Selecting a Child Restraint System

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

An infant must be placed in a child restraint system facing rearward, and a young child facing forward.

Make sure the child 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 system must be compatible with the vehicle seat on which it will be installed.

Before purchasing a particular child restraint system or using one bought earlier, we recommend checking whether it can be installed on the vehicle seat on which you intend to carry the child.

For a list of child restraints recommended for use in European countries, refer to page 56.

After selecting a suitable child restraint system and determining the installation position, perform the three main steps for installing the system.

1. Securely fasten the child restraint system in the vehicle.

All types of child restraint systems must be secured using the lap/shoulder belt's lap portion or using the lower anchorages. An incorrectly installed or insecurely fastened child restraint system may cause serious injury to the child in an accident.

Except for vehicles supplied to Europe: If the child restraint system is secured with a lap/shoulder belt that does not have a locking function, use a locking clip to secure the belt webbing.

2. Make sure the child restraint system is securely fastened. After installing the child restraint system, pull it forward and backward and from side to side to check that it is securely fastened.

It is recommended to secure the child restraint system as firmly as possible.

However, this does not mean the child restraint system must be fastened "rigidly". Slight lateral movement of the child restraint system is acceptable and does not reduce the effectiveness of its protective functions.

If you cannot secure the child restraint system firmly, try installing it on a different seat, or use a different type of child restraint system whose design allows it to be securely fastened in the desired position.

For a list of child restraints recommended for use in European countries, refer to page 56.

3. Seat the child and secure them firmly in the child restraint system.

Make sure the child is properly secured in the child restraint system in accordance with the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer of the specific product. If the child is not secured properly, the child may be thrown out of the child restraint system in a crash, which may result in serious injury.

The following pages provide guidance on selecting child restraint systems used in European countries, as well as installation recommendations. All examples show child restraint systems installed in the forward-facing position; however, the installation rules remain the same for rearward-facing child restraint systems.