Child Restraint Systems

Everyone in your vehicle must be restrained at all times, including infants and children. Every state in the United States, and every Canadian province, requires that young children ride in properly installed restraint systems. This is the law, and you may be subject to penalties for ignoring it.

Children 12 years old and under should always ride properly restrained in the rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front.

There are various sizes and types of restraints for children, from newborn size to a child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always read the child restraint owner's manual to make sure you have the correct restraint for your child. Carefully read and follow all instructions and warnings in the child restraint owner's manual and all labels attached to the child restraint.

Before buying any restraint system, make sure it has a label confirming that it meets all applicable safety standards. You should also make sure that you can install it in the vehicle where you will use it.

NOTE:

• For more information, see http://www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers or call: 1–888–327–4236
• Residents of Canada should refer to the Transport Canada website for additional information: https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/child-car-seat-safety.html

Summary of Child Restraint Recommendations