Child Restraint Systems
Child Restraint Position Information
Install the child restraint firmly against the vehicle seat. You may need to raise or remove the head restraint.
Rear-Facing Child Restraints

Forward-Facing Child Restraints

Child Restraint Recommendations

It is required by law that you properly use child restraints for infants and toddlers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Many states and provinces require that small children use approved child seats until they reach eight years of age, 57 in (1.45 m) in height, or 80 lb (36 kg). Check your local, state or provincial laws for specific child safety requirements in your vehicle.
Whenever possible, properly restrain children 12 years old and younger in a rear seat position of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in a rear seat position than in a front seat.
When installing a rear-facing child restraint, adjust the vehicle seat to avoid interference between the child restraint and the vehicle seat in front of the child restraint.
Test yourself
A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.