An old biker proverb says “Happy guys, happy rides”. The German automobile club ADAC regularly tests child seats for all age groups so that children not only sit comfortably and happily, but are also as well protected as possible in the event of an accident. ADAC has published the results of the child seat test conducted in the fall of 2022. Satisfactory result: Of the seats tested for safety, handling, ergonomics and pollutant content, 11 received a “good” rating, eight models again received a “satisfactory” rating.
However, one seat was classified as “weak” due to excessive contamination and failed the test. Testers found naphthalene and flame-retardant TCPP, both of which are suspected carcinogens, in the upholstery fabric of the Jané Koos i-Size R1 + iPlatform Comfort infant seat, which costs 450 euros. Although the child seat scores well in all other categories, ADAC still recommends against purchasing this seat.
19 models recommended
But the other 19 models significantly exceed legal requirements. For this reason, they are recommended and even highly recommended. Leading up is the “Bugaboo Turtle Air + Turtle Air Wingbase” for 400 euros. According to ADAC, it is a very safe baby seat with an Isofix base, in which the seat can be installed easily and securely. The winner in the toddlers category was the “Swandoo Curie” costing 540 Euros. For older children, the “Britax Römer Kidfix i-Size” was the best seat in the test – at 259 euros it is also the second cheapest model in the test. Detailed results and full reviews can be found here. Touring Club Schweiz TCS also conducts regular child seat tests. Current results, tips and tricks for child safety can be found here.
Developing manufacturers
Child seat manufacturers take test criticism seriously: two manufacturers reacted to bad reviews in previous tests and revised their products. Now the follow-up review by ADAC confirms the improvements: The “Chicco Kiros i-Size” baby seat left the “Kiros i-Size Base” Isofix station during crash tests in spring 2021. Its successor model “Chicco Kiros Evo i-Size + Kiros Evo i-Size Base” has passed the current test and now offers good protection to the child in the event of an accident. And the flame retardants TDCP and TCPP were found in the upholstery fabric of “Lionelo Antoon RWF” tested in the spring of 2022. The successor model “Lionelo Antoon Plus”, which is now being tested, is no longer contaminated with contaminants. According to ADAC, manufacturers offer a free replacement of the cover fabric “Chicco Kiros i-Size + Kiros i-Size Base” or “Lionelo Antoon RWF”.