Your child's safety in the car is a major concern for all parents. Car seats are designed to offer protection against injury in the event of a car accident. Car seats with impact shields are an increasingly popular option, offering extra protection for the child's head, neck and torso in the event of an accident.
What is a impact shield car seat?
A car seat shield is a safety device designed to protect the child in the event of a car accident. Unlike traditional car seats that use a harness to hold the child in place, shield car seats have a padded shield that attaches in front of the child.
The shield rests on the seat's armrests and is held in place by the car's safety belt, helping to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision. The shield car seat thus offers extra protection for the child's head, neck and torso.
How does a car seat with a impact shield work?
A car seat with an impact shield works by spreading impact energy over a wider area, protecting the child's head, neck and torso. The padded shield absorbs the impact energy, offering extra protection against injury.
The different types of impact shield car seat
There are two types of car seat with impact shields: car seats with integrated impact shields and car seats with adjustable impact shields.
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Car seats with integrated impact shields
Car seats with an integrated impact shield have a fixed shield that is integrated into the seat and cannot be adjusted. These car seats are generally less expensive than adjustable models.
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Car seats with an adjustable impact shield
Car seats with an adjustable impact shield have a shield that can be adjusted to suit the child's height and build. These group 1 2 3 car seats are generally designed for children aged 9 months to 12 years (9 to 36 kg) but only use the shield up to a maximum weight of 18 kg or a maximum height of 100 cm. They offer extra protection for the child's head, neck and torso. These models include many Cybex, Joie and Kiddy shield car seats.
Why choose a shield car seat?
When considering a shield car seat for your child, it's important to take into account both the potential advantages and disadvantages. Although these seats offer increased safety and comfort, there are also negative aspects to consider. So it's important to think carefully before making your final choice.
The advantages of shield car seats
Car seats with impact shields offer a number of advantages over traditional car seats. Here are some of the most important advantages:
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Additional protection
The impact shield is designed to absorb the energy generated during an impact and reduce the force of the impact on the child's body. It offers increased protection for the child's head, neck, spine and chest in the event of an accident.
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Comfort
Car seats with impact shields are often more comfortable for children than traditional seats. The impact shield acts like a cushion that moulds to the shape of the child's body, allowing a more natural sitting position. They are often fitted with soft padding and an adjustable headrest to adapt to your child's growth.
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Easy to install
Car seats with a shield are generally easier to install and use than traditional seats. They can be quickly fitted using the vehicle's safety belt or the car's safety belt system. ISOFIX attachmentaccording to the model
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Better visibility
Car seats with impact shields are often higher than traditional car seats, giving your child better visibility during car journeys.
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Evolutionary
Shield car seats are often developed to adapt to your child's growth. The impact shield is the preferred restraint system for evolving car seats, which can be used for a longer period than traditional seats. Many models are suitable for children up to the age of 12, which saves money in the long term.
The disadvantages of shield car seats
Despite their undeniable advantages, car seats with a shield also have a few disadvantages that are important to be aware of.
- Firstly, they are generally used facing the road, which does not provide optimum protection in the event of a frontal or side impact. The impact shield mainly protects the child's torso, but leaves the head, neck and lower limbs relatively exposed. As a reminder, the rear-facing position (5x safer) is preferable up to the age of 4.
- Some children may find the shield awkward or uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. This is because the shield can prevent air circulation, making the child feel suffocated or hot.
- Car seats with a shield are not suitable for all children. Some larger or heavier children may find the shield too small or uncomfortable, particularly on long journeys.
The main differences between a shield car seat and a harness car seat
Impact shield car seats and harness car seats are two common options, but there are some important differences.
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The impact shield
The impact shield is a bar or tray that protects the child's chest and abdomen in the event of a collision. Impact shield car seats are often considered easier to use and more comfortable for the child than harness car seats, as they do not squeeze the shoulders or rub against the neck as harnesses do.
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Safety harness
Harnessed car seats, on the other hand, are held in place by a strap that passes over the child's shoulders and around the waist. Harness car seats can be used for a longer period of time, as they can be adjusted to suit the child's growth. However, they can also be more difficult to install correctly.
Ultimately, the choice between a car seat with an impact shield and a car seat with a harness will depend on your personal preferences and those of your child.
At what age should I start using a shield car seat?
The use of a shield car seat will essentially depend on its approval and the child's height and weight.
