New CRS test results for Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin American and the Caribbean Child Restraint Systems Evaluation Programme, PESRI, releases a new round of independent test results for 42 additional Child Restraint System (CRS) models available in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

These CRSs, which include infant, toddler, and child seats, reflect a wide range of installation options and regulatory compliance (UN R44 or UN R129). All models were evaluated to a frontal impact at 64 km/h, a side impact with a protruding door at 50 km/h, and an assessment of installation ease in a variety of vehicles. Several toddler seats offer rearward facing transport beyond infant-age, which offers superior protection in frontal impacts. Some integral CRS, with harness or impact shield, can be turned sideways for easily putting in child.

The models tested are currently available in different countries of the region, although availability may vary. The information on product presence in specific markets should be taken only as a reference, as local stock and distribution often fluctuate.

Top Performing Models

Four models achieved the highest possible rating of 5 stars: Bugaboo Turtle Air with the Turtle Air Wingbase for infants, Cybex Anoris T i-Size for toddlers, Cybex Cloud T with and without Base T for infants and Doona i + Doona i Isofix Base for Infants. These CRSs demonstrated excellent protection in both frontal and side impacts, combined with very good ease-of-use ratings.

In addition, the following models received 4-star ratings: Besafe iZi Flex Fix for children, Besafe iZi Twist B for infants and toddlers, Britax Römer Dualfix i-Size for infants and toddlers, Britax Römer Swingfix i-Size for infants and toddlers, Bugaboo Turtle Air without base for infants, CBX Yari for children, Cybex Solution M for children, Cybex Solution M SL/ M-Fix/ M-Fix SL for children, Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size for infants and toddlers, Cybex Sirona T i-Size + Base T for infants and toddlers, Cybex Solution B-Fix/ G i-Fix/ T i-Fix/ Z i-Fix for children, Joie Duallo for children, Joie i-Level for infants, Joie Trillo LX for children, Joie i-Snug with and without i-Base Advance for infants, Joie i-Traver for children, Joie i-Trillo LX for children, Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Airprotect for children, Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro for infants and toddlers, Maxi-Cosi Mica Pro Eco i-Size for infants and toddlers, Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 + FamilyFix 360 base for infants and toddlers, Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 with and without base FamilyFix 360 Pro Basisfor children, Nuna Aace LX for children, Nuna Prym for infants and toddlers, Recaro Monza Nova Evo/ Evo Seatfix for children.

Maxi Cosi Rodifix Pro2 for children and Safety 1st Road Fix for children achieved 3-star rating. These CRS models offer a comparatively lower level of protection and/or ease of use.

Spotlight: Cybex Anoris T i-Size – Forward-Facing with Integrated Airbag

Among the top-rated CRSs in this round of testing, the Cybex Anoris T i-Size stands out for its use of an integrated airbag. Approved for children between 76 and 115 cm, the seat allows forward-facing travel while maintaining very good frontal and side impact protection. During frontal crash tests, the airbag deploys milliseconds after impact, filling the area between the child and the restraint system. This reduces the relative movement of the child’s head and body, with similar protective dynamics of rear-facing seats. As a result, measured loads on the dummy’s head, neck, and chest were low or very low, demonstrating the system’s high effectiveness in reducing injury risk. This innovative approach enables safe forward-facing travel at an earlier stage, while maintaining the stringent protection levels expected of the most advanced CRS systems on the market.

Emphasis on Booster Seats

This publication places particular emphasis on booster seats. Although it is common in Latin America for parents to use CRSs only while children are very young, PESRI aims to raise awareness of the importance of continued use up to 1.50 meters of height, when the adult seatbelt is properly positioned to provide effective protection. Children not using a suitable booster seat are at increased risk of severe injury in the event of a crash, where the adult seatbelt does not offer adequate protection on its own.

Recommendations for consumers

PESRI strongly recommends that consumers prioritize the purchase and use of CRSs with 5 or 4 star safety ratings, as these provide significantly better protection and ease of installation.

PESRI strongly recommends the use of a CRS in all circumstances. When correctly installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, even a 3-star CRS provides significantly better protection for children than traveling without any restraint at all and even compared to the use of an adult seatbelt.

PESRI encourages parents and caregivers to seek advice and guidance to ensure correct installation and use of their CRS. PESRI welcomes questions and concerns from parents, caregivers, and the general public to support and guide families in making informed decisions to protect children while traveling.

Recommendations for Governments

PESRI calls on governments across Latin America and the Caribbean to implement stricter regulations mandating the use of CRS. In countries where CRS legislation already exists, usage rates remain low. This highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement to increase compliance and ensure children are adequately protected.

Additionally, PESRI urges governments to adopt and enforce the latest UN Regulation 129 (i-Size), which offers substantial improvements not only in dynamic performance and mandatory side impact protection, but also in reducing misuse thanks to clearer installation guidelines. Harmonizing regulatory frameworks across the region would facilitate the introduction of compliant CRS models by manufacturers and help ensure that all children benefit from the highest safety standards available.

Call to CRS Manufacturers PESRI urges well-recognized CRS manufacturers to  expand their presence across the entire Latin American and Caribbean region, not only in the largest or most profitable markets. This broader availability would demonstrate a deeper commitment to child safety beyond commercial interests. All families in the region, regardless of their location, deserve access to high-quality, safe restraint systems for children. This would also support equitable access to protection for all children, regardless of income level or country of residence.

About the Test Resulations

Many of the tested models are certified under the newer UN R129 regulation (also known as i-Size), which introduces mandatory side impact protection and stature-based classification. Models for infants and toddlers typically require ISOFIX installation. Others comply with older UN R44 regulation, based on weight groups. Regardless of regulation, proper installation is critical.

ISOFIX systems significantly reduce the risk of misuse compared to installation with the adult seatbelt. However, not all vehicles in the region are equipped with ISOFIX anchorages, making installation guidelines on the CRS (or pictograms) and user manuals, critical factors in overall safety.

About PESRI

PESRI is an independent consumer information programme supported by a multi-stakeholder partnership including Global NCAP, Fundación Gonzalo Rodríguez, ProTeste (Brazil), ODECU (Chile), El Poder del Consumidor (Mexico), FIA Region IV, and ICRT. It aims to improve child safety in the region by providing clear safety ratings and supporting evidence-based CRS regulation.

Tests simulate real crash conditions following Latin NCAP severity levels, with dynamic evaluations in frontal and side impacts and extensive usability analysis. All CRSs are tested using a standardized protocol to ensure comparability.

For more information, visit www.pesri.org