The 10 best car seats in the crash test

*Review of the best according to the editorial. Selection criteria. This disclaimer is subjective, not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for purchase. You should seek professional advice before buying.

Child safety car seats are essential for carrying the youngest passengers. They are designed for the health and comfort of the child and are an essential accessory in the family car. Despite the common goal – to ensure the safety of children, their designs are different from each other. It is not only the colors, but also size, equipment, materials, cost and reliability.

The safety of products for transporting babies is confirmed by annual international crash tests. They identify the best models and rank them on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest rating. Many criteria are taken into account: degree of protection, easy mounting, comfort, ecological compatibility of materials and care. The safest car seat designs are determined by research.

All manufacturers strive to obtain good evaluations, because the success of further promotion of their products depends directly on it. The extensive car seat market covers a wide range of needs and allows you to choose the best purchase option. The experts of our magazine have compared the most popular items and gave preference to the best of them.

Rating of the best car seats in crash tests

Cybex Pallas S-Fix (forScuderia Ferrari)

Rating: 4.9

Tops the list with a multi-purpose car seat that meets the strictest safety standards. It is an international design award winner and was rated 4 in the 2018 crash test. The seat is easily convertible for different age groups, which ensures its use for several years. Carcass made of impact resistant plastic. Backrest and seat are equipped with a ventilation system.

The big advantage of the design is that it has no uncomfortable inner harness, which is replaced by an adjustable seat cushion. This allows the baby to feel more free, and parents to be confident in their child’s safety. It is adjustable with one button and easy to remove. In the event of an emergency, a soft cushion absorbs any impact energy by spreading the weight evenly across the entire surface of the safety cushion.

The patented Cybex L telescopic side-impact protection system plays a major safety factor.S.P. System Plus. The tilt-away headrest is height-adjustable in 12 positions. Fastening in the cabin is possible with both car seat belts and the Isofix system.

Advantages

• Bright and stylish design;
• handy safety table;
• quick-release cover;
• hypoallergenic materials.

Disadvantages

• are not revealed.

Inglesina Amerigo HSA Isofix

Rating: 4.8

Second place goes to the ergonomic car seat, which has an exclusive shock absorption system. It significantly reduces the risk of injury and increases protection for your baby. In the 2015 crash test, the model was rated 4, which indicates a high level of comfort and safety design. In the cabin, the seat is installed forward-facing and is secured with both the reliable Isofix system and the vehicle’s regular seat belts.

Compact model has a reinforced impact-resistant frame, in which special holes are made to improve ventilation. The neoprene padding on the inner harness straps softens shocks. They are integrated into the headrest and are adjustable in 7 positions. Smooth exterior design has smooth curves, which prevents wear and tear on the car interior. Adjustable backrest tilt level in 4 positions provides increased comfort for the baby.

Additional cushioning with an integrated piston which acts as a shock absorber in emergencies. It significantly reduces the acceleration force caused by frontal impact, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Advantages

• A strong, solid frame;
• HAS shock absorption system;
• a reliable attachment system;
• anatomic fit.

Disadvantages

• not identified.

Doona +

Rating: 4.8

The top three winners included a design that easily transforms from a safety car seat to a full-fledged stroller with a retractable handle and protective visor. Its folding chassis is made of lightweight aluminum alloy. Inflatable wheels with ball bearings provide excellent maneuverability. The set has a special insert made of natural fabrics for newborns.

Its ergonomic design not only allows the baby seat to be used as a stroller, but also as a baby rocker, because it tilts up to an almost horizontal position. The wheels of the model can be conveniently folded inwards, allowing the car interior to be kept clean. the body is made of impact-resistant, multilayer plastic combined with expanded polystyrene and textile. Featuring Safe Side side impact protection.

The model can be installed only against the motion of the car and is secured in 2 ways: with the regular straps and the Isofix system by Doona, which has protection against improper installation and is purchased additionally. The upholstery of the seat has hypoallergenic, thermal and moisture-regulating properties.

Advantages

• combination of car seat and stroller;
• low weight of the construction;
• a mattress for the newborn;
• premium materials.

Disadvantages

• have not been identified.

BeSafe iZi Flex FIX i-Size

Rating: 4.7

On the fourth line is the car seat, which meets the new safety standards UN R129-02. It holds the prestigious international Kind + Jugend Innovation Award in the “World of Traveling Babies” category. The 2018 ADAC crash test. Rated 4 for safety, operation, ergonomics, environment and care. Isofix can be installed together with the car harness.

Thanks to successful design solutions, the car seat has the ability to quickly install and uncomplicated adjustment according to the growth of the child. It is a compact device, whose dimensions allow three seats to be placed in the back seat of the car. Equipped with the modern SIP+ protection system, which reliably protects your child in case of a side impact.

