Child Restraint System (CRS) Selection

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 for use usually provide this information.
• Select a child restraint suitable for the vehicle seating position where it will be used.
• Read and follow the warnings and installation instructions provided with the child restraint system.

Types of Child Restraint Systems

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

Rear-Facing Child Seats

WARNING

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

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

A rear-facing child restraint provides a restraint with a seat surface against the child's back. The harness system holds the child in place and, in the event of a crash, acts to keep the child seated in the restraint and reduce stress on the neck and spinal cord.

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

Continue to use a rear-facing child seat until your child reaches the maximum height and weight 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 the vehicle seat belts.

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

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 chest. Keep your child in a booster seat until they are large enough to sit on the vehicle seat without a booster and still wear the seat belt correctly.

For the seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the abdomen. The shoulder belt must lie snugly across the shoulder and chest, and not across 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.