The ÖAMTC tests child seats twice a year. In the current edition of the test, it is gratifying that the only candidate who failed received his “insufficient” rating because of his pollution, not because of safety problems. However, the experts located these in a few other specimens.
Two seats were rated “sufficient” because of weaknesses in security. Both (Seat4Fix and Seat4Fix Air) come from Chicco and showed an increased risk of injury in both front and side crashes. It is similar with the Tres LX from Nuna, which also failed to achieve top values in a front crash. “The poor overall rating for him is mainly due to the time-consuming and error-prone installation – unfortunately, even the actually good operating instructions do not protect against this,” says ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl. Incidentally, only one seat with the Avova Sperber-Fix i-Size was rated “satisfactory” – slight weaknesses in almost all categories led to this result.
“Not enough” due to exposure to plasticizers
The Osann Oreo 360 II was the only child seat to be rated “insufficient”. “Actually, that would be a very safe and ergonomically good seat. The risk of incorrect installation is there, but it would have been enough for a ‘satisfactory’. However, the result of the pollutant test contradicts this: The seat contains the plasticizer DPHP in an amount that is well above the limit values. This substance can damage the thyroid and pituitary gland, ”explains the expert.
Most of the models were rated “good”. “Each of these seats can be recommended in principle – which one is best depends on the personal situation.” For example, the Snugessentials baby seat from Graco leaves nothing to be desired in terms of safety. However, the space required in the car is relatively high if you use the associated Isofix base. “If you do without it, you save space, but in return the risk of incorrect installation increases.” The bottom line is that the product scores “good” with and without a base, just like ten other models, all of which have their strengths and weaknesses to have.
What to watch out for
The variety of child seat models and types of installation can mean that correct installation is not very easy – especially if you seldom deal with it. “However, only a properly installed child seat can fulfill its purpose and protect the child as best as possible in the event of an accident.”
- The child seat must be securely attached to the vehicle seat. It should not tip over and must not slip.
- Do not use rearward facing systems with active front airbags on the front passenger seat.
- Make sure that the belt runs correctly for the child: the shoulder belt should go over the middle of the shoulder, the lap belt as deep as possible over the groin and always be taut.
- If children are already buckling up on their own, it makes sense to check the seat belt guide before driving. The belt must not be twisted.