2004 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 41

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41 Infants and Child Restraints • Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 9 kg (20 lbs). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and "convertible" child seats. • The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up to about 20 lbs (9 kg). "Convertible" child seats can be used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. (See the LATCH - Child Seat Anchorage System section.) • Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger airbag unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position. 2 WARNING! • Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer's directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint. • A rearward facing child restraint should only be used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child restraint in the front seat may be struck by a deploying passenger airbag which may cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.