Buy the best car seat
Table of contents
Car Seat Guide
When it comes to choosing which car seat you think is the best, it's one of the purchases that requires the most research.
First, it is a lot of money to invest. Most car seats range in price from a few thousand up to 5,000 DKK. Second, you don't want to compromise on your child's safety or comfort. Thirdly, the car seat must fit the child, car, budget and other requirements.
Which car seat?
It can seem overwhelming when you're browsing retailers and deciding which car seat to buy. There are many different car seats to choose from, and many price ranges. So what is the best car seat? There is no definitive answer.
The car seat market is constantly changing, with new recommendations and safety requirements emerging frequently. However, you can be sure that all car seats have undergone a series of tests to ensure that they comply with legislation.
Car seat guide: the best car seat
In the guide to choosing a car seat, you will find an overview of the most important factors to consider when deciding which car seat you want. In this car seat guide, we review the most important factors to consider before choosing which car seat is the best car seat for you and your child.
In our car seat guide you will find answers to:
- Forward or rear-facing car seat?
- Test winning car seats - including the new I-Size standards
- Isofix or self-assembly?
- When is it time to change your car seat?
- As well as examples of the best car seats
In the guide, we've made sure to recommend only the safest and best car seats that meet the latest requirements and tests. At the same time, we have taken as our starting point what is available on the Danish market.
Forward or rear-facing car seat?
Which car seat is best?
According to the latest recommendations, your child should be in a rear-facing car seat up to 15 months. The safety of a rear-facing car seat is significantly better for babies and newborns, which is why a rear-facing car seat is the best choice for your newborn.
After that, many switch to a forward-facing car seat. This is partly because a rear-facing car seat for children over 15 months takes up a lot of space in the car, is very expensive or because the child would rather sit forward-facing.
I-Size
In October 2013, the new I-Size standards for car seats were introduced. They emphasise that children should be in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible and preferably up to 4 years. It has been proven that the risk of death in a road accident can be reduced by up to 90% in a rear-facing car seat, compared to a forward-facing car seat.
I-Size seats are divided by height, rather than weight as we know it. This means that the car seats take more account of the fact that children grow individually. In tests of car seats, I-Size car seats perform very well, and are therefore among the best car seats.
You can still use your current car seat even if it is not I-Size. However, the new standards are worth considering if you're shopping for a new car seat.
If you want to read more about I-Size, you can find more information on the links below.
- www.i-size.org.uk
- www.kiddicare.com/blog/2015/04/new-isize-car-seat-regulation
- www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transport/guides/i-size-car-seats
Rear-facing car seat
In a rear-facing child seat, the child sits facing away from the direction of travel. In the event of a collision, the strain on the shoulders, neck and head will be significantly less in a rear-facing car seat.
See in the video how a rear-facing car seat protects much more optimally in a collision than a forward-facing one.
Source: Trygg Trafikk Norway
Which car seat for a newborn?
The best car seat for a newborn is a rear-facing car seat. Virtually all car seats in the 0-13 kg weight range are rear-facing. A car seat for a newborn needs to lie down a little more, to protect the baby's neck and throat, which are not yet strong enough to be held upright. At the same time, it reduces the risk of the child's heavy head falling forward during sleep and closing off the airway. The time a newborn spends in a car seat should be limited to 20 minutes a day, if possible, until the child can hold his or her head.
Remember never to leave your child out of sight in a car seat, never leave your child sitting unbelted and never leave your child alone in the car.
Be Safe iZi Go X1 is a car seat in the 0-13 kg weight class. It costs DKK 1,799 at Pixizoo, and is a really good choice for the first car seat. This car seat is a test winner with the renowned companies Adac and Fdm, and is therefore a good bet for the best car seat for newborns. The wide harnesses distribute pressure over a large part of the child's body. In addition to safety, this is also one of the best car seats for newborns, as the child does not sit too upright, which strains the back of a newborn.
The car seat can be fitted with either isofix or self-assembly.
The Cybex Aton 5 costs 1,799 at Pixizoo, and is one of the best car seats in the top class, and has several useful features. It is the best car seat for premature, or very small children, as the car seat is designed specifically for it. It has adjustable headrest so that the car seat grows with the baby. In addition, it has a large canopy with UV protection so the child is not exposed to direct sunlight.
The child lies very flat in the Cybex Aton 5, which means the least possible strain on the neck and neck of the small child. The neck cushions can be adjusted as the child grows, so comfort is always at its best.
The car seat is rear-mounted for maximum safety. Cybex Aton 5 is among the best car seats for newborns and small babies.
You get a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, which means you can return the car seat if it doesn't meet your expectations.
How long should the child sit in a rear-facing car seat?
There is no specific law on how long the car seat must be rear-facing. The difference in safety between rear-facing and forward-facing car seats is greatest until the child is 24 months old, so it is a good idea to leave them rear-facing until at least this age.
It is recommended that the child sits rear-facing up to 15 months, but preferably longer.
The new I-Size recommendations are based on keeping the child rear-facing for as long as possible. Preferably up to 4 years. A rear-facing seat is the best car seat if safety is a priority above all else.
There are not many rear-facing car seats on the market that can seat your child rear-facing up to the age of 4. However, there will certainly be more in the next few years as research proves that rear-facing car seats are much safer.
