ADAC Car Seat Test Results Autumn 2024
Searching for the ideal car seat to ensure your child's safety? We've summarised the outcomes from ADAC's rigorous test this Autumn to assist you in selecting the perfect car seat.
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2024
Looking for the best car seat to keep your little one safe? We've translated the results of this year's rigorous ADAC test to help you decide your perfect car seat.
Are you in the market for a new car seat? Well, you're in luck! We've got the latest updates on car seat safety testing from ADAC. For those who may not be familiar, ADAC is Europe's largest automobile association which rigorously tests car seats, surpassing standard EU regulations. They conduct two rounds of testing each year- Spring and Autumn. Therefore, if a car seat receives a recommendation from ADAC, it's definitley something you should pay attention to.
ADAC's results are originally published in German, but do not fret because we've already taken care of that work for you. You won't have to struggle with the complexities of Google translate because we've summarised all of the essential information in English right here!
Which car seats are tested by ADAC?
ADAC does not test every car seat made, but rather they carefully select the seats based on their popularity and those with special features, such as swivel seats, for example. ADAC purchase these seats independently and keep their selection a secret until the release of the results, so you can rely on the results of the tests to be completely unbiased and uninfluenced by any manufacturers. These results are then released to various consumer groups throughout Europe such as Which? to help parents make informed choices in regard to their child’s safety.
How do ADAC test these car seats?
In general, all car seats made are now tested to ECE R129 (new regulation), however ADAC test their seats even more rigorously than these standards, so you, as a consumer, can see which car seats have really gone above and beyond to ensure your child’s safety.
The standard tests simulate collisions at 50km/h , where as ADAC tests frontal collisions at 64km/h and side collisions at 50km/h to really put the car seats through their paces. ADAC uses the chassis of a real car (VW Golf) for their testing, rather than a test-sled, to make it more accurate, and they also utilise advanced Q series test dummies which have far more sensors than the ones used in the regulation tests. These dummies are able to collect more data for optimal analysis of the tested seats.
In addition to testing the safety features, the car seat materials themselves are scrutinised to check that they don't contain any harmful substances.
The 3 main criteria for the tests are:
Safety (50%), Operations (40%) and Ergonomics (10%)
So, not only is the safety of the seat taken into account, but also the ease of use and fitting, how comfortable the seat is for the child and how accessible the user’s manual is etc, encouraging manufacturers, in turn, to focus on these aspects for your benefit.
What do the ratings mean?
The ratings are grouped into five categories, as pictured. As you can see, the lower the score, the better, so bear this in mind when shopping for your little one’s new car seat.
ADAC scores are a great indicator of the quality of the seat, although as mentioned before, not all seats are tested by ADAC. These tests are extremely scrutinous so if a seat doesn’t have an ADAC score, or if it isn’t within the top ADAC category, this does not mean that the seat is not safe.
ADAC'S Reflection on this Season's Testing
After each test, the ADAC includes their reflection on the findings and advice on what is the best step forward for the car seat industry.
This time, the ADAC critically tested 17 seats for safety, operation, ergonomics and pollutant content in its child seat test. 12 models were classified as 'good', 4 received 'satsfactory', and 1 model failed the test due to "excessive pollutant levels".
ADAC stated how child seats with an Isofix attachment usually offer the best safety and are easy to use. That's why almost all new child seat models that are approved according to the new UN ECE Reg 129 standard are equipped with it. This new i-Size approval standard is based on the size of the child instead of the weight.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the car seats from Autumn 2024's ADAC testing for you to peruse, most of which are available at Baby & Co.
Keep scrolling for more information, and to hear what ADAC had to say about some of your favourite seats!
Autumn 2024 Results
Thule Maple + & Alfi Base
Suitability: Birth to approx. 1 year
1.6 - Good
Features:
- Easy Dock Technology
- Lie Flat & upright positioning in the car
- Thule Impact Protection System
- Thule SenseAffirm System for correct installation
- Convenient release Keys to effortlessly remove the seat
- Full Coverage water repellent UPF 50+ canopy
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.6
ADAC tested the Thule Maple & Alfi Base and results showed that there was a very low risk of injury in a frontal crash and side crash and that the child and seat remained stable in the vehicle. The car seat was also praised for having optimal belt routing.
Service 1.6
ADAC concluded that the seat is very easy to install, with simple operating instructions and warnings you can buckle your child in easily. With low risk of incorrect operation this is ideal for parents who worry about making a mistake with the installation, and thus putting their children at risk. The only service concern for the Thule Maple was the high weight of the seat.
Ergonomics 1.9
ADAC praised the leg support on the seat, as well as the cushioned padding of the seat.
They also found the seating position to be convenient for comfort- with plenty of room for the child to feel comfortable.
They noted a weakness with this seat, the reqirement for more space making the Thule Maple favourable for bigger cars.
The other concern of the Thule maple is the impared view of the outside for the child, however this isn't a big worry being an infant carrier.
Additional notes
After testing the materials, ADAC found that there is very low level of pollutants within the fabrics and commended the seat for its easy to remove cover and the ability to be machine washed. They did note however some minor manufacturing defects.
Doona i & Doona i Isofix Base
Suitability: Birth - approx 1.5 Years
1.7 - Good
Features:
- Isofix Base
- Baby Seat has a fold out chassis
- Easily Pushed
- Aircraft approved
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.2
Results indicated that there was low risk of injury in a front crash and a side crash.
The seat remained stable in vehicle with good belt routing.
Service 2.2
ADAC concluded that there is a very low risk of mis-installation as you can easily install the seat and buckle your child in easily. However operating instructions and warnings show slight weaknesses and its very high in weight.
Ergonomics 2.0
ADAC praised the leg rest & padding of the product. They liked the fact it provided a good view for the child of the outside. They found the seat also had good padding, favourable seating position and provided a good amount of space for the child. Their only criticism of this seat was that it required an increase in space.
Additional notes
The materials used in the seat were concluded to contain low pollution.
However it was critisized for the fact it's only hand was only and removing the cover is a bit more complicated. They also mentioned it's minor manufacturing defects.
BeSafe Beyond & Beyond Base
Suitability: From 1 to 7 years
1.8 - Good
Features:
- Rear Facing
- Seat can be turned to the side to make it easier to get in.
- Part of a modular system
- Isofix compatible
- The Beyond Base features a level to indicate when the base is correctly fitted.
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.3
For the BeSafe Beyond car seat & Beyond Base, the ADAC found that there was a very low risk of injury in a frontal crash and a side crash.
The ADAC also praised the seats belt routing and confirmed that the seat was very stable within the test vehicle.
Service 2.2
ADAC confirmed that there is a low risk of operation misuse with the BeSafe Beyond & Beyond Base were applauded for the ease in which the seat can be installed with a low risk of incorrect operation and commended how lightweight the seat is, so this is definitely a must-have product for parents looking for a seat which can be interchanged between cars.
Their only drawbacks of the seat were the buckling-in of the child is slightly more complicated and the operating instructions and show slight weaknesses.
Ergonomics 2.9
ADAC highlighted that this product has a good seating position. However they felt the leg rest was not optimal, the padding and space for the child was insufficient. They also mentioned the need for more space in the car due to the size of the seat and that visability was poor for the child, however this is expected as it's an extended rear facing seat.
Additional notes
The material tests on the BeSafe Beyond & Beyond Base found that there was very low pollution in the fabrics. The cover is machine washable so you can keep it nice and fresh for baby and the product has been crafted well. However, the ADAC claim that the cover was difficult to remove.
BeSafe Go Beyond & Beyond Base
Suitability: Birth to approx. 18 months
1.8 - Good
Features:
- Very safe Baby Seat
- Mounted easily & securley
- Backrest can be set to a flatter position
- Part of a modular system
- Isofix compatible
- Aircraft approved
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.5
The BeSafe Go Beyond received very good marks in safety- receiving a 1.5 meaning that there is a very low risk of injury in a front and side crash. There is a good belt routing and the car seat remained stable when in the vehicle.
Service 2.1
Results show that this seat is very user-friendly, with ADAC claiming that installing the seat is easy with a low risk of incorrect operation and the child can be easily buckled in. Their only criticism was the slight weaknesses in the operating instructions and how heavy the seat was.
Ergonomics 1.7
According to the ADAC, the ergonomics of the BeSafe Go Beyond were good. The car seat has a very good leg support, good padding, a favourable seat position, with there being a good view for the child to see outside of the window when seated. The car seat requires little need for space so this particular product is perfect for even smaller vehicles, while still providing the child with a good amount of space.
Additional notes
The BeSafe Go Beyond & Beyond Base has a very low pollution level scoring a 1.0 and is able to be machine washed. The ADAC also praised the good workmanship. It was stated that removing the cover is complicated, however this is not a major issue.
Maxi-Cosi Rodifix R
Suitability: 4 - approx. 12 years
2.0 - Good
Features:
- Isofix and Additional Anchoring Isofix
- ClimaFlow for temperature control
- Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.)
- Adjustable height
What ADAC had to say:
Security 2.5
The ADAC tests showed us that the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix R passed successfully by having a low risk of injury in a side crash. The product also boasts optimum belt routing and the seat can be connected very firmly to the vehicle.
Service 1.5
The ADAC test showed that the seat was easy to install with the instructions and warnings remaining clear and simple. The child is able to be buckled in easily creating a low risk of incorrect operation. In additon to this the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix R is low in weight.
Ergonomics 1.9
ADAC praised the ergonomics of the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix R, complimenting the 'good’ leg support, ‘good’ padding, its very small space requirement and convenient seating position within the car itself and also commended that the child has a good amount of space and the child has a good view of the outside.
Additional notes
ADAC noted that there was low pollution within the materials used for the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix R. The covers are machine washable for convenience, however they did state that removing the covers was slightly complicated. But they praised the good workmanship of the product.
BeSafe Go Beyond
Suitability: Birth to 18 months
2.1 - Good
Features:
- Safe for 3-point seat belt installation
- Adjustable height Harness Straps
- Lay-flat positioning
- Certified for use on airplanes
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.7
The BeSafe Go Beyond using belt installation has good belt routing and there is a very low risk of injury in a side crash and low risk in a frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle.
Service 2.7
This product received satisfactory in service. The seat was easy to install however there is a slight increased risk of incorrect operation, the buckle-in of the child is slightly complicated. The need for a long belt length also provided ADAC with some concerns and the instructions showed some weaknesses.
Ergonomics 1.6
The car seat and base recieved good in ergonomics with its exemplary seating position for the child, very good leg rest and a large amount of space. They also commented how the child had a good view to outside and the car seat had good padding.
Additional notes
The ADAC found the BeSafe Go Beyond car seat to score 'very good' for pollutants with very low pollution levels and said how the seat is well made with its good workmanship. The cover is easy to clean and machine washable, however it is slightly difficult to remove.
And that's it for our selection of 2024's ADAC car seats! Hopefully you'll have seen something to tempt your interest. With such a selection spanning from birth right up until 12 years old, you may have even found two seats to last your little one! Which car seats have you got your eye on?
MORE ON THE BLOG
If you can't find your seat on the list fear not, all seats rated very good, good and satisfactory since 2015 can still be recommended.
Want to know which seats made it to previous year's ADAC tests? Check out our previous blog posts on ADAC:
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2021
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Summer 2019
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Summer 2018
Ready to start prepping for your new arrival? Check out our Newborn Buying Guide for our ultimate checklist of items to prepare before baby arrives.
MORE ON THE BLOG
If you can't find your seat on the list fear not, all seats rated very good, good and satisfactory since 2015 can still be recommended.
Want to know which seats made it to previous year's ADAC tests? Check out our previous blog posts on ADAC:
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2024
ave some of these products? Let us know how you like them on our socials or leave a review!
Are you wanting to stock up for the due date but hesitant to purchase due to current lack of space, having to manage a budget or just need more time to decide on the nursery room layout? We offer our customers a free of charge Nursery Plan to hold all your baby goods till you are ready to pay and collect. For more information about our free Nursery Plan service click here or visit us in store to chat to one of our friendly team members.
Want to learn more about the best products for your little one? Check out our posts below:
Egg 3 Pram and Pushchair Guide - Top Features and FAQs
A Complete Baby Carrier Guide: Unlock the Power of Babywearing
Myths About Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats
Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats