Babies are the best protected. ADAC identifies the leaders in car seats and warns about dangers.
In short:
Car seats still offer the highest level of safety – according to ADAC tests
Experts in Germany detected concerning chemical substances in some products
Two of the 16 models failed a key frontal impact test
Pricing or appearance should definitely not be the deciding factors when purchasing
ADAC: car seats top the ranking
In the latest edition of its child car seat tests, Germany’s ADAC automobile club, in collaboration with Stiftung Warentest and partners from other European countries, tested 16 models intended for infants and young children. The evaluation covered not only crash protection but also ergonomics, ease of use, and the presence of substances potentially harmful to health and the environment.
The best in the entire comparison were baby car seats. The winner of the test was the Maxi-Cosi Coral Slide Pro installed with the Isofix Family Fix Slide Pro base, which received an overall score of 2.1 on the German scale, corresponding to a “good” rating. In the category of car seats for younger children, the Recaro Toron 1 model received the highest rating at 2.3.
The Maxi-Cosi MobiFix Pro also deserves attention. It is the only model in the review designed for older children up to six years old that received a “good” rating. However, it has a feature that may not please everyone. The seat can only be used facing backward. Although this is the solution recommended by experts from a safety perspective, some children may find it more uncomfortable in this position during travel.
Safe, but smelly
The test also revealed significant differences in terms of chemical content. Interestingly, only one product was found to be completely free of detectable harmful substances. This was the Britax Römer Babysafe Pro, both in the version with the Vario Base 5Z base and without it. In most of the other models, the laboratory detected only trace amounts of certain chemical compounds that posed no major concerns.
However, there were alarming findings as well. The Avionaut Aerofix Smart model with an IQ Orbit base was found to have elevated levels of PFAS compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances break down in the environment extremely slowly and can enter the food chain. Even greater concerns arose regarding the Lionelo and Axkid car seats, in which elevated concentrations of substances suspected of having carcinogenic effects were detected. In the case of the Lionelo product, the established limits were not exceeded, but the Axkid model significantly surpassed the allowable level, according to the organization’s statement.
Attention, attention!
The Swedish manufacturer is under scrutiny for another reason as well. Even before ADAC released its results, it warned consumers along with its testing partners about the Axkid seat and the Britax Römer Baby-Safe Pro with a Vario Base 5Z base. Both products failed to meet expectations in the frontal impact test. Experts assessed that in a real accident, children traveling in these seats could suffer serious injuries. In response to the results, the manufacturers decided to withdraw the products from the market.
A special warning has been issued to parents who purchase equipment online. As part of the study, experts also tested three products available for mail-order sales from other European countries. Two of them were textile-based belt systems attached directly to the car seat, marketed as alternatives to traditional car seats. However, tests showed that in a frontal collision, they are unable to keep the child in the proper position, which can lead to life-threatening injuries.
The test of an unbranded car seat that, although certified to meet current standards, resembled older models also yielded concerning results. During the side impact test, the child’s head was only minimally protected and could strike the vehicle door directly, posing a risk of severe injuries.
In summary
The experts’ conclusions are clear. As ADAC emphasizes, parents should base their purchasing decisions on independent test results rather than solely on manufacturers’ claims. The organization also recommends trying the seat in a specific car before buying it and thoroughly reviewing the installation instructions. Even the best model can lose its protective properties if not properly secured with seat belts.
Oskar Włostowski