Protecting Infants and Small Children
Protecting Small Children
Child Seat Type
A child who is at least 1 year old, and
who fits within the child seat maker's
weight and height limits, should be
restrained in a forward-facing,
upright child seat.
Of the different seats available, we
recommend those that have a five-
point harness system as shown.
44
We also recommend that a small
child use the child seat as long as
possible, until the child reaches the
weight or height limit for the seat.
Child Seat Placement
We strongly recommend placing a
forward-facing child seat in a back
seat, not the front.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger's airbag can be
If the vehicle seat is too
hazardous.
far forward, or the child's head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating airbag can strike the child
with enough force to cause very
serious or fatal injuries.
Even with advanced front airbags,
which can automatically turn the
passenger's front airbag off (see
page
35
), a back seat is the safest
place for a small child.