Mercedes-Benz 2000 C-Class Automobile User Manual


 
Infant and Child Restraint Systems
We recommend that all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in
motion. All lap-shoulder belts except driver seat have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening
of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, use this seat belt: Follow child restraint instructions for
routing. Then pull shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During the seat belt retraction a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is
now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release seat belt
buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.
Warning !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
Important !
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with this standard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint
and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or child restraint
system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer's instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle.
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating positions. Infants and small children must ride in
back seats and be seated in an infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured
with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance with the seat manufacturer's instructions.
Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an
accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt. Children too big for
child restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder
belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat is necessary to achieve
proper belt positioning for children from 41 Ibs. to the point where a lap/shoulder belt fits
properly without one.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the car or secure it with the seat belt to
prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.
U.S.A. Models only:
Since 1986 all U.S. child restraints comply with U.S. regulations without the use of a tether strap.
Canada Models only: This vehicle is provided with tether anchorages for a top tether strap. Consult
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for installation of these anchorages. In compliance with
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1, child restraint tether anchorage hardware is
attached to the tool kit located in the trunk.