Selecting a Child Restraint System (CRS)

When selecting a CRS for your child, always:

• Make sure the CRS has a label confirming that it complies with the applicable safety standards of your country.
• 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 installation instructions, and use the instructions provided with the child restraint system.

WARNING - Holding Children

Never hold a child in your arms or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion. The violent forces generated in a collision will tear the child from your arms and throw the child against the interior of the vehicle. Always use a child restraint system suitable for your child's height and weight.

WARNING - Unattended Children

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The vehicle interior can become very hot very quickly, which may result in injury to the child.

WARNING - Using Seat Belts

Do not use one seat belt for two occupants at the same time. This will eliminate any safety benefits the seat belts provide to the occupants.

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

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 using the rear-facing child seat until your child reaches the height or weight limits allowed by the child seat manufacturer. This is the best way to keep them safe. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing child restraint, your child is ready for a forward-facing child restraint with the seat belt.

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 a forward-facing child restraint, your child will be ready for a booster seat.

Child Seats

A booster seat is a restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle seat belt system. On a booster, the seat belt is positioned so that it correctly fits your child's body.

Keep your child in a child restraint until they are large enough to sit in the seat without a booster and be properly secured by 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 over the shoulder and chest, not touch the neck or face. Children under 13 years of age should always ride in the rear seats and must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury.