Virginia’s Child Restraint Device Law (Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2) The major requirements of Virginia's Child Restraint Device Law:
Effective July 1, 2007: Child restraint devices are required for children through the age of seven (until 8th birthday). Child restraint devices must be properly used and meet standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation. Effective July 1, 2007: Rear-facing child restraint devices must be placed in the back seat of a vehicle. In the event the vehicle does not have a back seat, the child restraint device may be placed in the front passenger seat only if the vehicle is either not equipped with a passenger side airbag or the passenger side airbag has been deactivated. Effective July 1, 2007: Children can no longer ride unrestrained in the rear cargo area of vehicles.
The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters, friends) who provides transportation for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968.
Public transportation (taxis, buses), regulation school buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.
The child restraint device law is primary enforcement -- no other violation need be committed prior to ticketing for failure to have a child in an approved seat.
A $50 civil penalty fine is imposed for failure to transport a child in a child restraint device. A $20 civil penalty fine is assessed when persons transporting a child exempted from this law due to medical reasons do not carry a written statement of the exemption. All fines collected go into a special fund to purchase safety seats for low-income families.
There are assistance programs for low-income residents who cannot afford a safety seat. Contact Virginia Department of Health, Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at 1-800-732-8333 for more information.
Virginia’s Passenger Safety Belt Law (Code of Virginia Article 12 - Section 46.2) The major requirements of Virginia's Child Safety Belt Law:
Effective July 1, 2007: Children age 8 through age 15 (until age 16) must be belted correctly in vehicle safety belts in vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968. Exemptions are taxicabs, school buses, executive sedans and limousines.
This safety belt law is primary enforcement -- no other violation need be committed prior to ticketing for failure to have a child correctly buckled up.
A $50 civil penalty fine will be imposed. All fines collected go into a special fund to purchase safety seats for low-income families.
Virginia’s Pickup Truck Law (Code of Virginia Section 46.2 - 1094) The major requirements of Virginia’s Pickup Truck Law:
No child under the age of 16 shall be transported in the rear cargo area of a pickup truck. exemptions for certain parades and farming operations. For more information, contact: Division of Injury and Violence Prevention Virginia Department of Health th 109 Governor Street, 8 Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 1-800-732-8333
There are
5/07
Are You Using It Right, DOT HS 809 245
Page 1 of 1
General Child Seat Use Information Children ages 12 and under are safest when properly buckled in the rear seat. Always refer to the child seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and installation instructions.
Age/Weight
Seat Type/Seat Position
Usage Tips
Infants Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs. Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs. Children may remain in their rear-facing seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the height or weight requirements.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Never use in a front seat where Convertible Seat/used rearan air bag is present. facing Tightly install child seat in Convertible Seat/used rearrear seat, facing the rear. facing (select one recommended for heavier infants) Child seat should recline at approximately a Seats should be secured to the 45 degree angle. vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Preschoolers/Toddlers 1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs.
Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or Combination Seat with Harness.
Children may remain in their forwardfacing seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the height or weight requirements.
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Young Children 4 to at least8 years/unless they are 4’9”(57”) tall.
Belt-Positioning Booster No back or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. NEVER use with lap-only belts— belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap and shoulder belts.
Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area— not across the stomach.
Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to fill out the registration card that comes with new child seats. back
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http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/AreYouUsing/pages/GeneralCSSUse.htm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Page 1 of 7
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings (to print page use landscape mode)
data last updated 03/26/2007
NHTSA began rating child restraint systems, which include booster seats, in 2002 -- using a grading system of "A," "B," or "C" to denote how easy certain features are to use on safety seats. For 2007, NHTSA rated 101 child safety seats from 19 different manufacturers for 2007. Of the 101 seats rated, 81 percent received an overall score of “A.” In 2006, 85 percent of rated seats received an overall score of “A.” NHTSA's Ease of Use Ratings program strives to prompt child restraint system (CRS) manufacturers to improve their products and make them easier for consumers to use. Highlights from the 2007 ratings of selected safety seats are as follows: z
z
z
A total of 165 ratings were awarded in 2007, covering all the multiple use modes for convertible and combination seats available in the 101 safety seats selected. This was an increase from 2006, where 99 seats were selected with a total of 160 individual ratings. The 2007 ratings are estimated to cover over 95 percent of safety seats currently available to consumers. In order for a seat to qualify for an overall "A," it must receive an "A" rating in every possible mode. Out of the 101 seats rated, 82 received an "A" overall, 8 received a "B" overall, and 11 had mixed scores of either an "A" or "B" for each of its modes. As in 2006, there were no safety seats that received an overall "C" rating; however, there were several "C" scores in some individual categories.
In addition to the overall rating, NHTSA also uses the letter grading system to denote how well the child safety seats perform in five individual categories: z z z z z
Whether the seat is pre-assembled or requires assembly after purchase. Clarity of the labeling attached to the seat. Clarity of written instructions regarding the seat’s proper use. Ease of securing a child in the seat. Whether the seat has features that make it easier to install in a vehicle.
