Child Restraint
Categories of Child-Restraint Systems
Child-Restraint System Types
In this owner's manual, explanation of child-restraint systems secured with seat belts is provided for the following 3 types of popular child-restraint systems: baby seat, child seat, booster seat.
-
Installation position is determined by the type of child-restraint system. Always read the manufacturer's instructions and this owner's manual carefully.
-
Due to variations in the design of child-restraint systems, vehicle seats and seat belts, all child-restraint systems may not fit all seating positions. Before purchasing a child-restraint system, it should be tested in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where it is intended to be used. If a previously purchased child-restraint system does not fit, you may need to purchase a different one that will.
Baby seat
A baby seat provides restraint by bracing the baby's head, neck and back against the seating surface.
Child seat
A child seat restrains a child's body using the harness.
Booster seat
A booster seat is a child restraint accessory designed to improve the fit of the seat belt system around the child's body.
-
Full booster seat
-
Backless booster seat
When using a backless booster seat, always install the vehicle head restraint to the seat where the backless booster seat is installed.
(Australia)
Child-restraint systems for Australia must conform to Australian Standard AS 1754/91 or later.
(Other countries)
Please comply with the legal regulations concerning the use of child-restraint systems in your country.
Child Seat Installation Position
A child seat is used in front-facing and rear-facing positions depending on the age and size of the child. When installing, follow the manufacturer's instructions in accordance with the appropriate age and size of the child as well as the directions for installing the child-restraint system.
Rear-facing type
Never use a rear-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat protected by an air bag:
NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in front of it, DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD can occur.
The child-restraint system can be hit by the deploying air bag and knocked out of position. A child in the child-restraint system could be seriously injured or killed. If your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag deactivation switch, always set the switch to the OFF position if installing a rear-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat is unavoidable.
Front-facing type
Do not install a front-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat unless it is unavoidable:
In a collision, the force of a deploying air bag could cause serious injury or death to the child. If installing a front-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat is unavoidable, move the front passenger seat as far back as possible and adjust the seat bottom (height adjustable seat bottom) to the highest position at which the seat belt fastening the child-restraint system is securely tightened.
Make sure that the front passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the OFF position. Refer to Front Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch (Search).
Booster Seat Installation Position
A booster seat is used in the front-facing position only.
We recommend the use of the booster seat with backrest to allow simple adjustment of the shoulder belt position and to give your child the best protection.
Do not install a front-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat unless it is unavoidable:
In a collision, the force of a deploying air bag could cause serious injury or death to the child. If installing a front-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat is unavoidable, move the front passenger seat as far back as possible and adjust the seat bottom (height adjustable seat bottom) to the highest position at which the seat belt fastening the child-restraint system is securely tightened.
Make sure that the front passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the OFF position. Refer to Front Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch (Search).
Child-Restraint System Suitability for Various Seat Positions Table
Using Automatic Locking Mode
Follow these instructions when using the automatic locking mode for a child-restraint system.
-
Make sure the seatback is securely latched by pushing it back until it is fully locked.
-
Remove the head restraint. However, when installing a backless booster seat, always install the vehicle head restraint to the seat where the backless booster seat is installed.
Refer to Head Restraints (Search).
-
Secure the child-restraint system with the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt. See the manufacturer's instructions on the child-restraint system for belt routing instructions.
-
To get the retractor into the automatic locking mode, pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt until the entire length of the belt is out of the retractor.
-
Push the child-restraint system firmly into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt retracts as snugly as possible. A clicking noise from the retractor will be heard during retraction if the system is in the automatic locking mode. If the belt does not lock the seat down tight, repeat this step.
-
Inspect this function before each use of the child-restraint system. You should not be able to pull the shoulder belt out of the retractor while the system is in the automatic locking mode. When you remove the child-restraint system, be sure the belt fully retracts to return the system to emergency locking mode before occupants use the seat belts.
-
-
If your child-restraint system requires the use of a tether strap, refer to the manufacturer's instructions to hook and tighten the tether strap.
WARNING: child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts, harnesses or for attaching other items or equipment to the vehicle.
Always remove the head restraint and install child-restraint system (except when installing a backless booster seat):
Installing a child-restraint system without removing the head restraint is dangerous. The child-restraint system cannot be installed correctly which may result in death or injury to the child in a collision.
-
Tether strap
-
Anchor bracket
-
Forward
Always attach the tether strap to the correct tether anchor position:
Attaching the tether strap to the incorrect tether anchor position is dangerous. In a collision, the tether strap could come off and loosen the child-restraint system. If the child-restraint system moves it could result in death or injury to the child.
Always install the head restraint and adjust it to the appropriate position after removing the child-restraint system:
Driving with the head restraint removed is dangerous as impact to the occupant's head cannot be prevented during emergency braking or in a collision, which could result in a serious accident, injury or death.
Refer to Head Restraints (Search).
Using ISOFIX Anchor
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use of the child-restraint system:
An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make sure any child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure the child-restraint system is properly secured:
A child-restraint system that is not secured is dangerous. In a sudden stop or collision, it can become a projectile and hit someone, causing serious injury. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle, put it in the luggage compartment or at least make sure it is securely fastened to the ISOFIX anchors.
Make sure there are no seat belts or foreign objects near or around the ISOFIX anchor-secured child-restraint system:
Not following the child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions when installing the child-restraint system is dangerous. If seat belts or a foreign object prevent the child-restraint system from being securely attached to the ISOFIX anchors and the child-restraint system is installed improperly, the child-restraint system could move in a sudden stop or collision causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. When installing the child-restraint system, make sure there are no seat belts or foreign objects near or around the ISOFIX anchors. Always follow the child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions.
-
First, adjust the front seat to allow clearance between the child-restraint system and the front seat.
Refer to Adjusting the Driver's Seat (Search).
Refer to Adjusting the Front Passenger's Seat (Search).
-
Make sure the seatback is securely latched by pushing it back until it is fully locked.
-
Remove the cover of the child-restraint system's ISOFIX anchors to verify the locations of the ISOFIX anchors.
-
ISOFIX anchor
-
The ISOFIX anchors marking on the cover indicates the position of the ISOFIX anchors for the attachment of a child-restraint system.
-
Store the removed cover so that it does not get lost.
-
-
Remove the head restraint. However, when installing a backless booster seat, always install the vehicle head restraint to the seat where the backless booster seat is installed.
Refer to Head Restraints (Search).
-
Secure the child-restraint system using the ISOFIX anchor, following the child-restraint system manufacturer's instruction.
-
If your child-restraint system came equipped with a tether, that probably means it is very important to properly secure the tether for child safety. Please carefully follow the child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions when installing tethers (Search).
WARNING: child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts, harnesses or for attaching other items or equipment to the vehicle.
Always attach the tether strap to the correct tether anchor position:
Attaching the tether strap to the incorrect tether anchor position is dangerous. In a collision, the tether strap could come off and loosen the child-restraint system. If the child-restraint system moves it could result in death or injury to the child.
Always remove the head restraint and set the tether strap (except when installing a backless booster seat):
Routing the tether strap on top of the head restraint is dangerous. In a collision the tether strap could slide off the head restraint and loosen the child-restraint system. The child-restraint system could move which may result in death or injury to the child.
-
Tether strap
-
Anchor bracket
-
Forward
Always install the head restraint and adjust it to the appropriate position after removing the child-restraint system:
Driving with the head restraint removed is dangerous as impact to the occupant's head cannot be prevented during emergency braking or in a collision, which could result in a serious accident, injury or death.
Refer to Head Restraints (Search).
