A rear-facing child restraint provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.
A forward-facing child restraint provides restraint for the child's body with the harness.
A belt-positioning booster seat is used for children who have outgrown their forward-facing child restraint. Boosters are designed to improve the fit of the vehicle seat belt system until the child is large enough for the seat belts to fit properly.
Some backless booster seats are not suitable for rear seats with oversized side bolsters, as they can push the booster forward from the seat back.
To use a backless booster:
If the booster does not meet the fit requirements, select another booster seat.
Child restraints must be secured using the vehicle seat belt or the LATCH system. Never use a seat belt extender or non-approved aftermarket anchors.
An unsecured child restraint can move during a crash and injure occupants. Always secure child restraints even when not in use.
Always follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
Children are safest when properly restrained in a rear seating position. Children aged 12 and under should ride in the rear seat whenever possible.
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat.
If a forward-facing child restraint must be installed in the front seat, move the seat as far back as possible. Rear seats are always preferred.
The LATCH system secures a child restraint using anchors built into the vehicle. Use either LATCH or the seat belt — never both for the same restraint.
Booster seats use seat belts unless the manufacturer recommends LATCH use.
A top tether must never be used alone. It must be used with either lower anchors or a seat belt.
Lower anchors are metal bars built into the vehicle for LATCH seating positions.
The top tether reduces forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during a crash. Some restraints require the tether to always be attached.
In Canada, forward-facing child restraints must have the top tether attached by law.
Installation steps:
Check installation by firmly pulling the restraint. Movement should not exceed 2.5 cm (1 in).
If LATCH is unavailable, use the vehicle seat belt according to the child restraint instructions. Follow all top tether requirements where applicable.
Basic steps:
