Seat belts and children

Infants and Small Children

Most countries have laws requiring children to travel in approved child restraint systems, including booster seats. The age at which seat belts may be used instead of child restraints varies by country. Learn the applicable rules in your country and in the countries you travel to. Child restraint systems must be used and the infant must be properly positioned in the rear seat. For more information, refer to "Child Restraint Systems" in this chapter.

WARNING

ALWAYS secure infants and small children in a restraint suitable for their size and weight. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury to children and other passengers, NEVER hold a child on your lap or in your arms while the vehicle is moving. In an accident, the force of impact can throw the child around the vehicle, out of your arms.

Small children are better protected from accident-related injuries when properly secured in the rear seat in an appropriate restraint that meets your country's safety standards. Before buying a child restraint, make sure it has a label confirming that it meets your country's safety standards. The restraint must be suitable for your child's weight and size. Refer to the label on the restraint to verify this information. Refer to "Child Restraint System" in this chapter.

older children

Children up to 13 years old who are too tall for a child seat must always sit in the rear seat and use the available 3-point seat belts. The seat belt must lie across the hips and be adjusted to fit across the shoulder and chest to hold the child securely. Check the belts regularly. A restless child may move the belt out of position. Children are better protected in an accident when they are secured in an appropriate restraint and/or the rear seat belt is fastened.

If a child older than 13 must sit in the front seat, the child must be properly secured with the available 3-point seat belt, and the seat must be moved fully rearward.

If the shoulder portion of the seat belt touches the child's neck or face, try moving it toward the center of the vehicle. If the belt still touches the child's neck or face, the child should sit on a suitable cushion in the rear seat.

WARNING

• Always check that older children are secured with seat belts and that the belts are adjusted correctly.
• NEVER allow the shoulder portion of the seat belt to contact the child's neck or face.
• Do not allow more than one child to use one seat belt.