Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats: Maximum Safety for Children Up to 6-7 Years Old

Introduction

Transporting children in a rear-facing position is the safest way for them to travel. This seating arrangement significantly reduces the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident. Children Car Safety recommends using extended rear-facing car seats until the child reaches the age of 4 years or more, ideally up to 6-7 years or a height of 125 cm. This article highlights the importance of proper installation and presents some top models in this category.

Children Car Safety Recommendations

  1. Infant Carriers for the First Year
    • For children under 1 year, an infant car seat (scoică) is the best safety device.
  2. Extended Rear-Facing Seats After Age 1
    • After the first year, switching to extended rear-facing seats ensures continued protection for your child during car rides.
  3. Proper Installation Is Key
    • Regardless of a car seat’s excellent safety ratings, its effectiveness diminishes if not installed correctly. Parents must prioritize proper installation to maximize safety benefits.

Importance of Correct Installation

One of the most significant challenges with extended rear-facing car seats is incorrect installation. Many retailers and distributors fail to emphasize the importance of proper setup, which can negate the seat’s protective capabilities in an accident.

Tips for Proper Installation:

  • Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Consult an expert if you are unsure about the installation process.
  • Regularly check the seat’s stability and ensure it remains securely fastened.

Conclusion
Extended rear-facing car seats are an essential investment in your child’s safety, providing unparalleled protection up to 6-7 years old. However, their effectiveness relies heavily on correct installation. By understanding and following the guidelines, parents can ensure their child’s safety and enjoy peace of mind during every journey.

Selection of Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats by Children Car Safety

1. Avionaut Sky 2.0

Features:

  • Ergonomic Design: Provides excellent support and comfort for the child.
  • Advanced Side-Impact Protection: Enhances safety during lateral collisions.
  • Extended Use: Suitable for children up to 125 cm in height.

Strengths:

  • Easy Installation: Simple and hassle-free setup for parents.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Designed with breathable materials for long journeys.
  • Tested for Safety: Certified by Plus Test and ADAC, ensuring high safety standards.

Recommendation:

  • Suitable for use from 6 months old, if the child can sit upright without support.
  • Ideally recommended for children aged 1 to 6-7 years, offering extended rear-facing safety.

The Avionaut Sky 2.0 combines advanced safety features, comfort, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for extended rear-facing car seat needs.

2. BeSafe Stretch

Features:

  • Robust Side-Impact Protection: Offers excellent safety in lateral collisions.
  • Easy Adjustment System: Simplifies adapting the seat to fit the child as they grow.
  • Extended Use: Suitable for children up to 125 cm in height.

Strengths:

  • Flexible Adjustment: Allows for effortless changes to accommodate the child’s size.
  • Superior Comfort: Crafted with high-quality, breathable materials for long-term use.
  • Tested for Safety: Certified by both Plus Test and ADAC, ensuring top-tier safety performance.

Recommendation:

  • Can be used before the child turns 1 year old, but ideally recommended for use from 1 year onward for maximum safety and comfort.

The BeSafe Stretch is a highly flexible and reliable rear-facing car seat, offering exceptional safety and comfort for children through their early years.

3. Axkid One 3

Features:

  • Side-Impact Protection System: Ensures high safety during lateral collisions.
  • Easy ISOFIX Installation: Simplifies setup while maintaining secure positioning.
  • Extended Use: Suitable for children up to 125 cm in height.

Strengths:

  • Excellent Ergonomics: Designed for optimal posture and comfort during travel.
  • Simple Adjustments: Easy-to-use mechanisms for adapting the seat as your child grows.
  • Durable Construction: Built to last through years of use.

Recommendation:

  • Ideal for children aged 1 year to 6-7 years, offering long-term rear-facing safety.

Note:

  • The seat has passed the Plus Test, ensuring rigorous safety standards, but it is not tested by ADAC.

The Axkid One 3 is a reliable option for parents prioritizing ease of use, durability, and extended rear-facing safety, backed by its impressive Plus Test certification.

4. Axkid Minikid 4.0

Features:

  • Advanced Side-Impact Protection: Ensures superior safety during lateral collisions.
  • Seatbelt Installation: Securely installs using the car’s seatbelt system, providing flexibility for various vehicle types.
  • Extended Use: Designed for children up to 125 cm in height.

Strengths:

  • Excellent Stability: Remains firmly in place for maximum safety.
  • Flexible Adjustments: Easily adapts to your growing child’s needs.
  • Long-Term Comfort: Ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use.

Recommendation:

  • Suitable for children aged 1 year and up, offering optimal safety until they are 6-7 years old.

Note:

  • The seat has passed the rigorous Plus Test but is not ADAC-tested.

The Axkid Minikid 4.0 is an ideal choice for parents who value safety, stability, and adaptability, making it a reliable option for extended rear-facing travel.

5. Axkid Movekid

Features:

  • Compact Design: Fits easily in various vehicle sizes without taking up excessive space.
  • Side-Impact Protection: Advanced lateral protection enhances safety in case of side collisions.
  • Extended Use: Suitable for children up to 125 cm, typically from 1 year to 6-7 years.

Strengths:

  • Easy Installation: Straightforward setup for secure and correct placement.
  • Accessibility: User-friendly features ensure convenience in everyday use.
  • Simple Adjustments: Easily adapts to your growing child’s size for long-term comfort.

Recommendation:

  • Recommended for children aged 1 year and up, offering reliable safety and comfort until approximately 6-7 years old.

Note:

  • The Axkid Movekid has passed the Plus Test 2024, confirming high safety standards, but it is not ADAC-tested.

The Axkid Movekid combines compact design, robust safety features, and user-friendly adjustments, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a safe and practical rear-facing car seat.

6. BeSafe Beyond

Features:

  • Compact Design: Ideal for fitting in a variety of vehicles without taking up excessive space.
  • Side-Impact Protection: Provides robust safety during lateral collisions.
  • Extended Use: Suitable for children up to 125 cm, supporting extended rear-facing travel.
  • 90-Degree Rotation: Simplifies access to the vehicle, making it easier to place and secure the child.

Strengths:

  • Easy Installation: Straightforward setup for secure and correct placement.
  • Accessibility: User-friendly rotation and adjustments make everyday use convenient.
  • Simple Adjustments: Adapts effortlessly to your growing child for comfort and safety.

Recommendation:

  • Recommended for children aged 1 year and up, offering reliable safety and comfort until approximately 6-7 years old.

Safety Certifications:

  • Passed both the Plus Test and ADAC testing in 2024, ensuring high safety standards.

Important Note:

  • Do not confuse the BeSafe Beyond with the Beyond 360 model, which is not subjected to additional impact testing and is not recommended by Children Car Safety (SAC).

The BeSafe Beyond combines advanced safety features, user-friendly design, and proven performance in crash tests, making it a top choice for parents prioritizing safety and convenience.

Conclusion

Extended rear-facing car seats are essential for ensuring your child’s safety during car journeys. Models such as Avionaut Sky 2.0, BeSafe Stretch, BeSafe Beyond, Axkid One 3, Axkid Minikid 4.0, and Axkid Movekid are excellent choices for use until your child reaches a height of 125 cm—typically around the age of 6-7 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Correct Installation Is Crucial: Proper installation is vital to maximize the protection these high-performance seats offer.
  • Avoid Installation Errors: Even the best car seat cannot perform effectively if installed incorrectly.

By choosing and properly installing one of these top-rated rear-facing car seats, you can provide your child with the safest and most secure travel experience.