Selecting Child Restraint Systems (CRS)

When selecting a child restraint system for your child, always observe the following:

• Check the child restraint system for a label confirming that the system meets the safety standards of your country. A child restraint system may be installed if it meets the ECE-R44 or ECE-R129 child seat standards.
• Select a child restraint system according to your child's height and weight. You can usually find this information on the certification label or in the instruction manual.
• Select a child restraint system that is suitable for the vehicle seating position where it will be used. Information on the suitability of child restraint systems for different vehicle seating positions can be found in the installation tables.
• Read and observe the warnings and installation instructions supplied with the child restraint system, and use it accordingly.

Types of Child Restraint Systems

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

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

Rear-Facing Child Restraint System

A rear-facing child restraint system holds the child so that the child's back faces the direction of travel. The harness system secures the child. In an accident, the child remains in the child restraint system and the load on the sensitive neck and vertebrae is reduced.

All children under one year of age must always be transported in rear-facing child restraint systems. There are different types of rear-facing child restraint systems: those suitable only for small children, and those that can be used rear-facing until the child is larger. Convertible and 3-in-1 child restraint systems are also available. These are usually suitable for larger and heavier children, so you can keep your child rear-facing for longer.

Rear-facing child restraint systems are suitable if the child's height and weight are within the limits specified by the child restraint system manufacturer's instructions.

Forward-facing child restraint

A forward-facing child restraint system holds the child's body with the harness system. Transport children in a forward-facing child restraint system with the harness until they exceed the weight or size permitted by the child restraint system manufacturer.

Once your child is large enough to no longer fit properly in a forward-facing child restraint system, your child may use a booster seat.

Child Seats

A booster seat is a child restraint system. It helps ensure that the vehicle's seat belt fits your child properly. With a booster, the seat belt is positioned so that it fits the body of your child better. Transport your children in booster seats until they are big enough for the seat belt to fit properly without a booster.

For the booster seat to fit properly, the lap belt must lie comfortably across the hips and must not press on the abdomen. The shoulder belt must lie comfortably across the shoulder and chest and must not cross the neck or face. Children under 13 years of age must always be properly restrained to reduce the risk of injury in a crash, sudden braking or sudden evasive maneuvers.