When buying a car seat, you want only the best for your child. And that means only the safest seats. That’s why many organisations put the seats through vigorous testing regimes in their test centres in order to really discover how safe they are in every eventuality.
Sweden is renowned for their high safety standards and high-quality products. The Plus Test reflects this and tests seats to the Swedish Standard, which is above and beyond most other testing centres. Initiated in 2009 in the VTI crash lab in Linkoping, Sweden, the Plus Test focuses on rear-facing seats. Rear Facing is proven to be the safest direction of travel in the event of front impact crash by up to 5x. The seat does not technically have to be rear-facing to pass the test, however, it is rare that forward-facing car seats are even subjected to this crash testing criteria as they are unlikely to succeed. To date only rear-facing car seats have been given Plus Test approval due to the reduced forces exerted on the head and the neck.
What Are The Requirements For The Plus Test?
- They must not exceed Max 18kg for ISOFIX and max 25kg for Belted Installation seats
- They must be able to be fitted into any seat in the vehicle
- The plus test focuses on forces exerted on the head and neck
- So far, only rear facing seats have passed the test
What Does The Plus Test Include?
- High speed impact crashes -higher than i-size (R447/R129) regulations
- Very short breaking distances = high impact forces
- Extremely sensitive measuring sensors-especially on the neck
The test is voluntary, meaning no car seat is required to take it. Instead, car seat manufacturers opt into the test, to prove their seats are some of the safest on the market, even safer than i-size. Given the extremely strict and vigorous test circumstances, only a few seats have passed the Plus Test. The list currently stands at 14 seats. Below are some of our favourites and a little more information on them.
Britax-Roemer Max-Way
The Britax Romer Max Way is suitable from 9-25kg and is a small and compact seat, perfect for fitting in even the smallest of cars. The belted installation makes it easy to fit in any vehicle and is supported by the tether straps for extra stability. It includes a foot prop to avoid rotation.
Axkid One
Axkid One is Swedish Plus Test and i-Size approved. Although it is a bit pricier than other Extended Rear Facing car seats, it offers enhanced protection that can't currently be found anywhere else on the market. With Axkid One your child can rear face up to the age of 7 years old, making it Axkid's safest ever car seat to date. Axkid One is a lightweight car seat that uses ISOFIX installation and is suitable for children up to 23kg.
Axkid Minikid
Both the new and old versions of the Axkid Minikid passed the Plus Test. This compact seat is suitable from birth to 6 years (0-25kg) and rear faces throughout. Axkid is a Swedish brand that has championed Extended Rear-Facing since its conception. The Minikid uses belted installation, supported by tether straps and a foot prop. The 2018 version features a comfier seat and improved Side Impact Protection.
Axkid Move
Another compact seat, the Axkid Move is a simple, affordable solution when keeping your child rear-facing for longer. The belted seat is supported by an easily adjusted support leg and tether straps. It’s suitable from 9-25kg.
Using the Plus Test is a great way to know which seats are really as safe as they say they are. They are thoroughly put through their paces to test their mettle. If you wish to rear face your child for longer, then the seats above are a safe bet. Ideally, it is best to start your child in an infant carrier, as these are designed to best suit your baby's needs at an early age. When ready, move your little one into a rear facing seat like the ones mentioned, that also offer Side Impact Protection.
It is important to remember that the Plus Test is to the Swedish Standard. The Test focuses on forward and rear impacts, particularly at very high speeds. Sweden, like many European countries, contains many high speed, straight roads and does not have many roundabouts or similar junctions like we do here in the UK. For this reason, for a car seat in the UK, Side Impact Protection is very important, as we are just as likely to receive a side impact as we are a forward or rear. So while Extended Rear facing is still much safer, make sure you consider a seat's Side Impact Protection too!
We're always happy to give advice and guidance on car seats here at Baby & Co, as we know it can be a confusing world! Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for any more information about the Plus Test, Rear Facing or any other car seat questions.
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See the Full List of Swedish Plus Test Car Seats Here