Child Seats in the ÖAMTC Test: The Results

"At first glance, this time we have an almost boring result: no 'very good', but also no 'sufficient' or 'insufficient' - instead ten 'good' and nine 'satisfactory'," said ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl about the ÖAMTC child seat test.

Test criteria for child seats in the ÖAMTC test have become stricter: tougher crash tests and examination for environmental pollutants

The child seat that received the highest overall rating in the test was the "Anoris T2 i-Size" from Cybex (for a height of 76-125 cm). However, this model had to be downgraded to "satisfactory" because environmentally harmful "PFAS" were discovered in it. In the current test, there are child seats for all age groups that are safe in an accident, offer good handling, and are ergonomically suitable for children. The price is not decisive. All details can be found here.

This year, the test execution and evaluation were revised, and the requirements were thus increased. "Even though we informed the manufacturers in advance, the good results were by no means a given," said the ÖAMTC technician. In the crash tests, comparable speeds to the Euro NCAP test series are now driven - 50 km/h in the frontal crash and 60 km/h in the side impact crash. "Another innovation concerns the area of pollutants," explains Kerbl. "The seat covers have already been examined for chemicals that can be harmful to humans upon contact. Additionally, environmentally harmful substances are now also being checked, which only become problematic when the seats are disposed of." These "PFAS" are also referred to as "forever chemicals" because they are not biodegradable and thus accumulate in the environment in the long term, entering the water and food cycle. In the "operation" category, for example, online manuals are now included in addition to printed manuals.

ÖAMTC tips for buying a child seat

Before purchasing a child seat, parents should inform themselves about the available options. The child seat tests of the mobility club, which go beyond the legal minimum requirements, provide guidance. The purchase should ideally be made with your own car and together with the child in a specialist store or at an ÖAMTC support point. "Child seats should not simply be ordered over the internet, as not every seat can be safely installed in every car in the desired position. Children also do not sit equally well in every seat. Trained specialist staff know what matters and have the answers to the numerous questions of young parents," advises Kerbl in conclusion.

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