Ford 2001 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual page 140

Important child restraint
precautions
You are required by law to use
safety restraints for children in the
U.S. and Canada. If small children
ride in your vehicle (generally
children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 18 kg
[40 lbs] or less), you must put them
in safety seats made especially for
children. Check your local and state
or provincial laws for specific
requirements regarding the safety
of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a
child on his or her lap while
the vehicle is moving. The
passenger cannot protect the
child from injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and
warnings that come with any infant
or child restraint you might use.
Always transport children
12 years old and under in
the back seat and always use
appropriate child restraints.
Seating and safety restraints