Older Children and Child Restraints

Children who are two years old or who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their convertible child seat may ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and forward-facing convertible child seats are used for children older than two years, or for those who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limits of their convertible child seat.

Children should remain in a forward-facing child seat with the tether strap as long as possible, up to the maximum weight or height allowed by the child seat.

All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward limit of the child restraint should use a booster seat with a positioning belt until the vehicle's seat belts fit properly. If the child cannot sit with their knees bent over the edge of the seat cushion while their back rests against the seatback, they must use a booster seat with a positioning belt. The child and booster seat are secured in the vehicle by the seat belt.

• Incorrect installation may cause the child restraint to fail. It may come loose in a collision, and the child could be seriously injured or killed. Follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions exactly when installing the child restraint.
• After installing a child restraint in the vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat forward or rearward, as this may loosen the child restraint anchorages. Remove the child restraint before adjusting the vehicle seat position. Once the vehicle seat has been adjusted, reinstall the child restraint.
• When a child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH anchorages, or remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it unsecured in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or collision, it may strike occupants or the seatbacks and cause serious injury.