ADAC Kindersitztest Herbst 2024: Thule Maple Triumphs Amidst Safety Concerns Over Hazardous Substances in Baby Seats

Autumn 2024 Child Car Seat Evaluation by ADAC: Hazardous Materials Found in Infant Carrier

The association examined 17 child car seats, with the Thule Maple ranking highest and one model standing out due to harmful substances.

Recently, ADAC conducted a comprehensive assessment of 17 child car seats, focusing on aspects such as safety, usability, ergonomic design, and the presence of toxic substances. The seats tested ranged from infant carriers to toddler seats, up to booster seats for older children. The findings from the evaluation indicated that the majority of the seats met and often surpassed the criteria in various categories. However, there was one particular seat that was flagged for its elevated levels of harmful chemicals.

Infant carriers impress with their safety features

In this year's evaluation, the Thule Maple + Alfi Base stood out, earning the top score of 1.6 and being named the winner of the test. This infant seat, suitable for children up to one year old, not only provides top-notch safety but also offers easy usage and great comfort. It comes with an Isofix base that ensures a stable and secure installation in the vehicle.

The Thule Maple + Alfi Base is leading in the infant carrier category with a score of 1.6

Another convenient aspect is the adjustable backrest, which can be reclined to a flatter angle when not in the car. This adaptability adds extra comfort for the infant and simplifies carrying. Furthermore, the Thule Maple is certified for use on specific aircraft.

Just slightly trailing behind the Thule Maple, the Doona i + Doona i Isofix Base ranks in with a score of 1.7. This infant carrier is distinguished by its built-in frame structure, which allows the seat to double as a stroller. However, this convenience is reflected in the cost – at 720 Euros, the Doona is one of the most expensive carriers in the evaluation. Yet, it compensates with its high safety standards and impressive ergonomics.

The infant car seat from Doona has a built-in chassis that can be folded in and out.

An Exception Amongst Infant Car Seats

Although the majority of the results were positive, there was a definite loser in the test: the Graco Snuglite i-Size. This infant car seat was rated as "poor" due to the discovery of an excessive amount of formaldehyde in the fabric cover. This substance is suspected to be carcinogenic and exceeds the safety limits set for toys.

Despite achieving a "very good" rating in the crash test, the poor rating for harmful substances could not be compensated for. Therefore, parents should steer clear of this model, even though it is the cheapest in the test at 95 euros.

The Graco Snuglite i-Size infant carrier fails due to toxins in the cover

Child and Youth Seats

In addition to testing infant carriers, seats designed for older children were also examined. A standout product in this group is the Besafe Beyond + Beyond Base, which topped its category with a score of 1.8. Suitable for children up to seven years old, it notably provides exceptional protection in crash tests. Like many infant carriers, this seat is installed facing the rear of the car, a configuration known as a ‘reboarder’, which offers extra protection for the child’s head and neck in the event of a head-on collision.

The issue with rear-facing car seats designed for children over 13 kilograms often includes a complex installation process and at times, insufficient space within the vehicle. It is advisable, based on personal experience as well, to transport children in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or for as long as feasible. It is imperative to never use a rear-facing car seat in the passenger seat if the airbag is active.

Outcomes from the ADAC Autumn 2024 Child Seat Evaluation

The Maxi-Cosi Rodifix R stands out in the assessment, earning a score of 2.0 and proving to be a robust option for children starting at age four. At a mere 5.8 kilograms, this model is not only lightweight but also easy to manage, making it perfect for transferring between different cars. It strikes a fine balance among safety, comfort, and ease of use, making it a commendable option to consider. Meanwhile, its counterpart, the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix M, didn't fare as well due to higher levels of harmful substances, resulting in a lower score of 2.7.

Increased Evaluations by ADAC

The Autumn 2024 child car seat evaluation by ADAC reveals once again a wide variety of secure and highly-rated options for child seats. The bulk of the seats reviewed received a "good" rating, consistently delivering strong performance across safety, usability, and ergonomic categories. The Thule Maple + Alfi Base stood out as the top performer, raising the bar for safety and comfort. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the presence of harmful substances, highlighted by the poor performance of the Graco Snuglite i-Size.

Source: The German Automobile Club (ADAC)

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