Selecting Child Restraint Systems

When purchasing a child restraint system, you may choose either a conventional child safety seat or a dedicated child safety seat that is secured using the lower anchorages and tether straps.

A conventional child safety seat is secured to the vehicle seat using the vehicle's seat belt, while a dedicated child safety seat is secured using the anchorages located at the two outboard positions of the rear seat.

Dedicated child safety seats are simple to install thanks to convenient lower attachment points, and the possibility of incorrect installation is minimized. Therefore, if your vehicle is equipped with lower child seat anchorages, we recommend purchasing a dedicated seat compatible with them.

When selecting a dedicated seat, it is recommended to choose a seat with rigid rather than flexible LATCH attachments (see page 49).

Child safety seats with flexible attachments are not sold in European markets.

Note that if the vehicle does not have lower anchorages, a dedicated child safety seat can be installed in the conventional way using the seat belt.

Regardless of the type of child safety seat, it will protect children only if the following three requirements are met:

1. Child restraint systems must comply with safety standards. In most European countries, child restraint systems for use in vehicles must meet the requirements of ECE Regulation 44.

Check for the special certification mark on the product itself and on its packaging.

The vehicle manufacturer is not responsible for damage caused by defects in recommended child restraint systems.

2. The child restraint device used must match the height and weight of the specific child.

An infant must face rearward, and a young child must face forward.

Make sure the restraint system is suitable for your child.

Read the product manufacturer's instructions as well as the labels that indicate the weight and height limits of children for which the specific restraint device may be used.

3. The child restraint device must be structurally compatible with the vehicle seat on which it will be installed.

Before purchasing a child restraint device or using a device purchased earlier, we recommend checking whether it can be installed on the vehicle seat in which you intend to transport the child.

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