These are the least safe child restraint systems of 2021 according to RACE

The results of the First European Child Restraint System Report 2021 carried out by the Royal Automobile Club of Spain, RACE. This study analyses the safety offered by 29 models of child restraint systems available on the market. Of those analysed, 29, five fail to meet the minimum safety requirements. If you are looking for a car seat for your child, this interests you.

The European tests have produced satisfactory results, but they are worse than in previous analyses. None of the 19 seats analysed has achieved the coveted five stars and, furthermore, five have not been able to obtain even one star; three of them due to toxic substances in their manufacture and one due to a high risk of being ejected from the isofix base.

18 of the 29 child restraint systems achieve four safety stars

The test carried out by a consortium of European motoring clubs and consumer organisations, in which RACE takes part, tests four fundamental parameters in systems that are approved for sale, namely safety, ease of use, ergonomics and harmful substances.

• Safety: a good child restraint system protects the occupant even in complex accidents.
• Ease of use: they must be simple and intuitive in order to reduce the risk of an accident caused by incorrect installation.
• Ergonomics: the child must be comfortable and relaxed regardless of their build.
• Harmful substances: they must comply with the legislation, standards and provisions on harmful substances contained in toys.

These are the least safe child restraint systems of 2021 according to RACE

There are four models analysed by RACE that do not meet the criteria on toxic substances; the Besafe iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size, with and without the iZi Modular i-Size Base, has a toxic material in the cover. The Swandoo Marie 2 contains naphthalene, while the Osann Oreo 360º contains DPHP plasticiser.

It is important to highlight that the baby carrier Chicco Kiros i-Size + Kiros i-Size Base did not pass the frontal impact test. During the test, the base came loose and was ejected forwards. In the event of an accident, the baby could be exposed to a high risk of injury.

This table shows all the models analysed and their respective scores. Will this analysis help you choose a good child restraint system?