Chapter 8: Introduction to Child Restraints

8-2 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Chapter Objectives

•List the types of child restraints (CRs)•Identify how to select appropriate CRs•Identify CRs parts and functions•Discuss care of CRs•Review the importance of not modifying CRs

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Before You Can Help, You Need to Know…•Child’s weight, height, and age

▪Physical, developmental, and behavioral considerations

▪Type of CRS▪Type of vehicle▪Who else will ride in this vehicle?

•It is important to have all the correctinformation!

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Types of Child Restraints

•Infant only•Convertible (rear facing, forward facing)•Forward facing only with harness/Combination FF

•Booster (belt positioning)•Special needs seats•Vehicle seat belts•Integrated seats

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CRs Offer Protection in Five Ways

1. Keep the child in the vehicle2. Contact the strongest parts of the

body3. Spread the crash forces over a wide

area of the body4. Help the body to slow down5. Protect the head, neck, and spinal

cord

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NHTSA’s Four Steps

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Buckle for Life

•Everyone must buckle up, every time, on every trip!

•Buckling up must become a lifelong habit

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Remember Four Important Steps

• Selection• Direction• Location• Installation

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What is the “Best” Child Restraint?

•The one that fits your child

•The one that fits your vehicle

•The one that you will use correctly every time

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What is the “Best” Child Restraint?•Correct for child’s

▪ Age▪ Size▪ Physical development▪ Maturity level

•Fits in your vehicle•Easy to use•Comfortable for child•Meets FMVSS 213• Instructions available•Recall status known

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CR Parts & Functions

Registration Card

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CR Parts and Functions

T-Shield Tray Shield

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CR Parts and Functions•Padding/cover

•Shell/frame (behind cover)

•Labels

•Harness slots

•Harness straps

•Retainer clip

•Buckle

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CR Parts and Functions

•Splitter plate

•Belt path

•Recline adjustment

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CR Parts & Functions

•Lockoffs

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CR Parts and Functions

•Locking clip

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CR Parts and Functions

LATCH▪Tether

▪Lower anchorage attachments

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CR Parts and Functions

•Detachable base

•Adjustment foot

•Level indicator

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CR Parts and FunctionsCarry handle

Manufacturer supplied padding and inserts

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CR Parts and Functions

Foot prop Anti-rebound bar

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Modifying Restraints

•Never change a CR to make it fit•Minor modifications can change the way a CR performs in a crash

•Place rolled receiving blankets/towels along the child’s side for support

•Place rolled cloth between the crotch strap and crotch area to prevent child slouching

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Activity 1: Use the CR Manual Hands On

•Use the CR manual •Complete the worksheet

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Used Seats:Things to ConsiderComplete history availableAll labels and instructions presentMeets Federal standardsNo recalls/recalls fixed (make, model & date)All parts present and in working orderFree of cracks, loose rivets, etcNo more than 6 years old—may vary by

manufacturerResponsibility of caregiver, not technician, to

research

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After a Crash

•CRs, seat belts, and air bags are in most cases, made to withstand one crash

•CR replacement is not always required:▪Review NHTSA criteria for assessing crash severity

and CR replacement▪Check with CR manufacturer for guidelines to

replace the product

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NHTSA Criteria: What is a Minor Crash Not Requiring CR Replacement?•No cracks or deformities (dented or bulging surfaces) can be seen by looking at the CR

•Vehicle with CR installed can be driven from the scene

•Vehicle door nearest CR is undamaged•There were no occupant injuries•Air bags did not open

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CRS Cleaning and Maintenance

•Always follow the CRS manufacturer’s instructions

•Use only mild soap and water and rinse with clean water

•Never use any chemicals such as starch, bleach, or spray-on fabric care/wrinkle guard products

•Never iron the harness•Never lubricate the buckle

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Think about how you would answer these questions:•Can I use my car seat after a crash?• I bought this seat at a garage sale. Is it safe to use?• I don’t know why my kids have to ride on car seats.

Why should they use them?•Can I use this head padding? It came with the seat.• I have toys on the carrying handle. Are they OK to

use?•My child has autism. Can I put tape over the retainer

clip so he doesn’t get out?

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Chapter Review

•How do child restraints offer protection?

•What are the types of child restraints?

•How do you select an appropriate CR for a child?

•What is the best child restraint?

•When is it OK to modify a CR?