Suzuki XL7 Owner's Manual page 35

SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Question:
How Should I Use a Child Restraint?
Answer:
A child restraint system is any device
designed for use in a motor vehicle to
restrain, seat, or position children. A built-
in child restraint system is a permanent
part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child
restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle's owner. To help
reduce injuries, an add-on child restraint
must be secured in the vehicle. With built-
in or add-on child restraints, the child has
to be secured within the child restraint.
When choosing an add-on child restraint,
be sure the child restraint is designed to be
used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label
saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards. Then follow the instruc-
tions for the restraint. You may find these
instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both.
1-23
Securing an Add-on Child Restraint
in the Vehicle
WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child restraint
is not properly secured in the vehicle.
Make sure the child restraint is prop-
erly installed in the vehicle using the
vehicle's safety belt or LATCH sys-
tem, following the instructions that
came with that restraint, and also the
instructions in this manual.
To help reduce the chance of injury, the
child restraint must be secured in the vehi-
cle. Child restraint systems must be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the
lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by
the LATCH system. Refer to "Lower
Anchors and Tethers
(LATCH)" in this section for more informa-
tion. A child can be endangered in a crash
if the child restraint is not properly secured
in the vehicle.
When securing an add-on child restraint,
refer to the instructions that come with the
restraint which may be on the restraint
itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this
manual. The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not available,
obtain a replacement copy from the manu-
facturer.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child
restraint can move around in a collision or
sudden stop and injure people in the vehi-
cle. Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in your vehicle – even when no
child is in it.
Securing the Child Within the Child
Restraint
There are several systems for securing the
child within the child restraint. One system,
the three-point harness, has straps that
come down over each of the infant's shoul-
ders and buckle together at the crotch. The
five-point harness system has two shoul-
der straps, two hip straps, and a crotch
strap. A shield may take the place of hip
straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder
straps that are attached to a flat pad which
rests low against the child's body. A shelf-
or armrest-type shield has straps that are
for Children
attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that
swings up or to the side.
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly
restraint. Make sure the child is prop-
erly secured, following the instruc-
tions that came with that restraint.
Because there are different systems, it is
important to refer to the instructions that
come with the restraint. A child can be
WARNING
secured in the child