2008 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 56

56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult seat belt. Always check the child seat owner's manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child: Infants and Small Children • Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward facing: infant carriers and ЉconvertibleЉ 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). ЉConvertibleЉ 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 seatbelt 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 a front passenger airbag that does not have a switch to turn the airbag Off. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position. Older Children and Child Restraints • Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are older than one year can ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg), and are older than one year old. These child seats are also held