Up to about 1 year
Joie i-Snug 2+ i-Base Advance
Joie i-Snug 2
Joie Calmi + i-Base Encore
Up to about 1 ½ years
Nuna Arra Next + Base Next
Up to about 4 years
Joie i-Harbour + i-Base Encore
Bugaboo Owl by Nuna + 360 Isofix base by Nuna
Britax Römer Dualfix Plus
Jané Concord ikonic R
Kinderkraft i-Guard
Up to approx. 7 years
Besafe Stretch B
Avionaut Sky 2.0
From 1 to 4 years approx.
Britax Römer Dualfix M Plus
Maxi-Cosi Mica Eco i-Size
Besafe iZi Twist M
Recaro Salia 125 Kid
From 4 to 12 years approx.
Cybex Solution G i-Fix
Nuna Aace LX
Swandoo Charlie
Britax Römer Discovery Plus
Britax Römer Adventure Plus
Children's car seats best rated by adac in 2023
In the world of baby car seatsSafety is paramount. That's why rigorous tests are carried out every year to assess the safety and comfort of new seat models. In 2023, several of them stood out for their exceptional performance.
Among the top-rated car seats, several stand out for their exceptional safety features. These car seats go beyond minimum safety standardsThe new Cybex Solution G-Fix and Joie i-Snug car seats offer additional features to ensure children's safety. For example, some car seats such as the Cybex Solution G-Fix or the Joie i-Snug 2 feature advanced harness systems, reinforced side protection or energy-absorbing materials to protect the child in the event of a collision.
These car seats don't just offer increased safety. They are also designed to be comfortable and easy to use. They have comfortable padding, easy-to-adjust settings and intuitive designs that make them easy to install and use every day.
The Importance Of Correct Installation And Use Of Seats
Even the safest car seat can be ineffective in protecting your child if it is not correctly installed and used. That's why it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter when installing and to adjust the seat and harness to the child's size. Common mistakes, such as loose harness straps or incorrect seat adjustment, can seriously compromise the effectiveness of the seat in the event of an accident.
Take the time to install the car seat properly and check regularly that all the settings are still appropriate for your child's height and weight. A correctly installed and used car seat guarantees optimum protection for your child in the car.
Changes to European Regulations on Child Car Seats
From September 2023, European regulations on child car seats will undergo significant changes. The European Union has decided to introduce a gradual ban on the sale of child car seats approved to the old European standard R44/04 in favour of the i-Size regulations standards. The aim of this decision, which is far from insignificant, is to gradually withdraw from the market car seat models that no longer meet the most recent and strictest safety standards.
This transition to stricter safety standards is a crucial step in guaranteeing children's safety on the road. Technological advances and new knowledge about road safety have made it possible to develop safer and more effective car seats. It is therefore essential that all car seats on the market comply with the latest standards.
Selection of the Best Car Seats at ADAC Crash Tests (May 2023)
Cybex Solution G i-Fix
The Cybex Solution G i-Fix is a convertible car seatdesigned to accompany your child from 100 to 150 cm, i.e. from 4 to 12 years of age. Approved in accordance with the R129/03 (i-Size) standard, it is easy to install in the vehicle thanks to its Isofix fixings and the seatbelt. This installation flexibility makes it compatible even with vehicles not fitted with Isofix anchors.
This model has been recognised for its safety, achieving an ADAC rating of 1.7 and a 'Good' rating. It is designed to adapt perfectly to your child's growth, thanks to its height-adjustable headrest and flexible side wings.
For your child's comfort, the seat cushion can be reclined with just one hand, providing a comfortable and safe position, even when your little one is asleep. What's more, the seat has an integrated ventilation system, ideal for regulating your child's body temperature on long journeys.
- ADAC rating: 1.7 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 100 to 150 cm
- Child's age: Approximately 4 to 12 years old
- Child's weight: 15 to 36 kg
- Seat position : Facing the road
- Installing the car seat: Seat belts
- Child restraint system : Seat belt
- Weight: 7.5 kg
Joie i-Snug 2 + i-Base Advance
The Joie i-Snug 2 + i-Base Advance is an ideal car seat for children up to 75 cm (approx. 12 months), conforming to ECE R129/02. Designed for rear-facing use, it achieved a score of 2 (1.5 for safety) in the ADAC test. Featuring soft padding and a removable newborn insert, it is ultra-light (3.5 kg) and compatible with most Joie pushchairs.
It has an adjustable headrest and a padded three-point harness for optimum comfort and safety. The i-Snug 2 can be installed on an Isofix base or with the vehicle's three-point seatbelt. It is compatible with Joie's i-Base Encore, i-Base Advance, i-Base 2 and i-Base LX 2 bases.
- i-Base Encore - Joy
- INFANT_TODDLER_CAR_SEAT
All in all, the Joie i-Snug 2 + i-Base Advance is a safe and comfortable transport solution for your child, combining lightness and safety.
- ADAC rating (with base): 1.6 (Good)
- ADAC rating (without base): 2.0 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 40 to 75 cm
- Child's age : From birth to around 12 months.
- Child's weight: 13 kg max.
- Swivel car seat : No
- Seat position : Rear-facing
- Installing the car seat: Base i-Base Advance
- Child restraint system : 3-point harness
- Weight: 3.25 kg (seat), 6.25 kg (base)
Nuna Arra Next + Base Next
The Nuna Arra Next is a car seat suitable for children from birth to 85 cm (approx. 15 months) for rear-facing use. Complying with European standard R129/03, this baby cosy received 4 stars in the ADAC 05/2023 crash test.
The Arra Next features a leather carry handle, a removable canopy with UV 50+ protection and a three-point harness. The True Lock installation system makes it easy to fit using the ISOFIX connectors or the safety belt. Made from merino wool and lyocell fibre, the Nuna Arra Next is a safe solution for transporting your child.
- ADAC rating: 1.8 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 40 to 85 cm
- Child's age : From birth to around 15 months.
- Child's weight: 13 kg max.
- Swivel car seat : No
- Seat position : Rear-facing
- Installing the car seat: Base Next
- Child restraint system : 3-point harness
- Swivel car seat : No
- Weight: 3.7 kg (seat), 7.7 kg (base)
Nuna AACE LX
The Nuna AACE LX, a Group 2/3 car seat, is ideally designed for children aged 4 to 12, measuring between 100 and 150 cm. Its reliability in terms of safety is undeniable, as demonstrated by its impressive score of 1.9 in the ADAC 2023 test.
This car seat stands out for its innovative design, which offers both lasting comfort and optimum protection. It is designed to grow with your child, thanks to its height, width and depth adjustments.
For optimum support, this child booster seat has several adjustment positions for the headrest and backrest. In the event of a collision, safety is maximised thanks to absorbent foam and a side protection spoiler.
The seat offers excellent comfort and even includes a cup holder. Finally, the Nuna AACE LX car seat is designed to be used with a safety belt and can be safely connected to the isofix system for a more stable installation.
- ADAC rating: 1.9 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 100 to 150 cm
- Child's age : From 4 to 12 years approx.
- Child's weight: 36 kg max.
- Seat position : Facing the road
- Installing the car seat: Seat belts
- Child restraint system : Seat belt
- Weight: 7.6 kg
Swandoo Charlie
With an overall score of 2.3 in the ADAC 2023 test, the Swandoo Charlie car seat is designed for children aged 4 to 12 (100 to 150 cm). It features intuitive seatbelt attachment, enabling the child to use it independently.
Thanks to its unique geometry, this car booster seat ensures optimum weight distribution, making it comfortable for your child to sit. It also has optimum ventilation and a breathable fabric base for good air circulation.
For ease of use, the seat features an easy width adjustment function and an eye level indicator to determine the correct height of the headrest. In terms of safety, thanks to its low side walls and soft padding, this seat offers optimum protection in the event of a side impact.
- ADAC rating: 1.9 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 100 to 150 cm
- Child's age : From 4 to 12 years approx.
- Child's weight: 36 kg max.
- Seat position : Facing the road
- Installing the car seat: Seat belts
- Child restraint system : Seat belt
- Weight: 6.6 kg
Joie i-Harbor + i-Base Encore
The Joie i-Harbor + i-Base Encore is an ECE R129/03 (i-Size) approved swivelling car seat for children from birth to 105 cm (approx. 4 years). It can be installed in the rear-facing (40 to 105 cm) or forward-facing (85 to 105 cm) position on the i-Base Encore isofix swivel base, making it easy and practical to use every day. The seat rotates with one hand, making it easy to get your child in and out of the car.
This car seat has side protection and a headrest with three layers of protection, including memory foam, for greater safety and optimum comfort. It also has 5 recline positions, for both rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
- Siège auto i-Size i-Harbour Signature Eclipse Joie
- INFANT_TODDLER_CAR_SEAT
- i-Base Encore - Joy
- INFANT_TODDLER_CAR_SEAT
The i-Base Encore swivel base is compatible with several Joie brand seats (Calmi, i-Snug 2, i-Gemm 3 and i-Level), offering increased flexibility and durability.
- ADAC rating: 2.0 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 100 to 150 cm
- Child's age : From birth to 4 years approx.
- Child's weight: 18.5 kg max.
- Swivel car seat : Yes
- Seat position : Rear-facing
- Installing the car seat: Isofix base
- Child restraint system : 5-point harness
- Weight: 15 kg
With an overall score of 2.3, Joie Calmi + i-Base Encore is the second best-selling product on the market. baby carrycotFollowing on from the Maxi Cosi Jade, this car seat has been selected following its good results in the ADAC tests. This innovative carrycot is specially designed to accompany your child from birth to 70 cm (6 months).
Combining safety and comfort, this isofix carrycot has a polystyrene shell that is both lightweight and shock-absorbent. It's easy to install, whether on a pushchair or in your car, thanks to its compatibility with the isofix bases Joie i-Base LX 2 (fixed) or Joie i-Base Encore (swivel).
