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 instructions supplied with the child restraint system before installing and using it.

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 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 one year of age 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 remain rear-facing for a longer period of time.

Continue to use the child seat until your child reaches the height and weight limits permitted 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 seat belts.

WARNING

Do NOT adjust the seat when a child seat is installed. Adjusting the seat while driving may result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.

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 the harness until they reach the maximum height or weight limit permitted 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's seat belt system. The booster positions the seat belt so that it fits correctly over your child's lap.

Keep your child in a child safety seat until they are large enough to sit on the seat without a booster and still have the seat belt fit properly. For 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 across the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face. Children under 13 years old should always ride in the rear seats and should always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury.