1. Child's Age
• 0-4 years: Styles that can be installed facing both forward and backward. Typically, parents look for safety seats before the newborn arrives, choosing styles that can be used from birth to the legal upper age limit of 0-4 years. Most products can be installed facing both forward and backward, offering flexibility.
• 4-7 years: Forward-facing seats are predominant. Growth-oriented safety seats for forward-facing installation are common, with age suitability ranging from 0-7 years, 0-12 years, 2-12 years, and various other options. Selection is primarily based on the child's height, ensuring no neck strain, and choosing styles that allow for multi-level adjustments of headrest height and seat back angle.
2. Safety
Consider ADAC crash test results when making a purchase, selecting styles with scores below 3.5 points. ADAC stands for the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, a non-profit organization that conducts comprehensive car safety inspections from an objective standpoint. Scoring is primarily divided into five categories: 0.6-1.5 points (very good), 1.6-2.5 points (good), 2.6-3.5 points (satisfactory), 3.6-4.5 points (barely passing), and above 4.6 points (defective and not recommended).
3. Seatbelt Fixing vs. ISOFIX Fixing
Seatbelt fixing is suitable for older car models without ISOFIX attachments, which can be more laborious to install and prone to installation errors. ISOFIX installation is quick and easy, providing better stability and reducing the risk of incorrect installation. Since 2016, domestic sedans should be equipped with ISOFIX, making it advisable to prioritize safety seats that support ISOFIX installation.
4. Convenience and Comfort
• 360-degree rotation: Some products have a base that can rotate 360 degrees, making it easier for parents to get in and out of the car, reducing strain on the back and hands. Choose designs with a low base to free up more interior space, making it easier to lift a sleeping infant or toddler.
• Breathable, shock-absorbing materials: Opt for styles that use breathable, shock-absorbing materials for the seat and accessories to improve comfort by reducing heat and vibrations.
• Removable seat cushions and headrest: Select styles with removable seat cushions and headrests that are machine washable for easy maintenance.