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Car seat standards: old R44/04 and current R129

Children's supplies specialist
10/9/2024
min

The different safety standards for car seats are a major problem for many people even before they go shopping for a car seat. Child safety is the A & O of all things, but what do these different numbers mean? We present you two EU safety standards for safety troughs and seats: the old R44/04 and its replacement R129. From September 2023, only car seats, troughs and seat belt seats that meet the R129 standard will be imported, meaning all new seats will now be tested according to the R129 standard. However, there is no ban on the use of R44/04 seats, so you can continue to use the old seat without worry.

The most visible difference between the two car seat standards is the definition of the size of the child. The newer R129 standard operates within length limits and R44/04 within weight limits.

But in fact, the most significant difference comes to light in crash tests. In the older R44 standard, safety of car seats is measured in front and rear impact tests. In the newer R129 standard, in addition to these, safety is measured in a side-impact test and the test dummy is more technically advanced. Sensors have been added to the test dummy, for example, in the chest area, where they were not previously available, increasing information on safety and thus also on the effects of different impact forces.

The R129 standard is constantly being developed in a safer and more versatile direction. It has been introduced in car seats for children of different ages gradually: at first the standard was used only in safety seats, then car seats were attached to it, and later also seat belts.

Previously, only ISOFIX mounts were approved (with the exception of seat belts, which could be fastened with a seat belt without a separate stand), but from autumn 2020, seatbelt mounted seats can also be approved in accordance with R129. An example of this is the Finnish Klippan Opti129 car seatapproved in accordance with R129, but secured by a seat belt.

The i-Size approval is subject to the R129 standard and is intended to harmonise and ensure the fit of the car seat to the car. All i-Size approved car seats are suitable for i-Size ready cars.

The R44/04 safety requirement will be phased out, with R129 replacing it completely. From September 2023, only R129 approved seats will be imported, and from September 2024, seats approved under the old RR44/04 standard will be banned. There will be no ban on the use of old seats at any point.

*The length examples in the table are indicative only. The seat belt and seats are constantly evolving, and in the latest models the length limits can vary greatly. For example, baby restraints and the size of the outer shell of a car seat influence what length restrictions are accepted for the car seat and tray. Please always check the restrictions on use per car seat.**According to the recommendations of the Finnish Transport Safety Authority, children's accessories recommend walking in the back direction until at least 4 years of age. The neck and spine of a small child are not developed enough to support and support the head, which is relatively large in size compared to the rest of the body. Walking in the back direction is the safest way to travel for a child.
Ihmisen pään koko verrattuna vartaloon 5kk-25 vuotta

The child accessories experts in our stores are ready to advise you on a car seat that is suitable for your child and your car, which is sure to comply with the latest EU standards. We also offer a fitting and fitting service so that your family is safe to travel with the right car seat.

i-Size standardin mukaan lapsi matkustaa selkä menosuuntaan vähintään 75cm ja 15Kg asti

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Sources:

‍www.enneturva.fi/traffic/safety requirements for car seats-safety

‍‍www.läikenneturva.fi/traffic/carseats-frequently-asked questions: What does i-Size mean?‍

‍www.maxi-cosi.com/c/international/car-seat-safety-rules-explained-r44-v-r129 (English)

‍‍www.maxi-cosi.com/c/international/car-seat-safety-rules-explained-what-r129i-size (English)‍

‍www.cybex-online.en-en/safetycenter/safety-regulations (in English)

Children's supplies specialist
Car Seats
10/9/2024
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