NRMA have released the results of a Child Restraint Evaluation Program.
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NRMA and its partners have released the results of the Child Restraint Evaluation Program, which have revealed that three of the 17 have received ratings of below two stars.
No model scored the maximum 5 stars for protection but five of the new models scored 4 stars, nine made 3 stars, one received 2 stars and two got one 1 star.
NRMA Senior Policy Advisor Dimitra Vlahomitros said that while those restraints met the Australian Standard, they fell short against competing products.
“It is disturbing to see two restraints achieving only 1 star in our test program, especially since the testing program has been running for 15 years,” she said.
“The fundamental message to parents from these tests is that safety does not necessarily come at a price and that price is not the guarantor of safety.”
The 1 star products are the Safety 1st Sentinel II and the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP ISOGO, the latter of which was the most expensive child restraint tested in this batch at a recommended retail price of $549.
By comparison, the Mother’s Choice Silver Embrace scored four stars in rear-facing mode but has an RRP of only $169 and the Babylove booster seat also provides a four-star rating for only $70.
The Maxi-Cosi model received the lowest rating despite being equipped with ISOFIX, hailed by some in the industry as a huge step forward for child safety.
Ms Vlahomitros warned that correct fitment of the seat was also a vitally important consideration for parents, and that only one restraint – the Safe-N-Sound Trufix – scored above 3 stars for ease of use.
“A high proportion of restraints are not fitted correctly, which is in itself a major safety concern,” she said.
“Any factor which makes the fitting process less complex is vital.”
“The best booster seat in testing is less than $64.”
“Babies and other young children are vulnerable so it is important parents consider choosing a car seat with the safest ratings possible by visiting childcarseats.com.au.”
“On the site parents will find more than 50 seats with a safety rating of 4 Stars and five seats with a safety rating of 5 stars.”
Find the full results here
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