Older Children and Child Restraints

Children who are at least two years old or who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their convertible child seat may ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used forward-facing are designed for children who are older than two years or who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of the convertible child seat.

Children should remain in a forward-facing child seat with the vehicle seat belts for as long as possible, up to the maximum weight or height allowed by the child seat.

All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their child seat should use a booster seat with the vehicle seat belt until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. If a child cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle seat cushion edge while the back rests against the seatback, the child must use a booster seat. The booster seat and child restraint are secured in the vehicle by the seat belt.

• Improper installation may cause the infant or child restraint to fail. It may detach in a crash. The child may be seriously injured or killed. When installing, follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions exactly.
• After a child restraint is installed in the vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat forward or rearward, as this may loosen the child restraint anchorages. Before adjusting the vehicle seat position, remove the child restraint. When the vehicle seat is adjusted, reinstall the child restraint.
• When a child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH anchors, or remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or crash, it may strike occupants or seatbacks and cause serious injury.