Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

When selecting a CRS for your child, always:

• Make sure the CRS has a label confirming that it meets 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 contain this information.
• Select a child restraint that is suitable for the vehicle seating position in which 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 infant seats, forward-facing child 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 or infant seat in the front passenger seat. Placing a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat may result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH if the child restraint is struck by a deploying airbag.

A rear-facing child seat provides restraint with the seat surface supporting the child's back. The harness system holds the child in place and, in the event of an accident, keeps the child in the seat and reduces the load on the neck and spinal cord.

All children under one year of age must always ride in a rear-facing infant child restraint.

Convertible child seats and 3-in-1 child seats usually have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, which allows the child to remain rear-facing for a longer period of time.

Continue to use the rear-facing child seat until your child reaches the height and weight limits permitted by the child seat manufacturer.

This is the best way to protect them. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing child restraint, your child is ready for a forward-facing child restraint with a harness.

Forward-facing child restraints

A forward-facing child restraint restrains the child's body with the harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child restraint with the harness until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer of your child restraint.

Once your child outgrows 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 seat belt system. With a booster, the seat belt is positioned so that it fits correctly over your child's hips, chest and knees. Keep your child in a child restraint until he or she is large enough to sit on the vehicle seat without a booster and still wear the seat belt properly.

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 over the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face. Children under 13 years of age should always ride in the rear seats and should always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury.