Crash tests of children's car seats: the safest and quality models

Purchasing a child car seat is a responsible business. Special attention should be paid not to the colors and stylish design, but to such criteria as reliability, safety and ease of use. Preference should be given to proven manufacturers whose products have passed crash tests and received the appropriate quality certificates.

There is a common opinion among parents that the most comfortable and safe place for a child in a car is in the hands of parents. This is fundamentally wrong, since when a high-speed collision is very high, the risk of a child having a head injury, bruise or a spinal fracture is very high. In the case when the parent holding the child in his arms, pounced on him, a high probability that the child will not survive.

Some parents neglect car seats, believing that they will rarely carry a child in a car, and the lifetime of an expensive accessory is still small, which cannot be said about the price. How to choose a quality car seat for kids among the range of models that are abundant in the global market? Which of them will provide the most security for your crumbs and minimize the chance of injury?

The most expensive car seat is not always the best, the price is not a guarantee of the highest quality. To show the quality of their products, manufacturers, along with independent experts, carry out serious comprehensive checks - crash tests. They clearly show the quality of a particular model, help to choose the best option among other models, encourage manufacturers to strictly monitor the quality of products.

In choosing a car seat, you can take into account information from the following expert organizations.

• ADAC - car club from Lanberg, Germany. Representatives of the club annually conduct tests of children's car seats according to various characteristics.
• ANWB - the union of motorists from Holland, testing chairs for children.
• TCS - car club from Switzerland. The organization tests the chairs on two criteria: reliability and ease of use.
• WARENTEST - a German magazine that regularly tests restraints with ADAC. The main aspects of verification are safety and comfort.
• RACC - Automobile club from Spain, testing the reliability of child seats for cars in accordance with the parameters of the organization ADAC.

Similar organizations exist in Finland, Spain, Italy and other countries. Each organization has its own assessment parameters, but there are also constants, which all motorists clubs follow. This, of course, is the safety of the little passenger. When conducting a crash test, the most important indicator is taken into account - the distance that the car seat will move during a frontal impact at a speed of 50 km / h. The maximum permissible figure is 55 cm.

According to European rules, since 2009 car seats must comply with the requirements of the unified standard ECE R44 / 04. This is a series of parameters that determine the safety of child seats. Safety standards adopted in Europe are the most demanding and stringent in the world.For example, according to this standard, the vehicle speed for testing should be 50 km / h, the width of the inner seat belts for categories “0+” and “1” should be more than 25 mm, and for categories “2” and “3” - more than 38 mm . The rules noted that The presence of metal and other sharp parts in close proximity to the child is unacceptable.

True, these rules have not yet regulated the safety of the chair with side impacts. At the same time, most manufacturers began to install reinforced side panels in chairs to protect children in emergency situations. On quality seats, there is always a round sign of conformity ECE R44 / 04. It is orange, with the letter E and the index of the country where the tests were carried out. At the bottom of the sign there should be a six-digit number that begins with the numbers 04 or 03, since this is the number of the two last revisions of this Standard.

In addition to the instruction manual, the car seat should have an instruction with illustrations, which is applied to the side of the seat. If the Isofix mount is installed in the child seat, the list of vehicles in which this device is allowed to be installed should also be indicated. This certificate confirms that the product:

• equipped with belt clamps and a special tensioning mechanism;
• resistant to corrosion, temperature and dirt.

Manufacturers often glue on the chairs the ADAC test badge, but only ECE R44 is required. In Europe, it is forbidden to transport children without a chair certified by the rules of ECE R44 / 04.

Child seat is designed to ensure the safety of the child while moving in the car. To determine the level of security, a test drive of the seats is carried out, also called a crash test. For testing, select products of well-known companies and place it in the body of the car, which is installed on the accelerating catapult. A mannequin, which is equipped with special sensors, is installed in the chair in the natural position. They measure the parameters, and the video camera removes the whole process. Similarly, determine the load on the child in an accident.

