If you’re navigating the options for your child’s car seat, it’s crucial to understand the different safety regulations in Europe: UN R.44 and UN R.129 (also known as i-Size). Both standards ensure that car seats meet stringent safety tests, but they differ in key aspects that might influence your decision.
What are the differences between R44 and R129 regulations?
UN R.44 is the older car seat certification, where car seats are approved based on the child’s weight. There are five predefined weight groups in this regulation, and a seat may be approved for more than one group. Car seats conforming to R44 have been thoroughly tested and are a reliable choice for safety.
UN R.129 (i-Size) is a newer standard where car seats are approved based on the child’s height, incorporating an upper weight limit for seats with ISOFIX systems. This regulation also includes mandatory side impact crash tests, offering enhanced protection compared to R44.
Is a R44 car seat still safe to use?
It’s important to note that car seats that meet the R44 regulation still undergo rigorous safety testing and are approved for use in Sweden. The National Society for Road Safety (NTF) confirms that car seats with R44 approval have passed specific crash tests and provide protection for your child in the event of an accident.
They are designed to meet the safety standards in place at the time of their approval and have been widely used by parents for many years with a proven track record of protecting children during car journeys. For highest possible safety, remember to always choose a Plus tested car seat whether it is in the R44 or R129 regulation.
For how long can R44 car seats be sold?
We are right now in a transitional phase where car seats from both UN R.44 and UN R129 can be found on the market. A decision has been taken by the EU which states that from 30th of September 2024 it is only allowed to sell child car seats approved to UN R.129.
However, there is no end date for use! This means that the car seats can be used throughout their lifetime, which is approximately 10 years according to Swedish safety recommendations, even after September 2024.
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In conclusion, car seats adhering to the R44 regulation remain a safe choice for parents, with rigorous safety testing and approval for use in Europe. The shift to the R129 regulation aims to impose higher standards on manufacturers, enhancing market safety and improving consumer protection. While the sale of R44 car seats will end from September 2024, they can still be used throughout their designed lifetime, approximately 10 years, as per Swedish safety recommendations.
