Safe Transportation of Small Children

Types of Child Restraint Systems. Children older than one year, whose weight and height allow them to sit without additional support, must be transported in child safety seats that match the height and weight of the specific child, according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Of the wide range of child safety seats, we recommend using seats equipped with a five-point harness system to restrain the child (see illustration).

It is also recommended to transport small children in child safety seats for as long as possible, provided their height and weight allow it.

A list of child restraint systems recommended for use in European countries is provided on page 47.

Installing Child Restraint Systems

The rear seat is the most suitable location in the vehicle for installing a child safety seat in which the child faces forward.

If your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger airbag, installing a forward-facing child safety seat on the front passenger seat may be dangerous. If the front passenger seat is positioned too close to the instrument panel, or if the child's head moves sharply forward in a frontal collision, the deploying airbag can cause serious injury or even death to the child.

If it is necessary to install a forward-facing child safety seat on the front passenger seat, move the seat fully rearward, and make sure the child safety seat is securely installed on the front passenger seat and that the child is securely and properly restrained in the child safety seat.

WARNING

Do not install a child safety seat or cradle with a child facing forward on the front passenger seat. In an accident, a rapidly inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child.

If it is necessary to place a child safety seat on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible and securely secure the child safety seat installed on it.