Child car seats tested by Stiftung Warentest

Child Car Seat Test by Stiftung Warentest

When it comes to safety in the car, which is a top priority for all parents, no compromises should be accepted. After all, safety and well-being of a child depend largely on the quality of the child car seat. All over the world, the approval of new child safety seats is regulated by certain standards. Currently, the two test standards UN R44 / 04 and UN R129 play the most decisive role. Twice a year and in collaboration with ADAC and consumer organisations from different countries, Stiftung Warentest takes a closer look at different child car seats and infant car seats. Infant car seats and child car seats from different categories are tested. Only those who pass the strict tests can achieve a good result or even emerge as test winners. Everything for the safety of your children.

This is how Stiftung Warentest runs their tests

Tests in four disciplines are run: safety in accidents, handling, ergonomics and harmful substances. Each child safety seat is tested in an accident simulation of a frontal and side impact.

The emphases for the quality valuation is made up as follows:

• Safety in accidents 50%
• Handling 40%
• Ergonomics 10%
• Harmful substances 0%

According to plan, the discipline "harmful substances" is not included in the overall result. However, if the analysis shows that the amount of harmful substances is too high, the child car seat is automatically assessed as "Poor".

Safety in accidents

• The tests are based on regulations ECE-R 44 and R 129
• The tests are run with dummies of different sizes
• Tests in frontal and side impact with all mounting options of the seat are run
• Forward displacement and stress on the head, pressure and strain on the chest and the risk of abdominal injury are assessed
• Belt position and stability of the seat is evaluated by three experts

Handling

• Protection against misuse and incorrect installation, even when people who are unfamiliar with the system are using/ installing the child car seat
• Installation, fastening, seat conversion and size adaption
• Instruction Manual
• Cleaning and processing/ workmanship

Ergonomics

• Evaluated and assessed with children and dummies at different places in the car
• Space requirement, leg rest, padding, visibility conditions for the child, sitting position

Harmful substances

• Materials in the child's contact area are being tested
• Tests for phthalates (plasticisers), formaldehyde, organophosphorus flame retardants, phenolic compounds are run

Things you need to consider when buying a child car seat

First, before buying a child safety seat you need to get detailed information about the seats in general and those you opt for in particular. Current and also earlier child car seat tests run by Stiftung Warentest and ADAC will help you make the right decision. We strongly recommend you to not buying a second-hand child safety seat since you have no knowledge about the origin and the prehistory of such child car seats.

Furthermore, it is important to always replace the child safety seat after an accident. Hairline cracks in the material are not visible and make the seat unsafe.

Find your test-winning child car seat now on kidsroom.de

Do you have any questions or need assistance with selecting your new child safety seat? Our trained service staff will provide you with expert advice and will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Together we will find the perfect child car seat that suits you and your little one best!

Your team from kidsroom.de