Seat belts and children

Infants and Small Children

Laws on child restraint systems in most countries require that children travel in approved child restraint systems, including booster seats. The age at which seat belts may be used instead of a child restraint system varies by country, so you should know the specific requirements in your country and in any country where you travel. An infant or child restraint system must be properly positioned and installed on the rear seat.

For more information, refer to "Child Restraint Systems" in this chapter.

WARNING

ALWAYS properly secure infants and small children in a child restraint system that is appropriate for the child's height and weight.

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death to the child and other occupants, NEVER hold a child on your lap or in your arms while the vehicle is moving. In a crash, the force generated will tear the child from your arms and throw the child against the interior of the vehicle.

Small children are best protected in a crash when properly secured in a child restraint system on the rear seat that meets the safety standards of your country. Before purchasing any child restraint system, make sure it has a label confirming that it complies with the safety standards of your country.

The child restraint system must be appropriate for your child's height and weight. For this information, refer to the label on the child restraint system. Refer to "Child Restraint Systems" in this chapter.

Older children

Children up to 13 years old who are too large for a child seat should always ride in the rear seat and use the available lap/shoulder belts. The seat belt should lie across the upper thighs and fit snugly against the shoulder and chest to hold the child securely. Check the belt fit periodically, as children's slouching may move the belt out of position. In a crash, children are best protected in the rear seats with an appropriate child restraint system.

If a larger child over 13 years old must sit in the front seat, the child must be securely restrained by the available lap/shoulder belt, and the seat must be moved to the rearmost position.

If the shoulder belt lightly touches the child's neck or face, try moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still touches the face or neck, the child must be returned to an appropriate booster seat in the rear seat.

WARNING

• Always make sure that children's seat belts are fastened and properly adjusted.
• NEVER allow the shoulder belt to touch the child's neck or face.
• Do not allow more than one child to use one seat belt.