The test, conducted by Consumer Council in association with the International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT), included 19 models of child car seats available or will be available in Hong Kong, covering different weight groups from newborn up to 36 kg.
In the frontal impact test, except 5 which performed unsatisfactorily in certain installation modes, all models performed well.
For instance, two models offered good protection when installed in the rear-facing position, but not in forward-facing position. Another model fared better when installed by using ISOFIX with top tether, but not the case while using car safety belt.
In the side impact test, 2 models were less than satisfactory. The manuals indicated that the back support of the child car seat could be taken off as an option, but tests found that such installation mode would yield poor protection.
7 out of the 19 child car seat models can apply the ISOFIX installation method. The ISOFIX method is much less complicated than the traditional installation method, which only requires the snap connection of a child car seat to be latched onto the anchor points in the car, reducing the chance of incorrect installation. Some ISOFIX child car seat comes with top tether or support leg, offering additional fixation point.
Test for harmful substances
It was also the first ever test for hazardous substances in child car seats. Test results showed that all samples were free of hazardous colorants, but some models were detected with other harmful substances:
Plasticizer
DIBP (Diisobutyl phthalate) detected in the fabric cover of 2 models was about 0.2%, exceeding the limit of 0.1% for textiles of baby products set by the voluntary labelling scheme of the International Oeko-Tex® Association (Oeko-Tex). Studies on animals revealed that certain plasticizers had disrupting effect to the endocrine system.
Flame retardants
10 models were found to have flame retardants in their fabric covers, safety belts and/or paddings. One of the models contained around 0.5% flame retardant TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate). The voluntary labelling scheme of Oeko-Tex stipulates that no products should contain TCEP or some other flame retardants which may cause health effects in textiles.
Organotin compounds
Two models were found to contain organotin compounds. One of them was found to contain around 27mg/kg (or 0.0027%) of organotin compound DOT (Dioctyltin) exceeding the limit of the voluntary labelling scheme of Oeko-Tex of 1mg/kg (or 0.0001%) for textiles of baby products.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde could cause allergic reactions. 3 models were found to contain such substance.
When choosing a child car seat, parents should take note of the followings:
- Body weight and build of the child is a main criterion, age is usually just an indication.
- Lateral-facing child car seats in the design of carrycot installed across the rear seat should always be fitted with the baby's head near the center of the vehicle, in order to avoid a direct blow to the baby's head in a side crash.
- Studies show that rear-facing child car seats provide better protection for children than forward-facing child car seats, but they should not be installed in a front passenger seat with airbag.
- Always follow the instructions for the installation of the child car seat.
The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE ( https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/ ).