Choosing the right car seat for your newborn is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The different models on the market offer varying levels of protection, and approval alone does not always say everything about safety performance. The last test of Altroconsumoupdated in February 2026, evaluated 41 seats for newborns in the 0–15 month range, we are talking about those devices that must always be installed rear-facing and with dedicated internal belts.
The rating of child seats varies greatly, from the best model with 79 points to those with 20 points, considered of poor quality. This indicates that, in the event of an accident, some devices may offer a higher level of protection than others.
But let’s find out immediately which results were the best and the worst.
The ranking of the 41 baby seats
Below are all the models tested, with scores, quality and indicative price.
The following results were of excellent quality:
Good quality
Average quality
Low quality
How the test was conducted
Since 2003 Altroconsumo carries out its own tests on child seats in collaboration with over 40 international partners, including consumer associations (ICRT) and European Automobile Clubs. To evaluate a single model, more than 20 samples are needed and the tests are much more severe than those required for simple homologation.
The overall judgment is the result of three areas of evaluation, which weigh in this way:
The seats are then tested for the presence of chemical residues in the plastics and fabrics in contact with the child. The presence of these substances entails a penalty on the final score.
The products generally remain on the market for 2–3 years. The results are updated twice a year as new models are added. To access complete details on the pros, cons and disaggregated scores, you can consult the website Altroconsumo.
