to the washability of the child seat cover

When the question "When and which child seat" is answered, the next question is which child seat and which brand should you buy as a caring parent for your little darling. The selection is large and for many parents the offer is confusing. Even if you have determined the group based on the legal guidelines, the question still arises which child seat is the best and safest child seat in the car for your own darling.
The Stiftung Warentest, the automobile association ADAC and the magazine “auto motor und sport” test child car seats for their safety at regular intervals. The test results have a huge impact on the industry. No well-known manufacturer of child car seats will not immediately remedy a defect found. Numerous recalls in the past few years show how carefully manufacturers are following the child seat tests. For example, an earlier recall is by no means a signal to avoid a particular seat model. On the contrary, it shows that the seat has now been significantly improved. Only when buying a used seat should you make sure that the model of the seat comes from a series after the recall.

Toxins related to child seats

In recent years, the cover of child seats has also been tested for their pollutant content. The results were sometimes frightening. A child who spends a lot of time in a child seat during a long trip, for example, is unnecessarily exposed to toxins. Here, too, the major manufacturers reacted immediately and now supply safe substances. A practical tip for experienced mothers when choosing a child or baby seat is to pay attention to the washability of the cover. As usual with clothing, the cover of the child seat should also be washed in the washing machine before first use. It is also an advantage in everyday use if the cover of the child seat is washable. In addition to traces of daily use, spontaneous spitting attacks by babies in the baby seat or general nausea during a trip by children lose their horror. In Germany, by the way, a good 20 to 25 percent of all children suffer from travel sickness or generally do not tolerate traveling in a vehicle.

Choosing a child seat: use test reports and testimonials

In addition to the current tests on safety, paying attention to the washability of the cover and the attachment options such as Isofix, less the price should play a role than the handling and operation when choosing a child seat. Not every good child seat offers equally good results in every car. And not every belt guide well-intentioned by the manufacturer of the child seat offers the advantages that the sales prospectus promises in practice in relation to your own vehicle. Therefore, when choosing a child car seat, it is always advisable to assemble a special model once in your own car and to check its suitability for practical use. Because no child seat Test and no experience report of other users of a child seat can guarantee that you yourself with the Operation of a special child seat model gets along.