Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

When selecting a CRS for your child, always:

• Make sure the CRS has a label confirming that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213).
• Select a child restraint based on your child's height and weight. The required label or instructions for use usually contain this information.
• Select a child restraint that is suitable for the vehicle seating position in which it will be used.
• Read and follow the warnings and instructions provided with the child restraint system for installation and use.

Types of Child Restraint Systems

There are three main types of child restraint systems: rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, and booster seats. They are classified according to the child's age, height, and weight.

Rear-Facing Child Seats

WARNING

NEVER install a child restraint or infant seat in the front passenger seat.

Installing a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat may result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH in the event of a collision if the child restraint is struck by the deploying airbag.

A rear-facing child seat provides support for the child's head, neck, and spine against the seat surface. The harness holds the child in place, and in the event of an accident, keeps the child in the seat and reduces stress on the neck and spinal cord.

All children under one year of age must always ride in a rear-facing child restraint.

Convertible child seats and 3-in-1 child seats usually have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, which allows the child to ride rear-facing for a longer period.

Continue using a rear-facing child restraint for as long as your child fits within the height and weight limits specified by the child seat manufacturer. This is the best way to keep them safe. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing child restraint, your child is ready for a forward-facing child restraint with a harness.

Forward-facing child restraints

A forward-facing child restraint restrains the child's body with the harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child restraint with the harness until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer of your child restraint.

Once your child outgrows the forward-facing child restraint, your child is ready for a booster seat.

Child Seats

A booster seat is a restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle seat belt system. On a booster, the seat belt is positioned so that it correctly fits your child's body.

Keep your child in a child restraint until they are large enough to sit in the seat without a booster and be properly secured by the seat belt. To fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt must lie snugly over the shoulder and chest, not touch the neck or face. Children under 13 years of age should always ride in the rear seats and must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury.