ADAC and Stiftung Warentest release 2026 child car seat test results

The ADAC, in collaboration with Stiftung Warentest and other European partners, has completed its second child car seat test of 2026. The study evaluated 16 infant carriers and child seats based on safety, ease of use, ergonomics, and environmental pollutants.

Infant carriers achieved the highest scores, with the Maxi-Cosi Coral Slide Pro and its Isofix station Family Fix Slide Pro emerging as the overall winners with a grade of 2.1. Among toddler seats, the Recaro Toron 1 was the top performer with a grade of 2.3. The Maxi-Cosi MobiFix Pro was noted for its longevity, being the only seat suitable for children up to six years old, though it is restricted to rear-facing use.

Regarding chemical safety, only the Britax Römer Baby-Safe Pro was found to be entirely free of harmful substances. Other models showed varying levels of pollutants. The Avionaut Aerofix Smart with IQ Orbit contained elevated levels of PFAS. Additionally, seats from Lionelo and Axkid showed increased concentrations of substances suspected of being carcinogenic. Notably, the Axkid and the Britax Römer Baby-Safe Pro (with Vario Base 5Z) failed frontal crash tests, leading both manufacturers to issue recalls following warnings from test partners.