Every year the TCS tests currently available child seats together with European partner associations. But the result was not as sobering as this year for a long time. 29 child seats in all sizes have been independently tested and evaluated for safety, operation, ergonomics and material pollutant content. Five failed – the verdict: “not recommended”.
Of course, the reasons for the failure of the failed seats must be examined more closely. Because of their materials, four failed the strict criteria of the pollutant test. In the sample of the “Oreo 360 °” from Osann, the plasticizer DPHP was discovered, which can damage the thyroid and pituitary gland. And naphthalene – suspected of being carcinogenic – has been detected in the cover fabrics for “iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size” and “i-Size Base” from Besafe and “Marie 2” from Swandoo.
One failed on security
In addition to Besafe, the result should also annoy the brands Stokke and Babyzen Yoyo. Because their tested, albeit almost identically named seats “iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size by Besafe” and “i-Size Base” received the verdict “highly recommended”. In contrast to the covers from Besafe, the fabrics used scored an outstanding 90 percent in the pollutant test criteria for the seats from Stokke and Babyzen Yoyao. That is why the two manufacturers hope that consumers in the retail trade will be able to distinguish between their good products and those with practically the same name, “not recommended”.
The fifth child restraint system rated as “not recommended” failed when it came to the safety criterion. The baby seat “Kiros i-Size + Kiros i-Size Base” from Chicco detached itself from the Isofix base during the frontal impact test and flew forward almost unchecked. A child secured in it would be exposed to a very high risk of injury in the event of a serious accident. Amazing – and not very transparent for buyers: The product of the same name, “Kiros i-Size”, also from the renowned manufacturer Chicco, received the assessment of 64 percent for the security criterion “highly recommended”.
- It must be possible to install the child seat as tightly and securely as possible in the vehicle. In older vehicles in particular, long belt buckle fastenings, for example, can mean that some child seat models cannot be securely fastened.
- To ensure optimal restraint, make sure that the belts are as straight as possible and do not fold.
- In the case of baby carriers in particular, it should be checked whether the length of the belt in the vehicle is sufficient to be able to fasten the seat securely. If the belt is too short for a conventional baby seat, a seat with a separate base can be installed.
- With booster seats with back support, it sometimes happens that the belt no longer rolls up automatically when the child bends forward. If this is the case, you should try another child seat in which the position of the shoulder belt guide better matches the belt geometry of the car.
- Two-part child seats (seat shell plus Isofix station) are often a little easier to install because of their lower weight and smaller dimensions. In most cases, however, they cannot be turned to the side to make it easier for smaller children to lift in and buckle up. Depending on the vehicle and use, a one-piece rotatable seat or a two-piece seat may be more suitable.
- The vehicle manual contains information and guidelines on which child seats may be used and how.
- After buying it, you should familiarize yourself with the handling of the seat. It is essential to observe the operating instructions for the child seat and vehicle. Correct installation is important so that the seat can provide the best possible protection for the child in the event of an accident. It is particularly important to ensure that the belts are tightened tightly. Jackets should be pulled out from under the lap belt so that the belt is as close as possible to the body. In addition, the belts and back support must be regularly adjusted to the size of the growing child. The change to the next larger child seat should never be done too early.
The following applies to customers: keep your eyes open when buying a child seat! You have to look carefully and compare the product names of the child seats that failed the TCS test meticulously with the products offered by the manufacturers. Often only nuances in the model designation decide on top or flop.
Most of the seats are safe
On the other hand, it was encouraging: 21 of the 29 child seats tested exceeded the legal requirements, in some cases significantly, and were “highly recommended”. Three other models received at least “recommended”. The overview table of all tested child seats 2021 and their TCS rating can be found above, at the end of the picture gallery or at www.tcs.ch.
- It must be possible to install the child seat as tightly and securely as possible in the vehicle. In older vehicles in particular, long belt buckle fastenings, for example, can mean that some child seat models cannot be securely fastened.
- To ensure optimal restraint, make sure that the belts are as straight as possible and do not fold.
- In the case of baby carriers in particular, it should be checked whether the length of the belt in the vehicle is sufficient to be able to buckle the seat securely. If the belt is too short for a conventional baby seat, a seat with a separate base can be installed.
- With booster seats with back support, it sometimes happens that the belt no longer rolls up automatically when the child bends forward. If this is the case, you should try another child seat in which the position of the shoulder belt guide better matches the belt geometry of the car.
- Two-part child seats (seat shell plus Isofix station) are often a little easier to install because of their lower weight and smaller dimensions. However, they usually cannot be turned to the side to make it easier for smaller children to lift in and buckle up. Depending on the vehicle and use, a one-piece rotatable seat or a two-piece seat may be more suitable.
- The vehicle manual contains information and guidelines on which child seats may be used and how.
- After buying it, you should familiarize yourself with the handling of the seat. It is essential to observe the operating instructions for the child seat and vehicle. Correct installation is important so that the seat can provide the best possible protection for the child in the event of an accident. It is particularly important to ensure that the belts are tightened tightly. Jackets should be pulled out from under the lap belt so that the belt is as close as possible to the body. In addition, the belts and back support must be regularly adjusted to the size of the growing child. The change to the next larger child seat should never be done too early.