What is the UN R129 European child safety seat safety standard?

UN R129 is a European child safety seat safety standard developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2013. Its purpose is to improve the safety level of children on the road and make it easier for parents to choose and install appropriate car seats. The implementation process of this standard is divided into three stages. Finally, the **R129 standard Baby Car Seat  will come into effect from September 2023**, when it will completely replace the existing ECE R44/04 standard. From 2024, only car seats that meet the new regulations can be sold.

## Why develop new regulations instead of improving existing ones?

The **R44 standard was established in 2001** and, despite being updated several times over the past two decades, has not been adapted to the changing safety standards. Tests conducted by independent research institutes such as ADAC and ÖAMTC have proven that car seats approved in accordance with this regulation do not ensure adequate safety for children. In fact, many models have received high scores in safety tests, but only because the manufacturers have used solutions that go far beyond the minimum requirements of the standard. Therefore, a new car seat approval standard needed to be developed.

## R129 vs R44 differences

The goal of these revisions is to improve child safety in side impacts, reduce serious head and neck injuries, and simplify the installation of car seats.

- **Phase 1 (2013)** Covers car seats with seatbelts using ISOFIX anchors for children up to 105 cm tall.
- **Phase 2 (2017)** Extends to car seats with seatbelts and ISOFIX mounting for older children 105-150 cm tall. The previous 15-36 kg category was replaced by a 105-150 cm tall category. Two new types of car seats were introduced at the same time.
- **Phase 3 (December 2018)** Covers car seats with seatbelt anchors, where manufacturers must use **green belt guides** to simplify the process for parents to correctly install the car seat. For example, Avionaut's new MaxSpace Comfort System+ car seat already comes with green belt guides. Additionally, approval R129/03 allows the sale of seats in the aforementioned 9-36 kg category using ISOFIX anchors and stabiliser bars, with the child having to be secured using a five-point harness until reaching a height of 105 cm.

## Safety improvements

- **Improved side impact protection**: The i-Size standard introduces a side impact test, ensuring that all i-Size approved seats protect children in a side impact.

- **ISOFIX installation**: i-Size seats are designed to be used with the ISOFIX system, creating a secure direct connection between seat and vehicle, reducing the risk of incorrect installation.

- **Compatible with i-Size ready vehicles**: i-Size seats are compatible with all i-Size certified vehicles, but can also be used in vehicles without i-Size but with ISOFIX anchors.

## Why is i-Size important?

i-Size represents a major leap forward in child car seat safety, bringing the latest regulations in line with modern research and technology. Emphasis on longer rear-facing seats, height-based classification, and improved side impact testing ensures children are safer in cars than ever before.

## Is it mandatory to use an i-Size car seat?

Currently, both **i-Size (ECE R129)** and **ECE R44/04** car seats are permitted, but **i-Size** is expected to completely replace the older standard in the future. While using an i-Size car seat is not mandatory, choosing an i-Size car seat ensures your child is using a seat that meets the latest safety standards.