Anti-Rebound Bar

What is an Anti-Rebound Bar?

An Anti-Rebound Bar stabilizes a child seat by minimizing rotational forces associated with front and rear collisions.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Anti-Rebound Bar. 

Where is the Anti-Rebound Bar located?

The Anti-Rebound Bar is connected to the in-car base of the infant carrier.  The infant carrier may be installed in a vehicle without the base, however the base must be installed in order to receive the benefit of the Anti-Rebound Bar.

Chaperone base with Anti-Rebound Bar	Chaperone Infant Carrier installed on base

Why does the seat need an Anti-Rebound Bar?

To understand why the seat needs an Anti-Rebound Bar, it's important to first understand what happens during a crash.  In the event of a front end collision, a car seat will move forward and downward as a result of the forces associated with the impact.  After the initial impact is over, the car seat will "rebound", or move backward toward the back of the vehicle seat.  Often, the result is the child's head hitting the vehicle seat or any accessories that may have been installed on the headrest, such as mirrors or video screens (Britax does not recommended installing aftermarket accessories at any time, even when using the Chaperone infant carrier with Anti-Rebound Bar).  In the case of a rear impact, the car seat will initially rotate toward the rear of the vehicle, with the same risks for injury associated with a frontal impact, and then rebound to its original position.

An Anti-Rebound Bar is used to stabilize the car seat in the event of a collision, significantly reducing the distance it will rotate and preventing the child's head from contacting the back of the vehicle seat.

Infant Carrier without Anti-Rebound Bar on impact	Infant Carrier with Anti-Rebound Bar on impact

How does an Anti-Rebound Bar work?

The Anti-Rebound Bar is connected to the car seat base, forming a rigid "L" shape that rests against the bottom and back cushions of a vehicle seat.  This "L" shape acts as a physical barrier preventing the car seat from rotating toward the vehicle seat back during a front or rear collision.

Chaperone Infant Carrier with Anti-Rebound Bar installed in vehicle

How long has Britax incorporated the Anti-Rebound Bar in their seats?

The Anti-Rebound Bar was designed, developed, and patented by Britax and introduced into the US market with the launch of the Companion Infant Carrier in 2004.