1997 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 25

Child Safety Restraining a Child Who Weighs Over 40 Ibs (18 kg) Put the lap/shoulder belt on your child and check its fit. The shoulder belt should fit over the collarbone and across the chest. The lap belt should sit low on your child's hips, not across the stomach. If the shoulder belt crosses the neck, have your child move toward the center of the rear seat until the belt fits properly. If the belt still crosses the child's neck, you should use a booster seat. We recommend that, whenever possible, a child who has outgrown a toddler seat ride in one of the outside positions of the rear seat and use a lap/shoulder belt. Several styles of booster seats are available. We recommend a design that allows the child to use the car's lap/shoulder belt. Whichever style you select, follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions. Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/ Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belt retractors in the passenger seating positions have a built-in locking mechanism intended to secure a child seat. When you are placing a child seat in one of these outside seating positions, do the following: 1. Place the child seat in the desired seating position. Route the lap/ shoulder belt through the seat according to the seat manufacturer's instructions. 2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle. Make sure it is fully latched. 3. Slowly pull the shoulder portion of the belt out of the retractor until it stops. Driver and Passenger Safety