Remember, the best child safety seat is the one that fits your child properly, is easy to use, and fits in your vehicle correctly. The best way to ensure a proper fit in your vehicle is to try installing the child seat before purchasing. Be certain you've installed your child safety or booster seat correctly by having it checked at a child safety seat inspection station or by a certified child passenger safety technician. To find one near you, visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CPSFitting or www.seatcheck.org. You can also call 1-888-DASH-2-DOT or 1-866SEATCHECK. For questions and answers about NHTSA’s Ease of Use Ratings program click here. For additional information on child restraint systems click here. For guidelines in using Ease of Use ratings in advertising and communications click here. Infant
Convertible
Forward Facing
Combination
Booster
Infant seats Manufacturer Model Number and and Model Date of Manufacture Name AngelGuard A02403FOF (04-28AngelRide 2006) Baby Trend 6311 (01-07-2007) Flex-Loc Baby Trend 6078 (05-14-2003) Latch Loc Britax E9L2030 (07-28-2004) Companion Chicco 04 060414 860 070 (02KeyFit 01-2006) Combi 807460 (10-20-2005) Centre DX Combi 8065 (10-16-2005) Centre ST Combi 8040 (07-27-2005) Connection Compass I400-CLP (03-17-2005) I400 Eddie Bauer 22-627-BYT (12-22Infant Car Seat 2006) Evenflo 25803612 (02-14-2006) Discovery Evenflo 3171076 (08-22-2006) Embrace
Overall Evaluation Securing Ease of Harness Weight/Height Evaluation of Installing the Use Assembly of Labels Instructions Features Child Type Range Rating 3-pt up to 9lbs/up to A A A A A A 20" 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 5-pt 3-pt 5-pt
5-22lbs/up to 28.5" 5-22 lbs
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
4-22lbs/up to 30" 4-22lbs/up to 30"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-22lbs/up to 29" 5-22lbs/up to 29" up to 22 lbs/up to 29" 4-22lbs/up to 30" 5-22lbs/19"29"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
5-22lbs/19"29" 5-22lbs/19"26"
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Graco Infant SafeSeat Graco Infant SafeSeat Graco Infant SafeSeat Graco SnugRide 3-pt Graco Snugride 5-pt (A-Lok) Graco SnugRide 5-pt (rear-adjust) Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP Safety 1st Starter DX
8A00RNS (12-07-2005)
5-30lbs/up to 32"
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-30lbs/up to 32"
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-30lbs/up to 32"
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
up to 20lbs/up to 26"
A
A
A
A
B
A
IMCC00US35CR13GT34 5-pt (01-19-2007)
5-22lbs/up to 30"
A
A
B
A
A
A
22-315-SHA (02-082007)
5-22lbs/19"29"
A
A
A
A
B
A
8A03QST (12-07-2005)
8A06LEG (12-07-2005)
5-pt
Page 2 of 7
5-pt
5-pt
8642SFT (02-02-2005)
3-pt
8649LOT2 (02-17-2006)
5-pt
8643DOH (02-09-2005)
Convertible seats
5-pt
5pt
up to 20lbs/up to 26" 5-22lbs/up to 29"
FF: Forward Facing, RF: Rear Facing
Manufacturer and Model Name Britax Boulevard (FF)
Model Number Harness Weight/Height Evaluation and Date of Assembly of Labels Type Range Manufacture E9L5709 (095-pt up to 65lbs/up to 27-2005) 49" A B
Britax Boulevard (RF)
E9L5709 (0927-2005)
5-pt
Britax Decathlon (FF)
E9L4741 (0302-2005)
5-pt
Britax Decathlon (RF)
E9L4741 (0302-2005)
5-pt
Britax Marathon (FF)
E9L0642 (0130-2004)
5-pt
Britax Marathon (RF)
E9L0642 (0130-2004)
5-pt
Britax Roundabout (FF) Britax Roundabout (RF) Cosco Scenera (FF)
E9L0216 (0301-2005)
5-pt
E9L0216 (0301-2005)
5-pt
22-145-BVL (02-12-2007)
OHS
Cosco Scenera (RF)
22-145-BVL (02-12-2007)
OHS
Cosco Scenera DX (FF) Cosco Scenera DX (RF) Evenflo Titan (FF)
22-121-KCD (01-18-2006)
5-pt
22-121-KCD (01-18-2006)
5-pt
3671661 (0124-2006)
5-pt
Evenflo Titan (RF)
3671661 (0124-2006)
5-pt
Evenflo Tribute (FF)
3781688 (1020-2006)
OHS
Evenflo Tribute (RF)
3781688 (1020-2006)
OHS
Evenflo Tribute 5 (FF)
3791582 (0220-2007)
5-pt
Evenflo Tribute 5 (RF)
3791582 (0220-2007)
5-pt
Evenflo Triumph (FF)
3591331 (0130-2007)
5-pt
Evaluation of Instructions
Installing Features
Securing the Child
Overall Ease of Use Rating
A
A
A
A
5-60lbs/up to 49"
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
C
B
A
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
B
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
30-40lbs/up to 40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
5-30lbs/min. of 19"
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/19"40"
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/up to 40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
5-30 lbs-19"-top of crs
A
A
A
B
B
A
20-40 lbs/up to 40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
up to 65lbs/up to 49" 5-33lbs/up to 49"
no min-65 lbs/ 18"to 49" 5-33 lbs/18-49"
up to 40lbs/up to 40" 5-33lbs
22-40lbs/34"-43"
5-35lbs/19"-36"
22-40lbs/34"-42"
5-35lbs/19"-36"
5-30 lbs-19"-40"
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Evenflo Triumph (RF)
3591331 (0130-2007)
5-pt
Evenflo Triumph DLX (FF) Evenflo Triumph DLX (RF) Evenflo Triumph LX (FF) Evenflo Triumph LX (RF) Fisher Price Safe Voyage (FF) Fisher Price Safe Voyage (RF) Graco Comfort Sport (FF) Graco Comfort Sport (RF) Safety 1st Uptown (FF)
3941739 (1116-2006)
5-pt
3941739 (1116-2006)
5-pt
3891748 (1023-2006)
5-pt
3891748 (1023-2006)
5pt
EF20B1A (1120-2006)
5-pt
EF20B1A (1120-2006)
5-pt
8635BLD (1115-2005)
5-pt
8635BLD (1115-2005)
5-pt
22-475-BVL (12-07-2006)
5-pt
Safety 1st Uptown (RF)
22-475-BVL (12-07-2006)
5-pt
Sunshine Kids Radian 65 (FF)
C16500 (10-262007)
5-pt
Sunshine Kids Radian 65 (RF)
C16500 (10-262007)
5-pt
Sunshine Kids Radian 80 (FF) Sunshine Kids Radian 80 (RF)
C16500
5-pt
C16500 (10-062006)
5-pt
Triple Play Sit 'N Stroll (FF) Triple Play Sit 'N Stroll (RF)
4001 (06-072005)
5-pt
4001 (06-072005)
5-pt
Page 3 of 7
5-30 lbs-19"-top of crs
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/up to 40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-30 lbs-19"-top of crs
A
A
A
B
A
A
20-40 lbs/up to 40"
A
B
A
B
A
A
5-30 lbs-19"-top of crs
B
A
A
B
A
B
20-55lbs/up to 49"
B
A
A
A
A
A
C
B
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
B
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
A
B
A
B
B
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
A
B
20-40lbs/up to 40"
A
A
B
A
A
A
5-20lbs/18" to 40"
A
A
B
A
A
A
Securing the Child
Overall Ease of Use Rating
A
A
5-33lbs/up to 1" under top of CRS 22-40lbs/up to 40" 5-35lbs
22-42lbs/34"-43"
5-35lbs/19"-36"
22-65lbs/up to 49" 5-33lbs/up to 49"
up to 80lbs/up to 49" 5-33lbs/up to 49"
Forward Facing seats Manufacturer and Model Name Britax Regent
Model Number Harness Weight/Height Evaluation Evaluation of Installing and Date of Assembly of Labels Instructions Features Type Range Manufacture E9L39C5 (015-pt 22-80lbs/up to 05-2006) 53" A A A A
Graco Toddler SafeSeat (8B00BLI) Graco Toddler SafeSeat (8B02BAI) Safeguard Child Seat
8B00BLI (0331-2006)
5-pt
8B02BAI (0222-2006)
5-pt
F17560 (10-202005)
5-pt
Safety 1st Tote 'N Go
22-909-JRM (12-18-2004)
5-pt
Combination seats
20-40lbs/up to 43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-65lbs/up to 57"
A
A
A
A
A
A
25-40lbs/32"40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
20-40lbs/up to 43"
FF: Forward Facing, RF: Rear Facing, B: Booster
Manufacturer and Model Name Cosco Alpha Omega (B)
Model Evaluation Securing Number and Harness Weight/Height Evaluation of Installing the Date of Assembly of Labels Instructions Features Child Type Range Manufacture 22-151-BLA Highback 40-80lbs/43" to (11-14-2005) 52" B A A A C
Cosco
22-151-BLA
5-pt
Overall Ease of Use Rating
A
22-40lbs/34" to
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Alpha Omega (FF)
(11-14-2005)
43"
Cosco Alpha Omega (RF)
22-151-BLA (11-14-2005)
5-pt
Cosco Alpha Omega Elite (B) Cosco Alpha Omega Elite (FF) Cosco Alpha Omega Elite (RF) Cosco Alpha Sport 3-in-1 (B) Cosco Alpha Sport 3-in-1 (FF) Cosco Alpha Sport 3-in-1 (RF) Cosco Eddie Bauer Adjustable HB Booster (B) Cosco Eddie Bauer Adjustable HB Booster (FF) Cosco Highback Booster (B)
22-158-BBL (02-14-2007)
Page 4 of 7
A
A
A
A
A
A
5-35lbs/19" to 36"
B
A
A
B
A
A
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-158-BBL (02-14-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
B
A
A
A
A
22-158-BBL (02-14-2007)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
B
B
22-458-NYC (12-01-2006)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-458-NYC (12-01-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
B
A
A
B
A
22-458-NYC (12-01-2006)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
B
B
22-880-HPN (01-04-2006)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"48"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-880-HPN (01-04-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
B
A
A
A
B
A
22-206-GTH (12-15-2006)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Cosco Highback Booster (FF) Cosco Summit(B)
22-206-GTH (12-15-2006)
5pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
B
A
A
B
A
22-262-ASP (12-19-2006)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Cosco Summit(FF)
22-262-ASP (12-19-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Cosco Ventura (B)
22-248-BVL (11-30-2006)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Cosco Ventura (FF)
22-248-BVL (11-30-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Eddie Bauer Comfort HB Booster (B) Eddie Bauer Comfort HB Booster (FF) Eddie Bauer Comfort High Back Booster (B) Eddie Bauer Comfort High Back Booster (FF) Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible (B) Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible (FF) Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible (RF) Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible 3in-1 (B) Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible 3in-1 (FF) Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible 3in-1 (RF) Eddie Bauer Deluxe HB Booster (B) Eddie Bauer Deluxe HB Booster (FF) Eddie Bauer Deluxe High Back
22-868-LRS (02-07-2007)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
22-868-LRS (02-07-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-863-BGL (02-05-2005)
High Back
30-100lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
B
A
22-863-BGL (02-05-2005)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
22-741-WNW (01-29-2007)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-741-WNW (01-29-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
22-741-WNW (01-29-2007)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
A
B
22-758-BYT (01-26-2007)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
C
A
22-758-BYT (01-26-2007)
5 pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-758-BYT (01-26-2007)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
A
B
A
B
A
A
22-865-LAT (12-11-2006)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-865-LAT (12-11-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-862-AFD (10-24-2004)
High Back
30-100lbs/29"52"
B
A
A
A
n/a
A
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Booster (B) Eddie Bauer Deluxe High Back Booster (FF) Eddie Bauer High Back Booster (B) Eddie Bauer High Back Booster (FF) Evenflo Bolero (B)
22-862-AFD (10-24-2004)
5-pt
22-859-AFD (12-27-2004)
Page 5 of 7
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
B
A
A
A
A
High Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
B
A
22-859-AFD (12-27-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
A
A
A
B
A
3831598 (0119-2006)
Highback 30-100lbs/37" to 57"
A
A
A
A
C
A
Evenflo Bolero (FF)
3831598 (0119-2006)
5-pt
A
A
A
A
B
A
Evenflo Express/Chase/Chase LX/Chase DLX/Traditions (B) Evenflo Express/Chase/Chase LX/Chase DLX/Traditions (FF) Evenflo Generations (B)
3261692 (1211-2006)
High Back
30-100lbs/37"54"
B
A
A
A
B
A
3261692 (1211-2006)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"43"
B
B
B
A
B
B
3521746 (1005-2006)
High Back
30-100lbs/37"57"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Evenflo Generations (FF)
3521746 (1005-2006)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"43"
A
A
B
A
B
A
Graco CarGo (B)
8690CNN (02- Highback 30-100lbs/35" 21-2006) to 54"
A
A
A
C
C
A
Graco CarGo (FF)
8690CNN (02- 5-pt 21-2006)
20-40lbs/27" to 43"
A
A
A
B
B
A
Graco Platinum Cargo (B)
8689HOU (01- High 26-2005) Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Graco Platinum Cargo (FF)
8689HOU (01- 5-pt 26-2005)
20-40lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Graco Treasured Cargo (B)
8486HMP (01- High 09-2004) Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
C
B
A
Graco Treasured Cargo (FF)
8486HMP (01- 5-pt 09-2004)
20-40lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Graco Ultra Cargo (B)
8487AIS (0309-2004)
High Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
C
B
A
Graco Ultra Cargo (B)
8487TEC (0304-2004)
High Back
30-100lbs/35"54"
A
A
A
C
B
A
Graco Ultra Cargo (FF)
8487AIS (0309-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Graco Ultra Cargo (FF)
8487TEC (0304-2004)
5-pt
20-40 lbs/27"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Recaro Young Sport (B)
500001778 (01-14-2006)
High Back
30-80lbs/37"59"
C
B
B
A
C
B
Recaro Young Sport (FF)
500001778 (01-14-2006)
5-pt
18-40lbs/27"40"
B
C
B
B
A
B
Safeguard GO (B)
F17920 (1201-2006)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"57"
A
A
A
B
C
A
Safeguard GO (FF)
F17920 (1201-2006)
5-pt
30-60lbs/34"52"
A
B
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st Alpha Omega All-InOne (B) Safety 1st Alpha Omega All-InOne (FF) Safety 1st Alpha Omega All-InOne (RF) Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3 Phase (B) Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3 Phase (FF)
22-152-BVL (02-15-2007)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
22-152-BVL (02-15-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
22-152-BVL (02-15-2007)
5pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
B
A
B
A
A
22-452-RBY (12-29-2005)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"53"
B
A
A
A
B
A
22-452-RBY (12-29-2005)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
20-40lbs/29" to 43"
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3 Phase (RF) Safety 1st Apex 65 (B)
22-452-RBY (12-29-2005)
5-pt
22-535-CDE (01-11-2007)
Safety 1st Apex 65 (FF)
Page 6 of 7
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
A
A
B
A
A
High Back
40-100lbs/43"57"
B
A
A
n/a
C
A
22-535-CDE (01-11-2007)
5-pt
22-65lbs/34"52"
A
B
A
A
B
B
Safety 1st Enspira (B)
22-450-WFD (09-01-2004)
High Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st Enspira (FF)
22-450-WFD (09-01-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
B
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st Enspira (RF)
22-450-WFD (09-01-2004)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st Enspira Versa-Fit (B)
22-481-WAL (01-19-2006)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st 22-481-WAL Enspira Versa-Fit (FF) (01-19-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st Enspira Versa-Fit (RF) Safety 1st Intera (B)
22-481-WAL (01-19-2006)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
B
A
A
B
B
B
22-460-BDF (08-18-2004)
No Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
B
A
A
n/a
B
A
Safety 1st Intera (B)
22-460-BDF (08-18-2004)
High Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
B
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st Intera (FF)
22-460-BDF (08-18-2004)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st Intera (RF)
22-460-BDF (08-18-2004)
5-pt
5-35lbs/19"36"
A
A
A
B
A
A
Safety 1st Prospect (B)
22-580-WAL (01-26-2006)
Highback 40-100lbs/48"57"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st Prospect (FF)
22-580-WAL (01-26-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st Summit Deluxe (B)
22-565-WAL (02-07-2007)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st Summit Deluxe (FF)
22-565-WAL (02-07-2007)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st Surveyor (B)
22-562-RSH (01-26-2006)
High Back
40-100lbs/43"52"
B
A
A
A
C
A
Safety 1st Surveyor (FF)
22-562-RSH (01-26-2006)
5-pt
22-40lbs/34"43"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Safety 1st Vantage Point (B)
22-561-WAL (02-02-2005)
High Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
B
A
A
A
B
A
Safety 1st Vantage Point (FF)
22-561-WAL (02-02-2005)
5-pt
20-40lbs/29"40"
A
A
A
A
A
A
Booster seats Manufacturer and Model Name Britax Monarch Britax Parkway
Model Number Harness and Date of Type Manufacture E9053E9 (10High 17-2006) Back/No Back E904157 (01-10- High 2005) Back
Combi Dakota
8820 (08-092005)
No Back
Combi Kobuk
8970 (05-272005)
Compass B500 Compass
Weight/Height Evaluation Assembly of Labels Range min 40lbs/38"60" A B
Evaluation of Instructions
Installing Features
Securing the Child
Overall Ease of Use Rating
B
A
B
B
30-100lbs/38"60"
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
33-100lbs/33"57"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
33-100lbs/33"57"
A
B
A
A
B
A
B500 (10-282004)
High Back/No Back High Back
30-100lbs/38"57"
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
B510 (07-04-
High
30-100lbs/38"-
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
B510
2006)
Back
57"
Cosco Ambassador
22-296-WAL (01-28-2005)
No Back
Cosco Complete Voyager Cosco High Rise
22-210-WAL (11-26-2005) 22-299-NAN (01-23-2005)
Cosco Protek
Page 7 of 7
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
30-100lbs/29"57"
A
A
A
n/a
n/a
A
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
No Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
A
A
A
n/a
n/a
A
22-291-VIN (09- High 28-2004) Back
30-100lbs/29"57"
B
A
A
A
B
A
Cosco Select Ride
22-212-FMN (01-27-2006)
High Back
40-80lbs/43"52"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
Cosco Traveler
22-270-CBA (01-04-2005)
High Back
30-80lbs/29"52"
A
A
A
A
n/a
A
Evenflo Big Kid
3371751 (10-22- No Back 2006)
40-100lbs/40"57"
B
A
B
B
n/a
A
Evenflo Big Kid
3371751 (10-22- High 2006) Back/No Back 2791615L2 (12- No Back 28-2006)
30-100lbs/38"57"
B
A
B
A
B
A
40-100lbs/up to 57"
B
A
B
B
n/a
B
Fisher Price Safe Voyage Booster Graco My Cargo
EF35B2A (0328-2006)
High Back/No Back High Back
39"-57"
C
A
A
A
B
B
30-100lbs/ 35"54"
A
A
A
C
n/a
A
Graco TurboBooster
8491CKT (0609-2005)
No Back
40-100lbs/40"57"
B
A
A
B
n/a
A
Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat Jane' Indy Plus
8673FIC (10-28- High 2005) Back
40-100lbs/40"57"
B
A
A
B
n/a
A
4534 (04-012006)
High Back
30-80lbs
A
B
C
A
n/a
B
LaRoche Bros. Grizzly Bear LaRoche Bros. Teddy Bear Recaro Start
1/GB2 2004
30-100lbs/33"-
A
C
C
A
n/a
B
30-80 lbs/33"-
A
C
C
A
n/a
B
321.00.0614 (10-28-2003)
High Back High Back High Back
30-80 lbs/37"59"
A
B
B
A
n/a
A
Recaro Young Style
350.00.MM44 (10-04-2005)
High Back
30-80lbs/up to 59"
A
B
A
A
n/a
A
Safety 1st Prospect
22-595-WAL (01-15-2007)
No Back
40-100lbs/43"57"
B
A
A
n/a
n/a
A
Evenflo Big Kid
8481CHL (0213-2004)
1 1998
http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm
10/23/2007
Child Passenger Safety A P arent ’ s pri m er
When you’re an expectant mother, it’s important to always wear your seat belt to protect you and your unborn child. Wear the lap belt across your hips and below your belly with the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts). Once your baby is born, follow these important safety steps.
Growing Up Safe: It’s a four-step process. As children grow, how they sit in your car, truck or SUV should change. Save your child from injury or death by observing all four steps:
For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds.
REAR-FACING SEATS
FORWARDFACING SEATS
When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).
BOOSTER SEATS
Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall).
When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).
sEAT beltS
Get Help!
On the web Go to www.nhtsa.gov and choose Child Safety Seat Information from the menu or click on the child passenger safety icon. The site includes child safety seat installation tips, product ratings, recalls, and other useful information. BY PHONE For more information about child safety seats, booster seats, inspection/fitting stations in your area, seat belts, air bags, and
other highway safety issues, call the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236. NEAR YOU A certified child passenger safety technician can check your installation and answer questions. To find a technician or an inspection station near you, go to www.nhtsa.gov, click on the child passenger safety icon, and then click on the Fitting/ Inspection Station link or go to www.seatcheck.org.
REMEMBER: All children under 13 should ride in the back seat. Always read the child restraint instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual.
DOT HS 809 245 (revised) March 2005
This booklet may be copied, printed or reproduced without modification for non-commercial distribution.
ARE YOU USING IT RIGHT?
Four out of five of these children are incorrectly buckled. Do you know which one is correct?
General Child Seat Use Information
the big Picture
Children ages 12 and under are safest when properly buckled in the rear seat.
(Front Cover)
With the wide variety of child restraint systems, belt
Which child is buckled correctly?
systems and passenger vehicles, correctly install-
If you guessed the one in the middle, then you’re right. The harness straps are flat, snug and in position, and the chest clip is at the proper mid-chest, armpit level. The other photos illustrate some common mistakes that compromise protection and result in almost 80% of children being improperly restrained.
Age/Weight
ing a child restraint system can be challenging. This booklet is designed to help you identify and learn how to correct common mistakes when install-
■ Upper left: The child is too small to be in a vehicle lap/ shoulder belt. The shoulder belt is under the child’s arm, and the lap belt is resting on the child’s abdomen.
ing a child restraint and securing your child in the
■ Upper right: Harness straps are too high, loose and the chest clip is too low.
prove overall protection for your child. Always read
■ Bottom right: Harness straps are loose and twisted and the chest clip is disconnected.
child restraint and vehicle manufacturers’ instruc-
■ Bottom left: Although the lap belt is positioned correctly, the vehicle shoulder belt is under the child’s arm.
Always refer to the child seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and installation instructions.
restraint. Making the right connections will help im-
Harness Slots (3 sets)
Usage Tips
INFANTS Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing
Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs.
Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants)
Children may remain in their rear-facing seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the height or weight requirements.
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS/TODDLERS
tions for proper use and installation information.
Air Bag Warning Label
Seat Type/Seat Position
1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs. Children may remain in their forward-facing seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the height or weight requirements.
Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or Combination Seat with Harness.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Harness Chest Clip 5 Pt. Harness System (contacting child at shoulders, hips and groin) Harness Release Button (red) Belt Path (not pictured) See page 6 for an illustration.
Harness Release Mechanism Pull Strap To Tighten Harness
YOUNG CHILDREN 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9” (57”) tall.
Belt-Positioning Booster No back or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. NEVER use with lap-only belts— belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap and shoulder belts.
Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.
Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to fill out the registration card that comes with new child seats.
Air Bags
.................... Take a back seat to air bags
An infant in a rear-facing child restraint should NEVER be positioned in the path of a frontal air bag.
■ Child should be in the back seat. Infant seat is in the air bag deployment zone.
NO!
Air Deploy Bag ment Z one
air bag deployment zone
1
the danger zone
■ Rear-facing child is positioned in front of the passenger air bag deployment zone. ■ Seat is resting on the dash/air bag.
I
■ Child is also incorrectly secured: Harness chest clip is too low (should be at armpit level).
N
Harness straps are positioned too high (should be at, or below, infant’s shoulders).
C o
NO!
R R E C
Air bags can cause serious injury or death to children, especially infants in rearfacing child seats.
T
Rear-Facing Infant Seats
.................... well-connected ■ Harness chest clip is correctly positioned at the child’s mid-chest or armpit level.
2
■ Harness straps are snug and straight. ■ Rear-facing harness straps should be positioned at, or slightly below, the child’s shoulders.
A harness chest clip should be positioned at the child’s mid-chest or armpit level. This keeps the shoulder straps in the correct position. the right angle
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
■ Used with a detachable base, this rear-facing infant seat is positioned at approximately a 45-degree angle (check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct angle).
Children are safest when properly restrained in the back seat.
.................... too Upright Is Wrong ■ An infant seat sitting too upright can cause a child’s head to drop forward, cutting off his/her airway.
Don’t Let The Clip Slip ■ After-market products have forced the chest clip to ride too low on the child’s abdomen.
NO!
3
NO!
I
NO!
O R
■ Chest clip is not fastened.
NO!
R E
■ Children should never be wrapped up in a blanket, thick coat or other bulky garments before being strapped into a restraint system. Instead, place blankets over the internal harness straps.
C
■ Twisted, loose harness straps compromise protection.
Take The Wraps Off
N
Resist The Twist
C T
Rear-Facing Infant Seats
.................... Well-Covered
In Position ■ Blanket is correctly placed over both the internal harness straps and the child.
4
continued
■ Harness straps and chest clip are correctly positioned. ■ Blanket covering child is correctly positioned.
A blanket should never be placed between the child and the harness straps, or underneath or behind the child.
■ Rolled towels are placed on both sides of the child for proper position.
Close The Gap
■ A rolled towel or foam noodle at the crack of the vehicle seat helps position the infant seat at the correct 45-degree angle (check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct angle).
■ A washcloth helps fill the space between the restraint buckle and the child’s groin area. ■ Harness straps are snug and straight.
R
R
E
C
T
On A Roll
C
O
Wash cloth rolled towel
.................... Don’t compromise on size
NO!
■ The seat is too small for the child. His head is at the top of the seat. Use a convertible seat that can be used rear-facing to 30-35 lbs.
5
■ Chest clip is positioned too low. (Should be at armpit level).
I N
Rear-facing infant seats should NEVER be placed in a forward-facing position. Babies should ride rear-facing until at least one year of age and at least 20 pounds.
C
NO!
O
avoid making a wrong turn ■ Rear-facing infant seat is incorrectly placed in a forward-facing position.
R
■ Safety belt is loose and placed through the incorrect belt path.
R E
■ Harness straps are loose.
C T
■ Carrying handle is in the upright position. For most child seats, handle should be in the down position.
Rear-Facing Convertible Seats
.................... Below the Shoulders ■ Harness straps on rear-facing seats should be positioned at, or slightly below, the child’s shoulders.
6
■ Harness chest clip is in the correct location. ■ Harness straps are snug and straight.
E
■ Child restraint is positioned at approximately a 45-degree angle (check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct angle).
C
O
R
The Right Angle
R
C
T
For a snug fit, adjust harness straps so they lie in a straight line without sagging. Place the chest clip at the armpit level.
■ Harness straps and chest clip are correctly positioned on the child’s body. ■ Child seat is secured using the correct belt path.
.................... oversized seats minimize safety ■ Infant is much too small for the convertible seat. Her head is in front of the shield.
Don’t Take The Wrong Path ■ Safety belt system is placed through the incorrect belt path.
7
NO!
NO!
incorrect
correct
I avoid the upright position
N
Straps That ARe Loose Limit Use
C E C T
■ Child is too small for the restraint.
R
■ Harness straps are not touching the child’s shoulders.
NO!
R
■ Chest clip is positioned too low. It should be at armpit level.
NO!
■ Restraint is positioned at the incorrect angle causing the infant to sit too upright. This could cause an infant to drop his/her head, cutting off the airway.
O
■ Harness straps are loose, twisted and positioned too high above the infant’s shoulders. Straps must be snug, lie flat and be at, or slightly below, the infant’s shoulders.
Forward-Facing Convertible Seats
.................... over and Above ■ Harness straps on forward-facing restraints should be positioned at, or slightly above, the child’s shoulders.
8
■ Harness straps are snug and straight.
Children should remain in a forward facing child restraint until they are approximately 40 pounds and 4 years of age.
■ Harness chest clip is positioned at the child’s mid-chest or armpit area.
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
Fit To A T-shield ■ T-shield is correctly positioned, and is resting snugly on the child’s thighs. ■ Harness straps are snug and straight and are at, or above, shoulder level. ■ Harness chest clip is positioned at the child’s midchest or armpit level.
shield of defense ■ Tray shield is correctly positioned on the child. ■ Harness straps are snug and straight and are at, or above, shoulder level.
.................... Take Up The slack
NO!
Tighten up the straps
■ Harness straps are loose and twisted.
■ Harness straps are loose.
NO!
■ Harness chest clip is too low and not connected.
■ Harness chest clip is too low.
9
I E C T
■ Safety belt system is placed through the incorrect belt path.
R
■ Chest clip is too low and not connected.
R
■ Harness straps are loose.
NO!
O
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine which harness slots should be used.
NO!
■ This infant should not be forward-facing. Children under one year and under 20 pounds should remain rear-facing.
C
■ Harness straps are not in use.
keep infants rear-facing
N
Stay Connected
Forward-Facing Seats
.................... the right combination
5-Point Harness
■ Combination seats convert from a 5-point harness system to a belt-positioning booster seat.
■ When a combination seat is used with a 5-point harness, the child seat must be secured to the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt system.
10
art to
■ At 40 pounds, harness straps should be removed and child should use the vehicle lap/shoulder belt.
■ This seat has a flap in the seat cover to make threading the safety belt through the child seat easier.
■ Some combination seats may be used without harness straps up to 60, 65, 70 or 80 pounds.
built-in protection
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
an overlapping option ■ This looks like a booster seat. But, it is a forward-facing restraint that can be used with either a lap or lap/shoulder belt combination on a child weighing 30–65 pounds. ■ No longer in production.
■ An integrated seat is a built-in option on some vehicles and is forward-facing only. ■ Integrated child restraints have a 5-point harness system. ■ Read the vehicle owner’s manual for weight limits.
.................... size up the situation NO!
■ Child has outgrown the internal harness system of the child restraint. The harness straps are below the child’s shoulders. ■ Internal harness system should be removed.
11
■ Child should use the seat as a belt-positioning booster with the vehicle lap/shoulder belt system.
KEEP STRAPS at or ABOVE THE SHOULDERS ■ Harness straps in a forward-facing restraint system should not be below the child’s shoulders.
I N R E C
■ Child is too small for the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. The child should ride in a child safety seat until 40 lbs., then use a belt positioning booster seat until at least 8 years old, unless the child is 4’9” tall.
R
■ The shoulder belt is behind the child and the lap belt is riding up on the child’s stomach. This can cause serious injury in a crash.
O
don’t move them out of a safety seat too soon
C
NO!
T
Belt-Positioning Booster Seats
.................... Raise them up
12
■ No-back booster is used to correctly position the child in a vehicle lap/shoulder belt. ■ Booster seat correctly positions the lap belt across the child’s upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest.
C
O
R
R
E
C
T
High-back and no-back booster seats are for children who have outgrown child safety seats, at 40 lbs, and are not large enough for the vehicle belt system. Children should use a belt positioning booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or 4’9” tall. Always use the lap/shoulder belt combination with a belt-positioning booster. Never use a lap belt only. a good fit ■ High-back booster is used to correctly position the vehicle lap/shoulder belt on the child; correctly positioning the lap belt across the child’s upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest. ■ A safety belt system may not fit properly on children who cannot sit all the way back against the vehicle seat with knees bent comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat.
.................... no-back booster NO!
high-back booster
■ Child is incorrectly positioned with a vehicle lap belt only and is at risk for serious abdominal, spinal and other injuries. ■ Always use the lap/ shoulder belt with a no-back, belt-positioning booster seat.
NO!
■ Child is incorrectly positioned with a vehicle lap belt only and is at risk for serious abdominal, spinal and other injuries.
13
■ Always use the lap/ shoulder belt with a high-back booster.
I N
No vehicle safety belt
C R R
■ Belt positioning booster seat must be used with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt.
NO!
O
■ Child does not have vehicle safety belt on.
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Safety Belt Systems
.................... maintain good posture ■ This lap/shoulder restraint system fits properly. The child’s back is straight and her knees are bent at the edge of the vehicle seat.
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The lap belt should fit snug and low over the upper thighs. If it rides up on the abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash. keep lap belt low on the upper thighS
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■ The lap belt is positioned securely on the child’s upper thighs.
Children should sit straight against the seat back. Shoulder belts should fit snugly across the chest.
.................... no belts behind the back
NO!
avoid add-on products
■ Shoulder belt is incorrectly positioned behind the child’s back. ■ Lap belt is too high on the child’s stomach.
Never allow a child to place a shoulder belt behind his/her back.
NO!
■ Add-on product has positioned the vehicle lap belt too high on the child’s abdomen. These types of products are not crashtested by NHTSA.
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■ Child should be in a belt-positioning booster seat.
I R R E C T
■ Lap belt is on the child’s abdomen, which can cause serious injury in a crash.
NO!
O
■ Child is too small to be in a vehicle lap/shoulder belt.
C
■ Running the shoulder belt under a child’s arm can cause life-threatening injuries in a crash.
N
A belt under the arm can cause harm
Things To Remember
.................... put your weight into it ■ Get a tight fit between the child restraint system and the vehicle seat. Put your weight into the child restraint system to compress the vehicle seat while tightening the safety belt as much as possible.
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special needs ■ Some children require special child restraints. Premature infants, children with respiratory difficulties, orthopedic challenges, and neurological and behavioral problems may require special child restraints.
lock it up
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stay informed ■ Information on using vehicle safety belts with child restraints may be obtained from the vehicle safety belt’s and the owner’s manual. ■ For proper installation, read both the vehicle owner’s manual and the child restraint instruction manual.
■ Newer safety belt systems have a built-in locking mechanism. ■ Some vehicle safety belt systems require additional hardware, such as a locking clip, to lock the child restraint during normal driving conditions. ■ Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine whether a locking clip is needed to secure the child safety seat.
Things To Avoid .......... The path of least resistance
■ Infant carriers are not designed to protect infants in a crash. They do not have a belt path or a label stating they meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
.......... the “child crusher” position ■ Child is unrestrained and should be in the child restraint in the back seat. No adult can safely transport a child on his/her lap.
NO!
NO!
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A lap-held, unrestrained child is in the “child crusher” position.
NO!
O R R E C
Always use the correct child restraint system. Never use pillows, books or towels to boost a child. Doing so can compromise your child’s safety.
C
NO!
■ A child should never be unrestrained in any vehicle seat, with or without an air bag system.
N
■ Hard toys and other objects can become dangerous projectiles during hard braking and crash situations. Use soft toys only.
A lack of restraint
I
avoid child’s play
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Warning Labels
.................... read the labels ■ Air bag warning label on the safety belt system.
■ Air bag warning label on child restraint system.
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heed the warning
Air bags have saved the lives of more than 6,500 people. However, they work best when everyone is buckled. Children under 12 are safest when properly restrained in the back seat.
stay advised ■ Air bag warning label on vehicle visor.
LATCH
.................... (lower anchors and tethers for children)
lower anchor attachment
upper tether attachment
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LATCH is required on most child safety seats and all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002.
A T T A C H M E N T S
latch child restraint attachment
Upper tether attachment improves protection by attaching the top of the child safety seat more securely to the vehicle. Older model vehicles may require special hardware installation. Lower attachments make installation easier by allowing the child restraint to be attached to the vehicle without using the vehicle’s belt system.
Compatibility Issues
.................... no middle seat
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■ Some vehicle seats do not have a middle position that can be used with a child restraint system.
contoured seat ■ Contours in vehicle seats can make it difficult to install a child restraint correctly.
V E H I C L E
S E A T S
■ Rear-facing convertible seat is too upright.
jumpseats ■ Child restraint system manufacturers prohibit the use of child restraints in sidefacing vehicle seats (jumpseats).
seat buckles ■ Buckles on extended webbing may make it difficult to properly install a child restraint system.
General Child Seat Use Information
the big Picture
Children ages 12 and under are safest when properly buckled in the rear seat.
(Front Cover)
With the wide variety of child restraint systems, belt
Which child is buckled correctly?
systems and passenger vehicles, correctly install-
If you guessed the one in the middle, then you’re right. The harness straps are flat, snug and in position, and the chest clip is at the proper mid-chest, armpit level. The other photos illustrate some common mistakes that compromise protection and result in almost 80% of children being improperly restrained.
Age/Weight
ing a child restraint system can be challenging. This booklet is designed to help you identify and learn how to correct common mistakes when install-
■ Upper left: The child is too small to be in a vehicle lap/ shoulder belt. The shoulder belt is under the child’s arm, and the lap belt is resting on the child’s abdomen.
ing a child restraint and securing your child in the
■ Upper right: Harness straps are too high, loose and the chest clip is too low.
prove overall protection for your child. Always read
■ Bottom right: Harness straps are loose and twisted and the chest clip is disconnected.
child restraint and vehicle manufacturers’ instruc-
■ Bottom left: Although the lap belt is positioned correctly, the vehicle shoulder belt is under the child’s arm.
Always refer to the child seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and installation instructions.
restraint. Making the right connections will help im-
Harness Slots (3 sets)
Usage Tips
INFANTS Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs.
Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing
Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs.
Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants)
Children may remain in their rear-facing seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the height or weight requirements.
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS/TODDLERS
tions for proper use and installation information.
Air Bag Warning Label
Seat Type/Seat Position
1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs. Children may remain in their forward-facing seats as long as they haven’t exceeded the height or weight requirements.
Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or Combination Seat with Harness.
Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Harness Chest Clip 5 Pt. Harness System (contacting child at shoulders, hips and groin) Harness Release Button (red) Belt Path (not pictured) See page 6 for an illustration.
Harness Release Mechanism Pull Strap To Tighten Harness
YOUNG CHILDREN 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9” (57”) tall.
Belt-Positioning Booster No back or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. NEVER use with lap-only belts— belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap and shoulder belts.
Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.
Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to fill out the registration card that comes with new child seats.
DOT HS 809 245 (revised) March 2005
This booklet may be copied, printed or reproduced without modification for non-commercial distribution.
ARE YOU USING IT RIGHT?
Four out of five of these children are incorrectly buckled. Do you know which one is correct?
