Comparing the CRABI-12 and CRABI-18 for Infant Child Restraint System Evaluation

Abstract

A preliminary study was performed to consider how evaluation of rear-facing-only child restraints might differ if the CRABI 18 month old crash test dummy was used instead of the CRABI 12 month old. In comparison to child anthropometry data, the CRABI-18 does a better job in representing the dimensions of children over 1 year old. Nineteen rear-facing-only child restraint systems (CRS) were measured, and both test dummies were installed in the CRSs for static evaluation. The CRABI-12 fit well in all the CRSs. Nine child restraints were too narrow for the CRABI-18 shoulders (including 7 CRSs for use with children at or over 18 kg [30 lb]), and 12 child restraints did not allow the recommended 25 mm head clearance. In dynamic FMVSS No. 213 testing with 3 CRSs (Graco Snugride30, Chicco KeyFit, and Evenflo Embrace), the measured response of both test dummies was similar; both met all FMVSS No. 213 requirements.