2003 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 43

For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer's instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, f there are many kinds o restraints available for children with special needs. Newk n infants need c --lplete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant's neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest ofits body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant's body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints. ~ The body structure of roung child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed.A young child's hip bones are still small that the vehicle's so regular safety belt may not remainlow on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child's abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that's unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints. 1-36