Axkid, who pride themselves on always innovating and pushing the boundaries, launched the Axkid One 3 —a revolutionary rearward facing Isofix car seat, designed for children up to 23kg and 125cm. It has been put through its paces by over testing in the Swedish Plus Test, ensuring that it surpasses safety benchmarks. Axkid have also prioritised parents with easy installation, promising a 30 second installation guarantee. 

The conference also addressed critical gaps in child transportation for disabled children. Axkid’s collaboration with Hernik to develop car seats tailored for disabled children showed a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility—an essential step towards ensuring safety for all children, regardless of their unique needs. Here in the UK, the vast majority of disabled children travel in a pushchair that is only tethered by its wheels.

Tommy Pettersson, (Mr Rear Facing!) creator of The Swedish Plus Test, is a known advocate for rearward-facing car seats. His passionate presentation at the conference supported the overwhelming evidence showing the need for continued education and awareness, especially across europe. The Swedish Plus Test, tests at higher speeds (56.5km/h), with a higher grade of deceleration (tougher pulse), and importantly measures neck forces. The biggest test of all is that it is a voluntary test for rearward facing car seat manufacturers. 

As an industry, we should advocate a collective responsibility to champion child safety and advocate for evidence-based practices. The contrast between Sweden’s progressive approach and the lag in other regions, such as the UK, calls for concerted efforts to bridge this divide. With ongoing collaboration, innovation, and education, we can pave the way towards a safer future for our children on the road.