A second life for car seats

The ACL has been organising a ‘flea market’ for child car seats for several years. It offers members the opportunity to resell child car seats. Children grow quickly and they need a seat that matches their weight and height. At the bazaar, visitors can also buy a seat for the car of the grandparents who occasionally look after the children – and without spending a lot of money. The Kannersëtzbazar is an event that offers members a sales opportunity in a safe environment and non-members a place to buy. In general, our members donate more than 350 seats to the ACL. They set the price themselves. The ACL merely acts as an intermediary and does so free of charge. Of course, only clean, undamaged seats that meet the ECE R44/03, ECE R44/04 and R129 (also known as ‘i-Size’) standards are accepted.

The main advantage is cost. Used child car seats are usually cheaper than new ones. What’s more, by buying a used child car seat, you are helping to reduce waste and promote more sustainable consumption. However, it is important to make sure that the seat is in good condition and meets current safety standards.

There are two main safety standards: R44 and R129 (i-Size). The R44 standard is based on the weight of the child and divides seats into several groups (0, 0+, 1, 2, 3). The R129 or i-Size standard classifies seats according to height. The R129 standard is the most up-to-date. The test standard includes side impact tests. It also recommends using rear-facing seats until at least 15 months of age, which is safer for babies.

There are different types of car seat:

• carrycots for newborns (up to around 10 kg)
• bucket seats for babies (up to around 13 kg)
• seats for toddlers (9 to 18 kg)

Seat boosters (with or without backrests) for older children (15 to 36 kg)

The choice of seat depends on the age, weight and height of the child. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and to make sure that the seat is suitable for your vehicle.

Before buying a second-hand car seat, check that it is not damaged and is fully functional. Make sure that it meets the current safety standards (R44 or R129) and is not too old, i.e. that the straps, buckles and locking systems are still in good condition. The seat must be functional and easy to use. Also check the general condition of the seat and the upholstery.

To properly secure a car seat, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which are either included or often available on their website. Check that the seat is securely fastened and does not move more than two centimetres in any direction. If possible, use the Isofix system, which makes it easier to secure the seat properly.

It’s very alarming: a 2023 survey conducted in France showed that two out of three children are not properly strapped in their cars. Among those under two years of age, only ten percent are correctly strapped in. The belt is often not lying flat enough or it is too close to the neck. The child is too young to be travelling in a forward-facing seat or is using a seat that is unsuitable for their height and/or weight. You have to understand that, in the event of a collision at 50 km/h, an unbelted child is exposed to the same risk as if they were falling from a fourth-floor building. At this speed, they are propelled forward with the force of a projectile weighing over a tonne.

I recommend that parents always use a car seat that matches their child’s age, weight and height. Make sure that the seat is properly secured and that the child is correctly strapped in. To do this, the seat must be easy to use and function properly. If it is difficult to use, there is an increased risk that parents will not fasten their child correctly – simply because it is a difficult and laborious moment.

We only accept seats that are in good condition. We check them carefully and make sure that they meet safety standards and are in good condition. We can also provide advice on the standards and how to use the seats. As we act as an intermediary, payment is made in cash on the day of the Kannersëtzbazar.