The car seat is tested in a frontal collision at a speed of 64 km / h and side impact at 50 km / h. When testing, use mannequins with the minimum and maximum height and weight recommended by manufacturers. During the experiment, the following criteria are assessed: compliance with the specified dimensions, the ability to adjust the fastening straps, the reliability of fixing the chair, the strength of the head restraint.

Thanks to such tests, the disadvantages of the car seat are revealed, manufacturers point out the weaknesses of the models. Over time, improved and verification methods. For example, since 2007, they began to closely assess the acceleration of the head in a frontal collision, improved mannequins that more accurately simulate the child's physique.

We present to your attention a list of the safest car seats for children.

Car seat from Italian manufacturers - the perfect combination of quality and price. It rightfully occupies the top places in the ratings of car seats. It can be used from birth to the child and up to the age of 4 years. The adjustable back gives the chance to lower the child to semi-horizontal position. It is very convenient for long trips. It is possible to install a chair in the direction of travel or against it.

The presence of five-point belts with soft lining allows you to securely fix the small passenger. Belts are adjustable in length. The chair is equipped with reinforced side panels. The model received high marks on the results of ADAC tests in terms of environmental friendliness, care, ergonomics, operation. Disadvantages of this model is not detected.

One of the safest seats in your group. When carrying out crash tests, the model showed itself from the best side, the experts set the highest possible marks.The model weighing 10.9 kg is made of a lightweight aluminum frame in the shape of a triangle. This form is the most durable. There is an indicator of proper installation and 2 ergonomic liner, reinforced side bumpers. The removable cover is made of materials that ensure good air circulation.

Comfortable, wide seat that can easily fit even in a compact car. The anchor mount structure functions as a counterweight. This model has an adjustable backrest, a comfortable headrest. Responsible for safety: reliable protection on the sides, belts with five attachment points with anti-slip pads. Among the shortcomings can be noted poor ventilation.

One of the best seats in this group according to the results of third-party expert organizations. Made by a Dutch company, very convenient adjustment. It weighs only 7.2 kg. Very comfortable model due to the anatomical shape of the seat, adjustable backrest. Enhanced safety, robust head and neck protection and fixation belts with five attachment points. Installation is possible only against the movement of the car. Among the shortcomings can be noted the lack of a basis for attachment, it will have to buy separately.

This model is highly appreciated by test results. Comfortable seat weighing 6.7 kg. Equipped with adjustable straps, comfortable table for games. High safety performance is ensured by reliable protection on the sides of the chair and an excellent frame made of impact-resistant plastic. Good air ventilation is maintained. Among the shortcomings should be noted uncomfortable for sleep tilt the back.

Car Seat from France - good quality at an affordable price. Made of high quality plastic. Installed in the direction of travel. Anatomical pillow improves comfort. Adjustable back and head restraint. True, the inner straps are not long enough.

The model is made in Germany, has high rates of ADAC test results. Much attention is paid to safety - there are additional durable lining, which reduces the load on the head and shoulders up to 30%. The chair can be used up to 12 years.

Modern German car seat Kiddy Guardianfix 3 occupies a leading position in the ADAC ranking according to test results. A durable case provides a high level of security, and a soft case made of breathable material gives a feeling of comfort. There is a safety table and adjustable footrest.

High-quality chair from German manufacturers. Quality confirmed by ADAC testing. Not only safe, but also very comfortable chair. Ideal for a child of any height, as the headrest can be installed in 12 positions. The backrest easily adjusts to the inclination of the car seat. Equipped with special side protectors.

The chair amazes with the level of safety and comfort. The model is equipped with an adjustable anatomical pillow. The width of the seat, backrest tilt and headrest can also be changed. When testing this model scored very high scores. That's just the cost is slightly overestimated.

This model occupies one of the leading positions in the ADAC automobile club rating. High-quality, modern security system. The frame of the chair evenly distributes the load in a frontal collision and effectively protects the child. Removable side cushions guarantee side impact safety. Removable covers products made of high-quality washable fabric. Seat mounted on both the isofix system and seat belts.

Car seats are designed to ensure the safety of children while driving in a car. The choice of chairs for kids should be approached very responsibly.For the convenience of parents, manufacturers have classified models of chairs into groups.

There are both highly specialized groups provided for exploitation during the year, they have a small interval by weight category, and universal options that can be used for 5-10 years as the child matures. This is possible due to the fact that the parameters of several groups are combined in adjacent groups.

You will not need to buy a new chair every one and a half or two years as the child grows older. Manufacturers offer car seats in the following groups:

• Group 0. Designed for children from birth to six months. The maximum weight of the child should not exceed 10 kg. This chair is installed sideways to the movement. The product looks more like a cradle than a full chair.

• Group 0+. Designed for passengers from birth to one and a half years. The maximum weight of the child is 13 kg. Mounted face up against car traffic.

• Group 1. Chairs of this group are designed for children from 9 months to 4 years. Allowable weight of the child is 9-18 kg. Mounted in the direction of travel.

• Group 2. The recommended age of the child is 3-7 years. Allowable weight is 15 - 25 kg. Installed in the direction of travel.

• Group 3. Recommended for children from 6-12 years. Allowable weight of the child is 15-36 kg. The chair is installed face in the direction of motion.

Also on the market are car seats of universal categories, for example, such as:

• Group 0-1. Are provided for transportation of children from birth to 4 years. Permissible weight from 0 to 18 kg. In the chairs of this category there is a function of the backrest tilt to make the child's sleep more comfortable.

• Group 1-2-3. Universal chairs that can be used from 9 months to 12 years. The recommended load is from 9 to 36 kg.

• Group 2/3. Appearance resemble ordinary adult car seats equipped with protective equipment. Chairs of this category are designed for weight from 15 to 36 kg, respectively, for the age of 4-12 years.

Parents will be helped to quickly determine for which weight and age this or that category of chairs is provided, such is the table:

Multifunctional child seats for cars are safe, practical and comfortable. This is especially true for models of group 1/2/3. Chairs of this type are the leaders of sales worldwide. This is not surprising, because such a universal chair can be used from a year to 12 years. In adjacent categories, a reinforced carcass base is usually used.

In addition, for extra comfort car seats are equipped with a soft liner, thanks to which the baby is raised to the required level of fixing belts. Multifunction models are not as compact as highly specialized. They are longer and wider in order to reliably protect both very tiny passengers and grown-ups.

The cost of car seats for cars often depends on the promotion of the brand. Often inexpensive chairs on the quality characteristics are not inferior to expensive models. The Polish car seats have proven themselves well in the market today.Their cost is lower than German or English, while they are quite high-quality and look nice.

It should be noted that many well-known firms along with expensive produce and budget options. Manufacturers reduce the cost due to the simple appearance and low-cost plating model. Thus, the price decreases without detriment to the quality. Another option to purchase an inexpensive car seat is sales. In the case when the store is only a few units of a particular model, their prices are reduced.

If financial opportunities are limited, you should pay attention to frameless car seats. They are much lower than the standard frame chairs. They are a thick fabric with seat belts sewn to it. True, frameless chairs have a number of drawbacks - they are not as safe as traditional ones, and experts do not recommend using them for children under two years old. The fact is that in such models the back of a child is not supported at all. There is a possibility of spinal problems.

Another inexpensive option is a FEST holding device. This is an adapter for a stationary car seat belt. When using FEST, the strap supports the hips and belly of the child. The disadvantages of this device is that the child is not protected by a side impact. To ensure maximum safety of the child, car seats with a sturdy frame and quality seat belts are the best option. Remember that the safety of the child should not be saved.

How crash tests of children's car seats occur, see the next video.