2005 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 29

There are three basic types of child restraint systems: ● Rear facing child restraint ● Front facing child restraint ● Booster seat The proper restraint depends on the child's size. Generally, infants up to about 1 year and less than 20 pounds (9 kg) should be placed in rear facing child restraints. Front facing child restraints are available for children who outgrow rear facing child restraints and are at least one year old. Booster seats are used to help position a vehicle lap/shoulder belt on a child who can no longer use a front facing child restraint. All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require the use of approved child restraints for infants and small children. See "Child Restraints" later in this section. Also, there are other types of child restraints available for larger children for additional protection. NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens and children be restrained in the rear seat. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. This is especially important because your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (Air bag system) for the front passenger. See "Supplemental restraint system" later in this section. restraint that fits your vehicle and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. Small Children Children that are over one year old and weigh between 20 lbs (9 kg) and 40 lbs (18 kgs) can be placed in a forward facing child restraint. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for minimum and maximum weight and height recommendations. NISSAN recommends that small children be placed in child restraints that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You should choose a child restraint that fits your vehicle and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. WARNING Infants and children need special protection. The vehicle's seat belts may not fit them properly. The shoulder belt may come too close to the face or neck. The lap belt may not fit over their small hip bones. In an accident, an improperly fitting seat belt could cause serious or fatal injury. Always use appropriate child restraints. Larger children Children who are too large for child restraints should be seated and restrained by the seat belts which are provided. The seat belt may not fit properly if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches (142.5 cm) tall and weighs between 40 lbs (18 kg) and 80 lbs (36 kg). A booster seat should be used to obtain proper seat belt fit. Infants Infants up to at least one year old should be placed in a rear facing child restraint. NISSAN recommends that infants be placed in child restraints that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You should choose a child Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-13