The integrated waist belt clip prevents the baby from “floating” in the seat and the magnetic fidlock system for easy use. The seat is designed for children from 3 to 12 years old and is adjustable on both sides up to a height of 150 cm. In addition, it has the ability to recline the entire structure as well as the individual backrest.

Advantages

• quick installation of the seat;
• lap belt holder;
• side protection system;
• easy seat height adjustment.

Disadvantages

• not identified.

Maxi-Cosi Tobi

Rating: 4.7

The fifth seat has a height-adjustable platform that gives your child an excellent view. It is attached to the direction of movement of the car and fixed in the cabin by 3-point safety belts with a special tensioning system. Also features smart sensors with light indicators to let you know when your baby is correctly secured.

The anatomic design of the backrest features the ability to adjust the angle of its recline in 7 positions, which is very convenient for baby’s rest and sleep. The seat upholstery is made of hypoallergenic material that absorbs moisture well, does not shed and has low flammability properties. It unfolds at the touch of a button, and the child can comfortably sleep.

Fastening system is ensured by internal 5-point belts with padded pads. They are height- and length-adjustable, depending on the age of the child. Convenient plastic hooks on the sides of the seat for the buckles of inner straps, designed for comfortable in and out of the baby. This is one of the safest and most comfortable models, which according to crash test results in 2015. rated “good.

Advantages

• good view for the child;
• indicator lamps in harnesses;
• 7-position adjustable backrest;
• environmentally friendly materials.

Disadvantages

• not identified.

Recaro Monza Nova 2 SeatFix

Rating: 4.7

The sixth place goes to the ergonomic car seat, which has repeatedly won the crash test and is one of the best products in its group. Designed for children from 3 years of age and a minimum height of 95 cm. It is mounted into the vehicle with the Isofix system, and the child is held in the seat by the vehicle’s regular seat belt.

Comfort is ensured by the orthopedic design which is designed for the changing height of the baby. Model is equipped with 11-position adjustable headrest and reinforced side protection ASP. The built-in air cushion has a special pump to adjust its softness. RECARO Sound System with headrest speakers allows your baby to enjoy audio and video playback from the included MP-3 player.

The car seat is equipped with the unique Recaro ACS system of air circulation, which ensures a comfortable microclimate even on hot days. The upholstery is made of comfortable materials. It can be easily removed and washed. Isofix allows for mounting in the front seat of the car.

Advantages

• increased side protection;
• comfortable air cushion;
• Speakers integrated into the headrest;
• hard-wearing soft cover.

Disadvantages

• not identified.

Baier Kindersitz Adefix

Rating: 4.6

In seventh place, the car seat, which is designed for children from 15 to 36 kg. With its own weight of 6.4 kg, it has a quick and easy installation in the car. Model rated 4 in a 2017 crash test, which praised the practicality and safety of the unit. Stylish look and feel that parents love. Eco-friendly upholstery material guarantees a high level of comfort for the baby. Quick-release cover is easy to wash away dirt and can withstand heavy use for at least 3 years.

Baier Adefix is mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle with a secure Isofix lashing system which can be installed in both the front and back seat. Adjustable height of the headrest allows you to use the seat as the child grows, which is fixed in it by the standard seat belts. It features reinforced side protection that minimizes the possibility of injury in emergency situations.

The German manufacturer’s easy assembly and disassembly combined with comfort and safety has led to a high customer demand for this design. The model is ideal even for long journeys.

Advantages

• quick installation and adjustment;
• attractive appearance;
• increased side protection;
• Comfortable anatomical backrest.

Disadvantages

• not identified.

ITAX ROMER Kid II

Rating: 4.6

Rounding out the review is a car seat with an anatomical backrest that received a crash-test rating of 4 in 2015. Its high quality and soft MaxiProtect AERO upholstery is ECE 44/04 certified, indicating its comfort and safety for your baby. Wide adjustable V-shaped headrest does not obstruct the view and effectively protects in side crashes.

The base of the structure is reinforced with ribs, which, in emergency situations, guarantee extra protection for the child. The model features tall, ergonomic armrests that provide comfort and convenience on the go. The backrest is orthopedically designed to guarantee the correct body adaptation of the child. The seat is installed forward-facing and secured with the car seat belts.

Designed for children from 15 up to 36 kg and with efficient side protection. The height of the head restraint can be adjusted to the passenger’s height and is reliably secured with the integrated belt tensioners. The seat easily transforms into a booster seat and is used as a comfortable and safe child seat. The removable cover is made of a hardwearing and environmentally friendly material that can be cleaned.

Advantages

• base made of durable ABS plastic;
• V-shaped, wide headrest;
• Fast fixation with the regular belts;
• Comfortable, ergonomic arm rests.

Flaws

• were not identified.