Child Restraint System (CRS) Selection

When selecting a child restraint system for your child, always:

• Make sure the child restraint system has a label confirming that it meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213).
• Select a child restraint system based on your child's height and weight. The required label or instructions usually provide this information.
• Select a child restraint system that fits the vehicle seat where it will be used.
• Read and follow the warnings and installation and use instructions provided with the child restraint system.

Types of Child Restraint Systems

There are three main types of child restraint systems: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster restraint systems.

They are classified according to the age, height and weight of the child.

Rear-Facing Child Restraint System

A rear-facing child restraint system provides support to the back of the child's seated body. The harness system holds the child in place, and in an accident acts to keep the child positioned in the child restraint and reduce stress on the fragile neck and spinal cord.

All children under one year old must always ride rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 child restraint systems usually have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, which allows you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.

Continue to use child restraint systems in the rear-facing position as long as children fit within the height and weight limits allowed by the child restraint system manufacturer.

Continue to use child restraint systems in the rear-facing position as long as children fit within the height and weight limits allowed by the child restraint system manufacturer. This is the best way to keep them safe. Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing child restraint system, your child is ready for a forward-facing child restraint system with a harness.

WARNING

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

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

Forward-Facing Child Restraint System

A forward-facing child restraint system restrains the child's body with a harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child restraint system with a harness until they reach the upper height or weight limit allowed by the child restraint system manufacturer.

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

Child Seats

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

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, not across the neck or face. Children under 13 years old must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury in a crash, sudden stop, or sudden maneuver.