Choosing the right child seat? We are here for you!

Are you looking for the right companion for you and your child while driving? No problem, we are happy to provide you with helpful information! Our aim is to answer the most common questions that may arise when looking for the ideal child car seat. This includes topics such as safety standards, the advantages of Isofix for safe and comfortable travel, all the seats you need from birth to 12 years of age and the right child seat groups. Let's find the ideal solution for your needs together!

The I-Size safety standard (UN ECE R129)

The I-Size (UN ECE R129) represents the latest and safest test standard for child seats. Seats that comply with this standard meet additional safety standards and are designed to be user-friendly to ensure maximum safety for children in the car. The I-Size standard is based on the height of the child, with each manufacturer determining the size range individually. According to I-Size, children up to the age of 15 months may not be transported in the direction of travel, regardless of their size. Only rear-facing seats and carrycots that are installed facing the direction of travel comply with the regulations. This ensures additional protection for the child's sensitive neck and back region, as proven by extensive crash tests.

The installation and securing methods can vary depending on the child seat and include Isofix, Top Tether, a combination of Isofix and Top Tether or Isofix in conjunction with a support base (base station).

The following table provides an overview of child seats according to the I-Size standards. It is important to note that each manufacturer can determine the sizes individually and therefore deviations may occur. Two special shapes are harnessed reboarders (61-125 cm) or cross-group child seats (76-150 cm).

What is Isofix?

The term Isofix refers to a child seat securing system in the car. Isofix is a two-component system. On the one hand, you have the Isofix hooks pre-installed on the seat or the base station. These are installed in the Isofix holders in the back seat of the car. The Isofix brackets are firmly attached to the body of the car. This user-friendly system is particularly resistant to installation errors and therefore even safer for your child.

What is Top Tether?

Another safety feature is the top tether when using child seats in the car. This system generally consists of a belt that is attached to the child seat and either anchored to a designated point in the car. The function of the Top Tether is to secure the child seat to the front in addition to the conventional belt and/or Isofix systems. This minimizes the risk of head and upper body injuries in the event of an accident, as the child seat is anchored more securely in the car.

All seats at a glance

The infant car seat

The infant car seat is a specially developed car seat for newborns and toddlers, which is secured in the car in a rear-facing position to provide optimum protection for the sensitive head, neck and spine in the event of an accident. Equipped with a Y-shaped 3-point harness, the infant car seat can be secured either with a car seat belt or an Isofix base station, depending on the model.

When using an Isofix base station, Isofix hooks enable secure and easy attachment. Different base stations offer various functions, such as a practical 180° rotation function for the infant car seat. Alternatively, the infant car seat can also be secured in the car with a three-point harness, with most models offering the flexibility of securing with either a base or the harness. It is worth noting that the correct belt technique ensures safety in the car.

An interesting feature of some infant carriers is the recline function, particularly useful for longer journeys or as part of a travel system with a baby carriage. However, it is important to know that it is advisable to take the child out of the infant carrier regularly (20 minutes is a guideline), as the slightly bent position can have negative effects on back development and oxygen saturation. A baby car seat with a reclining function allows you to travel longer distances without having to worry about regular breaks and offers extra comfort.

The reboarder

A reboarder is a rear-facing child car seat that is designed to transport children against the direction of travel. Reboarders are particularly suitable for small children and babies, as they offer better protection for the sensitive head, neck and spine in the event of a frontal collision. The rear-facing position reduces the strain on the neck and significantly reduces the risk of injury. It is important to observe the individual weight and age limits of the respective reboarder and to follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.

All reboarders are secured in the car with a base. There are models where the seat and base are firmly attached to each other and cannot be transported or used separately. In situations with two vehicles, it may make sense to choose a separable seat with two bases, each in one car. Reboarders that can be separated from their base are part of a modular system that offers numerous advantages. In addition, many of these reboarders that are used with a base also allow for forward facing. Harnessed reboarders are the ideal choice if you want to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible or if your car does not have an Isofix system.

Modular system

A modular system consists of three parts. An Isofix base station, an infant car seat and a reboarder. Both the car seat and the reboarder can be attached to the base and used in the car. A modular system has the advantage that all parts are compatible with each other and you can use the next seat on the base station directly after the infant car seat. For you, however, this also means that you not only have to decide on the infant car seat and the base, but also have the reboarder in mind.

Forward-facing child seats

Forward-facing child seats can only be used once the child has reached the prescribed weight and age limit. Up to this point, the rear-facing position is prescribed to ensure optimum safety for the neck and spine. Many forward-facing child seats are equipped with a sturdy and adjustable 5-point harness system, which allows them to be securely fastened and comfortably adjusted to the size of the child. Some models are also characterized by multiple recline positions and/or various adjustment options that grow with your child. This makes it possible to adapt the seat to your child's individual needs and ensure comfortable seating, especially on longer journeys.

There are two different types of forward-facing child seats: those that grow with your child from 76 cm/15 months (with conversion from 100-105 cm) and those that are used from 100 cm to 150 cm with a 3-point harness only. Always make sure you choose the right adjustment so that your child is always seated comfortably and safely!

Seats from 76 cm

There are also seats that are initially secured with a five-point belt system and only later revert to the three-point belt system available in the car. This is a nice alternative for children who like to release themselves from the belt during the journey. Seats with a five-point belt must be secured with the top tether system in addition to the Isofix system.

An alternative safety solution is child seats with an integrated safety harness. These replace conventional belt systems by unfolding forwards in the event of a collision and gently catching the child's upper body. This significantly minimizes the risk of injuries to the head, neck and shoulders. It should be noted that the use of such seats can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. For example, the Cybex Anoris T offers additional safety thanks to a safety harness with an integrated airbag that is strapped in front of the child's stomach. It is recommended to try out these seats before buying to ensure that the child has already reached the correct height. If the child is 100 cm tall, the safety harness can be removed, and from 105 cm it is mandatory.

Seats from 100 cm

Child seats that can be converted from a 5-point harness to a 3-point harness offer numerous advantages, including side impact protection, lap belt and shoulder belt guide as well as the useful additional function of a sleeping position to prevent the head from tilting forward. Compared to a seat shell, child seats with a backrest are always safer! The "last" child seat (100-150cm) is sometimes equipped with an optional Isofix attachment.

Accessories for the car journey

For longer car journeys, it is advisable to have a varied selection of toys and accessories in the car. A removable and machine-washable seat cover makes cleaning easier, especially after dirty activities at nursery or school. Footmuffs or blankets provide warmth and comfort on longer journeys, while a rain cover protects the child and the infant car seat from moisture. A sunshade with UV protection of 50+ protects against intense sunlight, while an organizer on the backrest of the front seats keeps things tidy and provides sufficient space for colouring books, cuddly toys or snacks. These practical measures not only make car journeys with children more comfortable, but also more entertaining.

Why is rear-facing driving important?

In the specialist trade, rear-facing driving is particularly important to us. Parents often opt for forward-facing driving at an early age, but we recommend transporting children in a rear-facing mode for as long as possible (up to the age of four). This method offers particular advantages in frontal crashes, as the load is distributed over a large area of the back and there are no excessive neck forces.

A child's head is large and heavy in relation to its body weight, and the neck muscles, which are not yet fully developed, are not able to absorb accident energies sufficiently. In a frontal impact with a rear-facing seat, the child is pressed into the seat, which reduces the neck load. In contrast, a forward-facing seat will throw the child forward in the event of an impact, which can lead to high neck strain and serious injuries.

Of course, we are happy to answer any questions on this important topic.

Does my child have enough legroom?

It is clear that from a certain height, your child's legs will rest against the backrest of the rear seat. However, children are much more flexible than adults. A cross-legged position or bent legs, which we perceive as uncomfortable, is not a problem for children under the age of four. If you are worried about wear and tear on the backrest, you can also purchase additional protection that is stretched over the seat.

My child can't see anything and is bored

This statement is a misconception. In fact, children can see much more when driving backwards than the other way around. The rear window offers a panoramic view, which is even better if you remove the rear seat headrests. In addition, a mirror can be attached to the headrest so that you and your child can make contact through the rear-view mirrors.

I only drive short distances, so driving forwards is safe enough

Even short distances and low speeds can cause serious accidents. The length of the route says nothing about the severity of the accident. No matter how far you ride with your child, they are always better protected when riding backwards.

My child gets sick when driving against the direction of travel

The nausea known to us adults as motion sickness, which occurs particularly when flying or driving against the direction of travel, is much weaker in children due to their not yet fully developed sense of balance. Therefore, spitting up or nausea while driving is not due to the direction of travel. However, it may be due to other causes, such as a large meal eaten beforehand, the seatbelt on the stomach or simply sensory overload. However, this is easy to counteract and the nausea is quickly averted.

I have several children. Is there enough space in the car?

If you are the parent of more than one child, it can quickly become cramped in the back seat with large seats. It is important that you pay particular attention to the width of the seats when making your choice in order to prevent space problems. It is no problem to fit two seats, buckets or reboarders next to each other on the back seat, but with three seats it can get a little narrower. It is advisable to install all seats together once in the car.

When should I order the seat?

It is recommended that you order your desired child seat in good time. Many items are directly in stock and will be dispatched as soon as we receive your payment. In some cases, however, it can take up to 14 working days if we have to request the goods from the manufacturer. Estimated delivery times are indicated next to each product on our website.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us

There are a variety of child seats available from different manufacturers and finding the right model can be challenging. Please take the time to thoroughly research the different models, their application requirements and how to install them correctly in the car. We will endeavor to answer all your questions and help you choose the best child seat for you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail at [email protected]. We wish you every success in your search!