Approval and Use of
Child Restraint Systems
The safest way to secure an infant or child on
board an aircraft is in a State-approved child restraint system (CRS), in a
dedicated seat, and appropriate for that infant or child. The use of CRS
provides an equivalent level of safety to infants and children as that afforded
to adult passengers wearing seat belts.
Proper use of occupant restraints is one of the
most basic and important factors in surviving an accident. It is not possible
for a parent to physically restrain an infant or child, especially during
sudden accelerations and/or decelerations, unanticipated or severe turbulence
or during impact.
Research on CRS shows that infants and children
are at higher risk of sustaining injuries, if they are not properly secured in
a suitable device that has been approved for use on board the aircraft. The use
of certain types of devices, not specifically designed for use with an aircraft
seat, is detrimental to an infant or child’s safety. Studies have demonstrated
that such devices do not provide the same level of safety as CRS approved for
use on board aircraft, or that provided to other passengers who occupy their
own seats.
The Manual on the Approval and Use of Child
Restraint Systems (Doc 10049) contains guidance for States to develop
regulations and approval processes enabling the use of CRS. It also provides guidance
for airlines regarding the use of CRS on board their aircraft. It addresses:
Types of CRS suitable for use on board aircraft
Regulatory considerations, including model regulations on CRS
Recommended operator policy and procedures
Training on CRS, including detailed content of the cabin crew
training programme
Information to passengers regarding CRS use on board aircraft
Post-implementation activities related to CRS, including
surveillance by the States.
To obtain a copy of the Manual on the Approval and Use of Child Restraint Systems, please visit: http://store1.icao.int
