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The design and manufacture of child restraints (CRS) is dependent upon the child restraint standard. Our comparison of the US FMVSS 213 and the ECE R44.03 highlights the many gross similarities and the detail differences, which distinguish the standards. As both standards now use the same dummy, comparison testing is possible. It demonstrates that the acceleration loads in both dynamic tests are similar while the dummy kinematics displayed by the CRS are dramatically different. The detail differences in the standard have however lead to different designs in the two jurisdictions, so that modern CRS from one market cannot be exported to the other without difficulty. Looking forward to the upcoming standards for universal CRS anchorages; if one feels that competition is desirable for the improvement of this product category, closer harmonization of the standards will be required.

ISOFIX is a proposal for a standardised attachment system for child restraints, which has been advanced as a means of improving usage, and reducing misuse. This study investigates ISOFIX in two ways. Consumers in Germany. Sweden and the UK were observed while installing ISOFIX and conventional systems. Dynamic testing was used to compare the two product installation principles in terms of performance. The consumer evaluation supports the thesis that ISOFIX can reduce misuse. ISOFIX was judged to be uniformly and greatly preferred by consumers in the three countries. Improved test performance, e.g. reduced head excursion, was found. Both findings indicate the potential for the reduction of injury through the institution of ISOFIX.