Q: How do child restraints work?A: A child restraint system is any device designed foruse in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or positionchildren. A built-in child restraint system is apermanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-onchild restraint system is a portable one, whichis purchased by the vehicle’s owner.For many years, add-on child restraints have usedthe adult belt system in the vehicle. To helpreduce the chance of injury, the child also has to besecured within the restraint. The vehicle’s beltsystem secures the add-on child restraint in thevehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harnesssystem holds the child in place within the restraint.One system, the three-point harness, has strapsthat come down over each of the infant’s shouldersand buckle together at the crotch. The five-pointharness system has two shoulder straps, twohip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take theplace of hip straps. A T-shaped shield hasshoulder straps that are attached to a flat padwhich rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- orarmrest-type shield has straps that are attachedto a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or tothe side.When choosing a child restraint, be sure the childrestraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is,it will have a label saying that it meets federal motorvehicle safety standards.Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You mayfind these instructions on the restraint itself or in abooklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system orthe LATCH system in your vehicle, but the child alsohas to be secured within the restraint to help reduce thechance of personal injury. When securing an add-onchild restraint, refer to the instructions that come with therestraint which may be on the restraint itself or in abooklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraintinstructions are important, so if they are not available,obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.Where to Put the RestraintAccident statistics show that children are safer if theyare restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.General Motors recommends that child restraintsbe secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in arear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facingchild seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodatea rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visorsays, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in thefront.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing childis so great, if the air bag deploys.1-36
