1. Chapter 8: Introduction to Child Restraints
National Standardized CPS Certification Training April 2007 – R1010
Chapter 8: Introduction to Child Restraints
Chapter 8: Introduction to Child Restraints

2. 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

3. 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 correct information!

4. 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

5. CRs Offer Protection in Five Ways
Keep the child in the vehicle
Contact the strongest parts of the body
Spread the crash forces over a wide area of the body
Help the body to slow down
Protect the head, neck, and spinal cord

6. NHTSA’s Four Steps

7. Buckle for Life Everyone must buckle up, every time, on every trip!
Buckling up must become a lifelong habit

8. Remember Four Important Steps
Selection
Direction
Location
Installation

9. 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

10. 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

11. CR Parts & Functions
Registration Card

12. CR Parts and Functions
T-Shield
Tray Shield

13. CR Parts and Functions Padding/cover Shell/frame (behind cover) Labels
Harness slots
Harness straps
Retainer clip
Buckle

14. CR Parts and Functions
Splitter plate
Belt path
Recline adjustment

15. CR Parts & Functions
Lockoffs

16. CR Parts and Functions
Locking clip

17. CR Parts and Functions
LATCH
Tether
Lower anchorage attachments

18. CR Parts and Functions
Detachable base
Adjustment foot
Level indicator

19. CR Parts and Functions Carry handle
Manufacturer supplied padding and inserts

20. CR Parts and Functions
Foot prop Anti-rebound bar

21. 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

22. Activity 1: Use the CR Manual Hands On
Complete the worksheet

23. Used Seats: Things to Consider
Complete history available
All labels and instructions present
Meets Federal standards
No recalls/recalls fixed (make, model & date)
All parts present and in working order
Free of cracks, loose rivets, etc
No more than 6 years old—may vary by manufacturer
Responsibility of caregiver, not technician, to research

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. Think about how you would answer these questions:
National Standardized CPS Certification Training April 2007 – R1010
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?
Chapter 8: Introduction to Child Restraints

28. 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?