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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.
1-40
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