Children always in the rear

Children under age 13 must always ride in the rear seats and must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury in an accident, sudden stop, or sudden maneuver.

WARNING

Restraint Location

Never install a child or infant seat in the front passenger seat. A child riding in the front passenger seat can be forcefully struck by an inflating airbag and get seriously injured.

CAUTION

Hot Child Restraint System (CRS)

A CRS can become very hot if it is left in an enclosed vehicle on a sunny day. Be sure to check the seat cover, buckles, and latches before placing a child in the restraint system.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats than in the front seat. Even with air bags, children can be seriously injured or killed. Children too large for a CRS must use the seat belts provided.

All 50 states have child restraint laws that require children to travel in approved child restraint devices. The laws governing the age or height and weight restrictions at which seat belts can be used instead of child restraints differs among states. You should be aware of the specific requirements in your state and the states where you are traveling.

The CRS must be properly placed and installed in the rear seat. You must use a commercially available CRS that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

A CRS is generally designed to be secured in a vehicle seat by the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt, or by a LATCH system in the rear seats of the vehicle.

Child Restraint System (CRS)

Infants and younger children must be restrained in an appropriate rear-facing or forward-facing CRS that has first been properly secured to the rear seat of the vehicle. Read and comply with the instructions for installation and use provided by the manufacturer of the CRS.

Child Restraint System (CRS) Installation

An improperly secured CRS can increase the risk of serious injury or death in an accident. Always take the following precautions when using a CRS:

  • Always follow the CRS manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

  • Always properly restrain your child in the CRS.

  • If the vehicle head restraint prevents proper installation of a child seat (as described in the CRS manual), then readjust or entirely remove the head restraint from the seat.

  • Do not use an infant carrier or a child safety seat that “hooks” over a seatback, as it may not provide adequate protection in an accident.

  • A CRS in the center seating position may also contact or push up against the seat belt buckles, which can damage the buckles and make them unusable or unsafe. Always check that the CRS does not contact any of the seat belt buckles. Check the placement of the CRS regularly to make sure that it has not shifted and come into contact with any of the seat belt buckles.

WARNING

After an accident, have a Kia dealer check the CRS, seat belts, tether anchors, and lower anchors.