Child Restraint System (CRS) Selection

When selecting a child restraint system for your child, always:

• Make sure the child restraint system has a label confirming compliance with the safety standards applicable in your country. A child restraint system may be installed if it has been approved in accordance with ECE R44 or ECE R129 requirements.
• Select a child restraint system based on your child's height and weight. The required label or instructions usually provide this information.
• Select a child restraint system that is suitable for the vehicle seat where it will be used. For the suitability of child restraint systems on vehicle seats, please refer to the installation tables.
• Read and follow the warnings and installation and use instructions provided with the child restraint system.

Types of Child Restraint Systems

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

They are classified according to the age, height and weight of the child.

Rear-Facing Child Restraint System

A rear-facing child restraint system provides support for the child's back against the seatback surface. The harness system holds the child in place and, in an accident, helps keep the child in the child restraint system and reduces stress on the fragile neck and spinal cord.

All children under one year old must always ride facing the rear of the vehicle. Child restraint systems come in different types. Rear-facing-only child restraint systems can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 child restraint systems usually have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, which allows you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.

Continue to use the child restraint system in the rear-facing position as long as the child is within the height and weight limits permitted by the child restraint system manufacturer.

Forward-Facing Child Restraint System

A forward-facing child restraint system secures the child's body with a harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child restraint system with harness until they reach the upper height or weight limit permitted by the child restraint system manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the child restraint system, your child is ready for a booster seat.

Child Seats

A booster seat is a child restraint system designed to improve the fit of the vehicle seat belt system. The booster seat positions the seat belt so that it fits correctly over the stronger parts of your child's body. Keep your children in booster seats until they are large enough to wear the seat belt properly.

For the seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the hips, not the abdomen. The shoulder belt must lie comfortably across the shoulder and chest, and not across the neck or face. Children under 13 years old must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury in a crash, sudden stop, or sudden maneuver.