Car seat test winner
Concord Reverso is one of the few rear-facing car seats that can be used up to the age of 4. It costs DKK 2,699.
Concord Reverso meets the latest I-Size standards. It has won the Swedish Plus, which is the highest safety standard. The Audi is the ADAC test winner 2016 for I-Size car seats.
I-Size seats are divided by height, rather than weight classes as we know it. It takes into account children's different builds, rather than just their weight. Concord Reverso can be used from 40cm - 105 cm, which is from 0- 4 years.
This is the best car seat for conscious parents who want a seat that meets the highest safety standards.
According to the FDM test, the car seat is user-friendly and safe, but has limited legroom and the child's view from the seat is also limited.
Forward-facing car seat
In a forward-facing car seat, the child sits facing the same way as the parents. Even if the child is alone in the back seat, you can easily supervise and interact with the child. The child also gets better visibility and legroom in a forward-facing car seat. Some children also get less carsick in a forward-facing car seat. Another advantage is that the car seat takes up less space in the car.
When should the child sit in a forward-facing car seat?
When it comes to the next car seat size (9-18 or 9-36 kg), the choice is usually a forward-facing seat. There are many more on the market to choose from, and most children at this age are so conscious that they want to be able to see mum and dad, and look out of windows. The child is usually 1-1.5 years old when they get into a forward-facing car seat, and for many this will be the best car seat for this age.
Cybex Pallas is a test winner car seat that can be used for up to 11 years. It can be adjusted to grow with your child.
Cybex Pallas received top results from the German Automobile Association ADAC and the independent test institute Stiftung Warentest. According to these tests, the car seat is safe due to the front belly cushion. It holds the child firmly without restricting movement. The child does not need to wear a harness, but is fully protected by the belly cushion.
Read FDM's 2015 test of the Cybex Pallas here.
It's a popular car seat for those who don't compromise on safety or comfort.
The Cybex Pallas is available in many beautiful colours if you want to stand out a little. This pink model from Pixizoo is an outlet model, and is therefore sold for only 1.546 kr.
The chair is for self-assembly.
Test winner car seat
A good guideline to go by is car seats that have won in tests. Car seat tests look at how the car seat is affected by a side impact or a frontal impact, and how the pressure is distributed on a "dummy" that makes it out for a child.
Selection of test winner car seat
Britac Römer 15-36 kg. - 1.499 kr.
Concord Reverse - 1.999 kr.
Be Safe iZi Kid - 3.999 kr.
Cybex Pallas-fix Car Seat - 2.498 kr.
BeSafe iZi Plus - 4.999 kr.
Isofix or self-assembly?
The vast majority of car seats can be fitted with both isofix and self-assembly. Often you can add an isofix base if the seat is only for self-installation.
All cars produced from 2002, all have isofix installation, as it is mandatory. If you are not sure if your car has isofix, watch the FDM video that shows how easy it is to find isofix fittings in your car.
https://publisher.qbrick.com/Embed.aspx?mid=84CDF9D6
If your car has isofix fittings, choose a car seat with isofix fitting as it is the safest.
Car seat isofix
Isofix fitting is the easiest and safest way to fit a car seat. The seat is fixed to the bracket on the car itself, and therefore sits securely. The risk of incorrect installation with Isofix is very small compared to self-installation. Therefore, it is best to install the car seat with isofix if the possibility exists.
Car seat self-assembly
In cars without isofix, the car seat must be fitted with the car's 3-point harness. The harness is "wrapped" tightly around the car seat in a specific way so that the seat is fully secured. Always follow the manual!
A properly self-assembled car seat is very safe. Unfortunately, studies show that only 30% of self-assembled car seats are fitted correctly. Therefore, it is important that you pay extra attention when fitting a car seat with a harness and that you follow the manual carefully.
Always check the fitting of your self-assembly car seat to make sure it is still correctly fitted.
Cheap car seats
If you are looking for a self-assembled car seat, you can enjoy the advantage that they are often cheap.
It has the ingenious feature of indicating when the austen is correctly fitted, which significantly reduces the risk of incorrect fitting. Always remember to check the harness regularly and that it is still correctly fitted.
When should you change your car seat?
- You should not change your car seat too early, nor too late. Use the FDM guidelines to find out when it's the right time to change your car seat:
- Always observe the weight limits for car seats, otherwise there are consequences for safety and comfort. This is because car seats are tested for safety at the weight for which they are designed.
- The child's head must not be more than 1/3 above the edge of the car seat.
- The harness must not come from below and should be pressed upwards to be fastened over the shoulder. They must either come from above, or horizontally. If they come horizontally, it's time to check the child's weight.
- Remember to also take into account the age of the child. It is recommended to use a car seat with a 5-point harness up to the age of 3.
Car seats 0-13 kg.
Car seats 0-13 kg. are for newborns and can be used up to 1.5-2 years depending on the size of the child in relation to its age. All newborn car seats are rear-facing, as this is the safest way to avoid collisions.
Car seats 9-18 kg. can typically be used from 9 months up to 4 years. Most car seats in this category are forward-facing. There are many price ranges, designs and colours to choose from, so there is plenty of opportunity to find the best car seat.
Car seats 9-36 kg.
Car seats 9-36 kg. can be used for up to 11 years! Here you get a seat that grows with the child and you will enjoy for many years.
