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As parents, the safety of your children in the car is your top priority. With the introduction of the new ECE R 129 standard, some important aspects of child booster seats have changed. This article is intended to give you an overview and make your purchase decision easier.
What are booster seats?
Booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their child seats but are still too small for the regular car seat. They ensure that the car seat belt fits the child perfectly.
The most important changes brought about by ECE R 129
Size-based categorisation
In contrast to the old ECE R 44 standard, which categorised child seats according to weight, the new ECE R 129 standard is based on the child’s height. This makes choosing the right seat easier and more accurate.
New minimum size for booster seats without backrest
One significant change concerns booster seats without a backrest. These are now only permitted for children taller than 125 cm. This significantly increases the side impact protection for smaller children.
Improved safety standards
Child seats according to the ECE R 129 standard must pass more stringent safety tests, including a side impact test.
This ensures more comprehensive protection for your child.
What does this mean for your purchase decision?
- pay attention to the test seal: only buy booster seats with the ECE R 129 test seal. From September 2024, only seats that comply with this standard will be available on the market anyway.
- consider the size of your child: Choose a booster seat that is suitable for your child’s current size and also still offers ‘growth potential’.
- favour booster seats with a backrest: Booster seats with a backrest are now mandatory for children under 125 cm. These offer better side impact protection and more comfort.
- pay attention to ISOFIX: Many modern booster seats in accordance with ECE R 129 have ISOFIX attachments, which make installation easier and safer.
Conclusion
The new ECE R 129 standard has significantly increased the safety standards for booster seats. When making your choice, you should pay particular attention to the size suitability and the presence of a backrest for children under 125 cm. With this information, you can make an informed decision for the safety of your child.
Remember: the best booster seat is the one that fits your child and your car perfectly and is used correctly.
