Guide: Child seats in the car

Most parents take their children's safety when driving seriously and secure them in age-appropriate seats. Nevertheless, questions remain.

What makes a good one Child seat out of? And how and where are the child seats best installed? Parents who want to transport their offspring in the vehicle are faced with these and other questions again and again. 

Are child seats compulsory?


For almost 30 years, children have had to be secured in a suitable child seat in the car, even during short journeys. That writes paragraph 21 paragraph 1a of the road traffic regulations in front. The driver is responsible for the correct securing. After that, child seats are compulsory for children up to a height of 1,50 meters or up to the age of 12. This means that children from their 12th birthday or if they exceed the prescribed minimum size can ride in the vehicle without a child seat – with the appropriate seat belt, of course. 

Is there a standard for child seats?


Three standards are currently permitted: the latest child seats are approved according to the European standard i-Size (ECE 129); here the size of the child is relevant. With the two older standards ECE 44/03 and 44/04, on the other hand, the weight of the kids is decisive. The corresponding test seal can be found on the child seat. Since the manufacturers determine the size range for the standard i-Size seats themselves, size specifications may vary. Therefore, a little research is needed to find out what the dimensions are. Tests by car clubs or consumer magazines or self-sit tests with the offspring offer help. By the way: In the i-Size child seats, children up to 15 months may not be transported in the direction of travel.

The standards ECE 44/03 and 44/04 catalog the seats in five different weight classes for children. Classes 0 and 0+ are approved for children up to 13 kilograms or up to 1,5 years. These seats must be installed rear-facing. From class I (9 to 18 kilograms or 1,5 to 4 years), the seats may be attached forward. Classes II and III start at 7 years of age and range from 15 to 36 kilograms. Here booster seats with and without back support are provided. 

What should you pay attention to when buying a child seat?


Test reports from car magazines, car clubs or Stiftung Warentest offer a good orientation. If you want to save, you will often find a good solution in discounted discontinued models from brand manufacturers. A used one is also an option, provided it is undamaged and has a valid standard. In addition, belts must not be torn or frayed, the belt buckles must engage and the operating instructions must be available. Whether new or used: nothing works without trying it out. The seat must fit the offspring and the car. Child and vehicle should therefore be included when finding the right seat. 

How and where is the seat mounted? 


Absolutely according to the manufacturer's instructions! The staff at the children's accessories store can also show you the right tricks. The easiest way to install it is to use the Isofix mounting lugs. This is a simple locking system in which the seat clicks into two metal loops on the car seat. This is quick and easy, operating errors are almost impossible. When fastening with a belt, on the other hand, there are sources of error, for example because the belt is twisted or you don't pull it tight enough. 

In principle, a seat can be installed on the front passenger seat. However, the passenger airbag must then be deactivated. At the latest when the kids have outgrown the baby seat, most of them will find their place on the back seat. 

It gets complicated when three child seats have to be accommodated in the back seat. Very few cars offer enough space to install a third seat. The center seat in the rear is often too narrow for this, and Isofix eyelets are also rarely found here. There are exceptions: some large SUVs, but also family vans or high-roof station wagons with three individual seats or at least three seats of the same size are suitable for taking three children with you. MPVs with six to nine seats can be considered as an alternative to a five-seater car. 

What do you have to pay attention to when buckling up the child?


The five-point belt of the child seat must run correctly, must not be twisted and must also fit snugly. The rule of thumb is: a maximum of two fingers fit between the belt and the body. It is best to take off thick clothing such as winter jackets. It reduces the protective effect of the belt system. If the child is sitting on a booster seat and is secured with the normal car seat belt, this is pulled tight. Under no circumstances should it be tucked under your arm; with the lap part of the belt you have to make sure that it runs through the "little corners" of the child seat. 

Child seat
The five-point belt of the child seat must run correctly, must not be twisted and must also fit snugly

And if the child whines or has to walk quickly?


Parents should always be consistent here. The correct securing of the offspring always has priority. There are also penalties. If a child is not properly secured, for example only buckled up, but without the required seat, a fine of 30 euros will be charged. If the child travels without any security, the fine increases to 60 euros and there is a point in Flensburg.

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, Owner: (Headquarters: Germany), processes personal data for the operation of this website only to the extent that is technically absolutely necessary. All details can be found in the data protection declaration.