Selecting a Child Restraint System

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

• Make sure the child restraint system has a label confirming that it complies with the 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 seat restraint systems.

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

Rear-Facing Child Restraint System

With a rear-facing child restraint system, collision forces are absorbed by its shell rather than the child's body. The shell also supports and protects the child's head, neck, and spine. 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 usually have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing the child to ride rear-facing for a longer time.

Continue using the rear-facing child restraint system as long as your child is within the height and weight limits permitted 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 on the front seat may result in serious injury or death if the child restraint 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's seat belt system. The booster seat positions the seat belt so that it fits correctly over your child's hips and shoulder. Keep children in booster seats until they are large enough to fit the seat belt 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 of age must always be properly secured to minimize the risk of injury in an accident, sudden stop, or sudden maneuver.