- For models with R44/04 approval, shield car seats are generally intended for children aged between 9kg and 18kg (Group 1).
- For R129 (i-Size) approved shield car seats, the minimum age required for use is 15 months and the maximum authorised height is 105cm.
Recommendations for use on shield car seats
When forward-facing car seats are used too early, they can increase the risk of serious injury, particularly for young children. That's why we recommend that you continue to use forward-facing car seats. rear-facing car seats as long as possible, until the child reaches the maximum weight and/or height recommended by the seat manufacturer, before switching to a forward-facing seat.
This is particularly important for infants and young children, as their heads and necks are not yet sufficiently developed to withstand the forces of impact when facing the road.
What are the best shield car seats?
When choosing a shield car seat, comfort, safety and your budget are all important factors to consider. The results of the ADAC crash tests are also a key factor to consider when choosing a shield car seat.
Cybex shield car seat
Cybex shield car seats are often considered to be the best. With their innovative designs and advanced safety technologies, the Cybex car seats offer optimum protection for your child in the event of an accident. Some of the safest and most popular models are recommended:
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Cybex Pallas B-Fix
- High-quality car seat for children aged 9 months to 12 years (9-36 kg)
- Maximum safety: integrated side impact protection (L.S.P. system), removable impact shield for children from 9 to 18 kg to reduce the risk of serious neck injuries
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Cybex Pallas B2-Fix
- High quality car seat for children from approx. 9 months to 12 years (9 - 36 kg, approx. 76 - 150 cm), Developed and designed in Germany
- Maximum safety: adjustable impact shield to absorb impact forces like an airbag, integrated side impact protection (L.S.P. System), UN R44/04 safety standard
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Cybex Pallas S-Fix
- High-quality child car seat for great durability - For children aged from 9 months to around 12 years (9-36 kg), Suitable for cars with or without ISOFIX
- Maximum safety - depth-adjustable impact shield, Cybex-patented 3-position reclining headrest, Integrated linear side impact protection (L.S.P. System), Energy-absorbing shell
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Cybex Pallas M-Fix
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Cybex Anoris T i-Size
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Cybex Pallas G i-Size
- Stable, high-quality car seat with a long service life - For children aged between 15 months and around 12 years (9-50 kg)
- Patented 3-position reclining headrest, Integrated side impact protection (L.S.P. System)
Joie shield car seat
Joie shield car seats are an excellent option for keeping your child safe when travelling by car. These seats offer optimum protection in the event of a collision and are also very comfortable for your child. The most popular models include :
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Joie Traver Shield
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Trillo Shield Joy
- For use in walking from 15 kg to 36 kg
- Reinforced side impact protection
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Transcend Joy
Kiddy shield car seat
With a wide variety of features available, Kiddy offers shield car seats, including the KiddyGuardianfix 3, designed to provide optimum comfort and protection for your child, while meeting the highest safety standards.
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Kiddy Guardianfix 3
- Le Guardianfix 3 a convaincu lors du test de siège enfant de Stiftung Warentest et ADAC et a été vainqueur du test dans le groupe 1/2/3 (avec un autre fabricant) avec le résultat « bon » (1, 9).
- Le Guardianfix 3 grandit avec l'enfant et s'adapte parfaitement en largeur, hauteur et profondeur à la taille de l'enfant (utilisable d'environ 9 mois (9 kg) jusqu'à 12 Année de vie (36 kg)
FAQ
Are shield car seats more expensive than traditional car seats?
Car seats with impact shields can be slightly more expensive than traditional car seats, but this depends on the make and model.
From what age can a child use a car seat with an impact shield?
Car seats with impact shields are generally designed for children over one year of age, because at this age children have grown and developed sufficiently to be able to bear the weight of the shield.
Are all car seats with impact shields compatible with all cars?
Car seats with impact shields are designed to be compatible with most cars, but it is important to check the specifications of the seat and the car before purchase.
How do I clean a car seat with an impact shield?
Most car seat models have a removable cover that can be machine washed. To remove the cover from the car seat, it is generally necessary to undo the fasteners or clips and remove the retaining elements. It is essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions to find out how to remove and clean the car seat safely.
Are shield car seats regulated by law?
Shield car seats are subject to the same safety regulations as all baby car seats and must meet the same standards in force to be i-Size or R44/04 approved.
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