Child restraint system types
Forward/rearward-facing Child Restraint System
A rearward-facing Child Restraint System provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the child. The harness system holds the child in place and, in an accident, keeps the child positioned in the child restraint system and reduces stress to the fragile neck and spinal cord.
All children under the age of one year must always ride in a rearward-facing Child Restraint System. There are different types of rearward-facing child restraint system: infant-only child restraint systems can only be used facing rearward. Convertible and 3-in-1 Child Restraint Systems typically have higher height and weight limits for the rearward-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rearward-facing for a longer period of time.
Keep using child restraint systems in the rearward-facing position as long as the children are within the height and weight limits specified by the child restraint system's manufacturer.
A forward-facing Child Restraint System provides restraint for the child's body with a harness. Keep children in a forward-facing child restraint system with a harness until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by your child restraint system's manufacturer.
Once your child outgrows the forward-facing Child Restraint System, your child is ready for a booster seat.
Booster seats
A booster seat is a Child Restraint System designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's seat belt system. A booster seat positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child's body. Keep your children in booster seats until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.
For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie comfortably across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie comfortably across the shoulder and chest and not across the neck or face. Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the rear seats; they must always be restrained properly to minimize the risk of injury in case of accident, sudden stop, or sudden maneuver.