- Joie Baby Calmi Encore Baby Carrycot Car Seat, Eclipse
- Marque: Joie
The baby carrier is attached to the side of the vehicle, positioning the child's head in the middle of the vehicle for optimum safety. It is fitted with an adjustable 3-point harness and a covering bonnet (UPF 50+) for effective protection against the elements.
- ADAC rating: 2.2 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 40 to 70 cm
- Child's age : From birth to 6 months approx.
- Child's weight: 9 kg max.
- Seat position: Perpendicular
- Installing the car seat: Isofix base
- Child restraint system : 3-point harness
- Weight: 3.6 kg (seat), 7.1 kg (base)
Britax Römer Dualfix M Plus
The Britax Römer Dualfix M Plus, which scored 2.3 in the ADAC 2023 test, is a car seat designed for children aged 3 months to 4 years, i.e. from 61 to 105 cm (up to 18 kg). Thanks to its ability to swivel 360°, this swivelling car seat offers exceptional flexibility, allowing rear-facing installation for children up to 20 kg.
For your child's comfort, it offers a range of reclining positions. Installation is made easy by Isofix connectors, while safety is ensured by a range of front and side impact protections.
- The DUALFIX PLUS car seat can be used from birth to around 4 years of age (40 - 105 cm)
- The car seat has 4 reclining positions, whether it's facing backwards or forwards.
The 5-point harness and adjustable headrest provide extra safety and comfort for your child. In addition, the stability of the seat is guaranteed by the strut.
- ADAC rating: 2.3 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 61 to 105 cm
- Child's age : From 9 months to 4 years approx.
- Child's weight: 20 kg max.
- Swivel car seat : Yes
- Seat position : Rear-facing
- Installing the car seat: Isofix base
- Child restraint system : 5-point harness
- Weight: 12.2 kg
Britax Römer Dualfix Plus
The Britax Römer Dualfix Plus is an Isofix car seat which received an overall score of 2.4 in the ADAC 2023 test. Designed for children from 40 to 105 cm (up to a maximum weight of 20 kg), it comes with a reducer specially designed for newborns. This car seat offers the flexibility of being installed rearward-facing for younger children, then forward-facing as they grow. It also has an adjustable headrest that adjusts as the child grows, ensuring comfort and safety over time.
- The DUALFIX PLUS car seat can be used from birth to around 4 years of age (40 - 105 cm)
- The car seat has 4 reclining positions, whether it's facing backwards or forwards.
Safety is ensured by the ISOFIX system for stable installation and the 5-point belt for better impact absorption in the event of a collision. The car seat rotates 360 degrees to make it easier for your child to settle in, and the cover is easy to wash. Dualfix Plus offers the perfect combination of safety, comfort and practicality.
- ADAC rating: 2.1 (Good)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 40 to 105 cm
- Child's age : From birth to 4 years approx.
- Child's weight: 20 kg max.
- Swivel car seat : Yes
- Seat position : Rear-facing
- Installing the car seat: Isofix base
- Child restraint system : 5-point harness
- Weight: 12.2 kg
Maxi-Cosi Mica Eco i-Size
With a score of 2.6 in the ADAC 2023 test, the Maxi-Cosi Mica Eco i-Size stands out as a reliable choice for children aged 0-4 years (40-105 cm, up to 18 kg). This swivelling car seat offers flexible installation, allowing both rear-facing and forward-facing orientation. Thanks to FlexiSpin technology, the seat can swivel through 360°, making it easier for your child to settle in. What's more, a 5-point harness ensures optimum safety on every journey.
Your child's comfort is at the heart of the design of the Mica Eco i-Size. ClimaFlow technology ensures good air circulation, so journeys are always pleasant. For extra peace of mind, this isofix car seat is equipped with side impact protection.
The environmentally-friendly Mica Eco i-Size is made from 100% recycled fabric. Its Isofix connectors and support strut make it easy to install. And for easy care, the cover is removable and machine washable.
- ADAC rating: 2.6 (Satisfactory)
- Approval: UN R129/03
- Child's height: 61 to 105 cm
- Child's age : From 6 months to 4 years approx.
- Child's weight: 18 kg max.
- Swivel car seat : Yes
- Seat position : Rear-facing
- Car seat installation: Isofix
- Child restraint system : 5-point harness
- Weight: 14.4 kg
How ADAC 2023 crash tests are carried out
ADAC, the German automobile club, is an undisputed authority on road safety. Every year, they put a variety of child car seats through their paces as part of their tests. Each car seat undergoes a series of rigorous tests, assessing everything from crash safety to everyday use.
Car seats are tested for impact resistance, ease of installation and use, and even the presence of potentially harmful chemicals. The results of these tests are then compiled to give each car seat an overall rating.
| Evaluation | Note | |
|---|---|---|
| Very good | 0,6 – 1,5 | |
| Good | 1,6 – 2,5 | |
| Satisfactory | 2,6 – 3,5 | |
| Fair | 3,6 – 4,5 | |
| Insufficient | 4,6 – 5,5 |
Complete List of ADAC & TCS Test Scores (May 2023)
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