What is an essential criterion for the design of a CRS?

An essential criterion for the design of a Child Restraint System (CRS) is that molded construction provides back support. This feature is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of the child during travel. A well-designed CRS that incorporates molded construction offers structural integrity and maintains the correct positioning of the child within the seat, which is vital for effective crash protection.

Back support is particularly important not only for safety but also for providing proper spinal alignment. In the event of sudden stops or collisions, a CRS with adequate back support helps to prevent injuries by reducing the risk of the child being thrown around within the seat. Such support also contributes to the overall ergonomic design of the restraint, ensuring that it fits securely and comfortably for the child.

While other features such as being collapsible, having bright colors, or being inflatable may have their own advantages, they do not directly relate to the fundamental goal of a CRS – the safety and secure protection of the child during travel. Thus, molded construction that provides back support stands out as a crucial design criterion.