Stiftung Warentest Rates These Child Seats as "Good"
In an investigation led by Stiftung Warentest alongside ADAC and other European car clubs and consumer organizations, 24 child seats were put through their paces. These seats ranged in price from 85 to 570 euros. The results were encouraging, as many of them proved capable of safeguarding children during car rides.
However, not all results were positive. 13 seats were classified as "good," while 7 received a "satisfactory" rating. Unfortunately, 4 models failed the test, with issues ranging from exposure to harmful substances to significant safety defects. One seat, costing 520 euros, even performed so poorly it completely failed its crash test, resulting in its manufacturer halting distribution.
During the evaluation, handling was also scrutinized. Most seats presented little difficulty when it came to installation and removal. One noticeable standout was the "Nuna Pipa Urbn" infant car seat. This unique model features integrated Isofix hooks, eliminating the need for a base using the Isofix system. The magazine praises its practicality, particularly for those who share cars or own multiple vehicles.
Here's a rundown of the top performers in each category:
- Child (baby): "Nuna Pipa Urbn" (330 euros) - "good" (grade 1.6)
- Child (baby plus toddler): "Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro i-Size" (470 euros) - "good" (grade 2.2)
- Child (baby plus toddler plus child): "Joie i-Spin XL" (400 euros) - "satisfactory" (grade 3.0)
- Child (toddler): "Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size" (370 euros) - "good" (grade 2.2)
- Child (infant plus child): "Britax Römer Safe-Way M" (450 euros) - "satisfactory" (grade 3.4)
- Child (up to 1.50 meters tall): "Avova Sora-Fix" (240 euros) - "good" (grade 2.0)
It's crucial to ensure children are equipped with suitable seating from a young age. They aren't permitted to ride without one once they reach 1.50 meters or turn 12 years old. As they grow, they may need additional seats beyond the infant car seat. Before the age of 88 centimeters, they will have outgrown the infant seat.
In order to fully cover the spectrum of seating needs from babies up to 1.50 meters tall, Stiftung Warentest sees value in some models. However, none of these models managed to surpass a "satisfactory" rating in their tests.
When selecting and using a child car seat, ADAC suggests attention to:
- Test children and the car together. Visit a specialist store, where professionals can assist with selection and provide guidance.
- Securely fasten the seat in the car, making sure all controls are easily reachable.
- While buckling up, tighten the harness and vehicle belts. Be sure to pull jackets out from under the lap belt. The harness straps in baby and infant seats must always be tight. "Test" recommends allowing no more than one flat hand between the chest and belt.
- Periodically adjust the harness and backrest to accommodate the child's growth.
- Avoid advancing to the next seat size too soon.
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In their comprehensive investigation, ADAC joined forces with Stiftung Warentest and other European organizations to evaluate the safety of various child seats, including a 520-euro model that failed miserably during the crash test. Parents should consider the "Nuna Pipa Urbn" infant car seat, which received a "good" rating from Stiftung Warentest and boasts integrated Isofix hooks for ease of installation and removal, especially for those with multiple vehicles.
Source: www.ntv.de
