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SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
78J00-03E
Question:
How Should I Use a Child Restraint?
Answer:
A child restraint system is any device
designed for use in a motor vehicle to
restrain, seat, or position children. A built-
in child restraint system is a permanent
part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child
restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle’s owner. To help
reduce injuries, an add-on child restraint
must be secured in the vehicle. With built-
in or add-on child restraints, the child has
to be secured within the child restraint.
When choosing an add-on child restraint,
be sure the child restraint is designed to be
used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label
saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards. Then follow the instruc-
tions for the restraint. You may find these
instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both.
Securing an Add-on Child Restraint
in the Vehicle
To help reduce the chance of injury, the
child restraint must be secured in the vehi-
cle. Child restraint systems must be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the
lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by
the LATCH system. Refer to “Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH)” in this section for more informa-
tion. A child can be endangered in a crash
if the child restraint is not properly secured
in the vehicle.
When securing an add-on child restraint,
refer to the instructions that come with the
restraint which may be on the restraint
itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this
manual. The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not available,
obtain a replacement copy from the manu-
facturer.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child
restraint can move around in a collision or
sudden stop and injure people in the vehi-
cle. Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in your vehicle – even when no
child is in it.
Securing the Child Within the Child
Restraint
There are several systems for securing the
child within the child restraint. One system,
the three-point harness, has straps that
come down over each of the infant’s shoul-
ders and buckle together at the crotch. The
five-point harness system has two shoul-
der straps, two hip straps, and a crotch
strap. A shield may take the place of hip
straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder
straps that are attached to a flat pad which
rests low against the child’s body. A shelf-
or armrest-type shield has straps that are
attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that
swings up or to the side.
Because there are different systems, it is
important to refer to the instructions that
come with the restraint. A child can be
WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child restraint
is not properly secured in the vehicle.
Make sure the child restraint is prop-
erly installed in the vehicle using the
vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH sys-
tem, following the instructions that
came with that restraint, and also the
instructions in this manual.
WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Make sure the child is prop-
erly secured, following the instruc-
tions that came with that restraint.