Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

When selecting a CRS for your child, always:

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

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 age, height, and weight of the child.

Rear-Facing Child Seats

WARNING

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

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

A rear-facing child seat provides protection with the seat back against the child's back. The harness system holds the child in place, and in a crash, it acts to keep the child in the seat and reduce the load on the neck and spinal cord.

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

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

Continue using the rear-facing child seat as long as your child fits within the height and weight limits allowed by the child seat manufacturer. This is the best way to keep them safe. Once your child has outgrown 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 seat secures the child's body with a harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child seat with a harness until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the child restraint manufacturer.

Once your child has outgrown the child seat, your child is ready for a booster.

Child Seats

A booster is a restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle seat belt system. The booster positions the seat belt so that it fits correctly over your child's hips and shoulder.

Keep the child in a child booster seat until they are large enough to sit on the seat without a booster and the seat belt still fits properly. For a correct seat belt fit, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt must lie snugly against the shoulder and chest and not across the neck or face. Children under 13 years old should always ride in the rear seats and must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury.