2009 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 40

● When your child restraint is not in use, keep it secured with the LATCH system or a seat belt to prevent it from being thrown around in case of a sudden stop or accident. Several manufacturers offer child restraints for infants and small children of various sizes. When selecting any child restraint, keep the following points in mind: ● Choose only a restraint with a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. ● Check the child restraint in your vehicle to be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's seat and seat belt system. ● If the child restraint is compatible with your vehicle, place your child in the child restraint and check the various adjustments to be sure the child restraint is compatible with your child. Choose a child restraint that is designed for your child's height and weight. Always follow all recommended procedures. All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require that infants and small children be restrained in an approved child restraint at all times while the vehicle is being operated. Canadian law requires the top tether strap on front-facing child restraints be secured to the designated anchor point on the vehicle. WRS0438 CAUTION Remember that a child restraint left in a closed vehicle can become very hot. Check the seating surface and buckles before placing your child in the child restraint. This vehicle is equipped with a universal child restraint lower anchor system, referred to as the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) SYSTEM. Some child restraints include two rigid or webbing-mounted attachments that can be connected to these lower anchors. For details, see "LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) SYSTEM" later in this section. If you do not have a LATCH compatible child restraint, the vehicle seat belts can be used. See "Child restraint installation using the seat belts" later in this section. In general, child restraints are also designed to be installed with a lap/shoulder seat belt. LATCH system anchor locations LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) SYSTEM Your vehicle is equipped with special anchor points that are used with Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren System (LATCH) compatible child restraints. This system may also be referred to as the ISOFIX or ISOFIX compatible system. With this system, you do not have to use a vehicle seat belt to secure the child restraint. The LATCH anchor points are provided to install child restraints in the rear outboard seating positions only. Do not attempt to install a child restraint in the center position using the LATCH anchors. 1-24 Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system