Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

When selecting a CRS for your child, always:

• Make sure the CRS has a label confirming that it complies with the safety standards in effect in your country.
• Use a restraint system matching the height and weight of your child. The label or instructions provide this general information.
• Select a child restraint that matches the vehicle seat position where it will be used.
• Read and follow the warnings and installation instructions supplied by the child restraint system manufacturer.

We recommend that you:

Types of Child Restraint Systems

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

Rear-Facing Child Restraint System

A rear-facing child restraint system provides protection with the 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 restraint device positioned against the seat and reduces stress on the neck and spinal cord, which are fragile.

All children under one year of age should always ride in a rear-facing child restraint. Various types of rear-facing child restraints are available. Rear-facing child restraints can only be used in the rear-facing position. Convertible and 3-in-1 child restraints have higher weight and height limits for the rear-facing position, so your child can remain rear-facing longer.

Continue using the rear-facing child restraint as long as the child is within the height and weight limits specified by the child restraint manufacturer. This is the best way to ensure their safety. Once your child exceeds the maximum size for the rear-facing child restraint, the child is ready for a forward-facing child restraint with a harness.

Forward-facing child restraint

A forward-facing child restraint provides safety for the child's body with a harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child restraint with the harness until they reach the upper weight or height limit specified by the child restraint manufacturer.

Once your child has exceeded the limits of a forward-facing child restraint, the child is ready for a child booster seat.

Child Seats

A child booster seat is a device designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's seat belt system. The booster positions the seat belt so that it fits correctly over the strongest parts of your child's body. Keep children in child booster seats until they are large enough to wear the seat belt properly.

For the seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not across the abdomen. The shoulder belt must cross the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face. Children under 13 years of age should always be properly secured to minimize the risk of injury in a crash, sudden stop, or sharp maneuver.