Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

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

• Make sure the child restraint system has a label confirming that it complies with 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 for use usually provide this information.
• Select a child restraint system that is suitable for the seating position in the vehicle where it will be used.
• Read and follow the warnings and instructions provided with the child restraint system for installation and use.

Types of Child Restraint Systems

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

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

Rear-Facing Child Restraint System

A rear-facing child restraint system supports the child's back. The harness holds the child in place, and in the event of an accident, it distributes the crash forces across the child restraint and reduces the load on the fragile neck and spinal cord.

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

Continue to use the rear-facing child restraint system until the child meets 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 the child is within the height and weight limits allowed by the child restraint system manufacturer. This is the best way to protect them. Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing child restraint system, the child is ready to face forward in a forward-facing child restraint system with a seat belt harness.

WARNING

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

Installing a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat may result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH in the event of a collision if the child restraint is struck by the 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 maximum height or weight limit allowed by the child restraint system manufacturer.

Once your child outgrows the forward-facing child restraint system, your child is ready for a booster.

Child Seats

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

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