The results shown by the seat in crash tests according to the standards of ADAC — the General German Automobile Club, an authoritative European organization of motorists.
Car seats in such tests are evaluated in several categories, but in this point only one parameter is taken into account — the safety of the child, his/her protection in emergency situations. The results of such a test are indicated by the number of points; the fewer points in the end — the safer the product. It should be noted that the ADAC standards are much stricter than those by which the seat is evaluated during mandatory certification; tests are conducted with different directions of impacts (frontal and side), with dummies of different ages and so on. Therefore, the result of the ADAC test very reliably describes the real level of protection that the product provides in accidents.
According to this indicator, modern car seats can be divided into the following categories:
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very good (< 1.5);
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good (1.6 – 2.5);
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satisfactory (2.6 – 3.5);
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acceptable (3.6 – 4.5);
— unacceptable (more than 4.5).
The downside of a good value is usually a higher price; however, in an accident, that price may be a very small price to pay for the extra protection that can save your baby's life and health.
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In conclusion, it should be noted that ADAC test methods are constantly being improved and tests are conducted every year. Therefore, when choosing a seat and comparing it with its counterparts, you should also pay attention to the year of manufacture; as a rule, newer products with the same number of points give a higher actual level of protection than older ones.—
Isofix base. The product is equipped with a separate Isofix base, which is fixed in the interior of the car on the appropriate fixing clips, and the car seat is installed directly on it. The use of the base provides reliable fixation of the car seat and reduces the risk of its incorrect installation. On the Isofix base are installed mainly car seats of age groups 0+ and 1, some models assume the possibility of placing seats for older kids. It should be noted that car seat models
without an Isofix base are also widely available on the market.
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Removable cover. Removable car seat cover for cleaning and/or washing. This function is especially useful if the seat is used when feeding a kid.
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Anatomical cushion. Depending on the age group, it can either be a special horseshoe-shaped cushion to support the kid's head (for the youngest ones who are still unable to hold their head on their own), or a special soft headrest that fixes the head from behind and to the sides (for older kids).
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Armrests. Armrests refer to the handles placed on the sides of a seat where one can rest their elbows and forearms. They reduce fatigue in the neck and shoulders of a child during prolonged sitting.
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Sun canopy. Plastic (most often) canopy to p
...rotect the kid from the sun or bright light.
— Foot cover. A cover that covers the kid's legs and lower body. It is used in seats of age group 0.
— Cup holder. A device used in car seats to hold a bottle of drink or formula for feeding. Most often done removable.
