How do child restraints work?- Page 54

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Q:

How do child restraints work?

A:

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.

For many years, add

-

on child restraints have used

the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce
the chance of injury, the child also has to be
secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt
system secures the add

-

on child restraint in the

vehicle, and the add

-

on child restraint’s harness

system holds the child in place within the restraint.

One system, the three

-

point harness, has straps 

that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders
and buckle together at the crotch. The five

-

point

harness system has two shoulder 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 attached to a wide,
shelf

-

like shield that swings up or to the side.

When choosing a 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 instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
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 manufacturer.