Chapter 10: Children in Forward-Facing Child Restraints

10-2 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Chapter Objectives•Explain the requirements for placing a child in a forward-facing CR

•Describe correct CR selection, direction, location, and installation for a child in a forward-facing CR

•Describe the benefits of top tethers•Discuss types of medical conditions that require special consideration for transportation

•Identify and correct misuse

10-3 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

NHTSA’s 4 Steps

1. Rear-facing CR

2.Forward-facing CR3. Booster seat4. Seat belt

10-4 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Conventional CRs

•Meets child’s needs•Cheaper•Easier to find, use, and install•Appropriate for children with special health care needs

10-5 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

When Do You Use a Forward-Facing Seat?

At a minimum:•Child is at least 1 year of

age and at least 20 pounds •Child has reached the

highest allowed rear-facing weight of the CR

•Children should remain in a forward-facing CR with a full harness until they reach the top weight or height allowed

12 month old – rear and front-facingCourtesy MGA Research

VIDEO

VIDEO

10-6 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Selection: Types of Harnessed Forward-Facing CRs

•Forward-facing convertible CR•Combination seat with harness•Forward-facing-only CR•Large medical seats/vests•Integrated seats

10-7 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Forward-Facing Convertible SeatForward-facing:•CR in upright position•Some manufacturers allow a semi-reclined position

10-8 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Combination CR

•Combination CR:▪Forward facing only▪Multipurpose ▪Follow weight limit for internal harness (refer to CR instructions)

▪Choose harness slot at or above shoulders

10-9 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Seats With Higher Harness Weight Limits•Forward-facing-only CRs:

•Weight limits vary

Label stating weight limit

10-10 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Upright Vests and Harnesses

•Child must have head control

•Seat belt and tether are required in passenger vehicle

•Some products are made just for school bus use

•May be used with a lap-only belt

10-11 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Integrated Seat

•Built into the vehicle•Forward-facing ONLY•Some have 5-point harness

•Some can be used as a belt-positioning booster

•Check instructions for weight limits

10-12 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Always Read the Manual

•Some CRs have unusual or even unique belt paths or routing instructions

•Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions

Unique forward-facing belt path

10-13 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Identify Reinforced Harness Slots Harness:•Can be five-point or Tray Shield

•In reinforced slots at or above shoulders

•Some CRs must use top slots when turned to face forward

•Reinforcement is not always visible

Only top harness slot is reinforced

Top two harness slots are reinforced

10-14 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Activity 1: Harness Adjustments

•Child’s back and bottom flat in CR

•Correct harness slots and crotch strap slot

•Harness snug (pinch test)

•Retainer clip at armpit level

•Use to highest weight and height limits

10-15 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Summary

•Fits the child•Fits the vehicle•Easy to use

10-16 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Location, Other Factors in Vehicle•Back seat as safest location

•Position of other occupants

•Width of vehicle seat•Size of CR•Air bags•Seat belt or LATCH system

10-17 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Activity 2 - Belt Paths

•Read CR manufacturer’s instructions

•Read vehicle manual•Use upright position or semi-reclined position

•Find correct belt path

Installed with LATCH

10-18 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Forward-Facing CRs and Tethers

•Read CR manufacturer’s instructions

•Read vehicle manual•Remember: Tethering a

forward-facing CR will reduce forward and side-to-side motion in crash

•Remember: Tethers help to stabilize a CR

10-19 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Seat Belt or Lower Anchors: DemonstrationTightly securing the CR• Install tightly using seat

belt or lower anchor system•Grip CR at belt path to

check•Keep in mind that CR

should not move forward or side-to-side more than 1 inch

•Remember: Parent/caregiver must be able to repeat installation

10-20 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Special Considerations

22-105 pounds and 56 inches or less

65-130 pounds and 54-66 inches

22-102 pounds and 36-60 inches

10-21 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Special Considerations: Casts and Other Conditions

•Follow weight limits using casted weight

•Specialized CRs for children

•Go to aap.org or preventinjury.org for specific product recommendations

10-22 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Special Consideration: Modified Vest•For children 2–12 years old who must lie down:

▪Child must fit lengthwise on bench seat▪Follow weight limits using casted weight▪ If not casted, this child would ride facing forward

10-23 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Discussion: Selection Criteria

•2-year-old•32 pounds, 33 inches•Broken leg•Cast extends from chest to ankle•Unable to bend at the hips

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Selection Errors

•CR not appropriate for child•CR that child has outgrown •CR that is more than 6 years old•CR with unknown history•CR under current recall

10-25 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Special Considerations: Child Attitudes and Behavior•Child may not want to use restraints consistently

•Behavior may distract the driver•Parents may need technician’s support to manage behavior

10-26 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Activity 3: Practice – Best Practice

Role Play:•My child is 2 years old and weighs 39 pounds. What seat should I buy?

•May I use this seat with a side air bag in a back seat?

•My child still fits in the harness but weighs 43 pounds. May I keep using it?

•Should I use LATCH or the seat belt?•Do I have to use a tether?•My child climbs out of the car seat

10-27 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Harnessing Errors

•Harness not used•Routed through wrong slots•Knotted or pinned or incorrectly secured•Harness straps too loose•Harness not placed on child correctly•Harness straps frayed or damaged•Retainer clip not at armpit level•Crotch strap too long or wrong position•Using "add-ons" not approved by the CR manufacturer

10-28 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Activity 4 : Selection and InstallationOutside Practice - Hands-On Using the information on “your child”:

•Set up the CR so it is correct for the child, (harness, angle, lower anchors, etc.)

•Install a forward-facing convertible CR and forward-facing-only CR in vehicles

•You will also find one scenario with a CR misuse and you will diagnose what the misuse is.

10-29 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Installation Errors

•Wrong belt path used to install CR•Incorrect recline angle•Both seat belt and lower anchor systems used in CR installation (unless allowed by manufacturer)

•CR not secured by seat belt or LATCH system•Seat belt or LATCH system too loose•Incorrect lower anchor and/or tether use•Tether non-use •Locking clip installed incorrectly

10-30 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

4 years old – 43 pounds

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What’s Wrong With This Picture?

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What’s Wrong With This Picture?

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What’s Wrong With This Picture?

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What’s Wrong With This Picture?

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Activity 5: Identifying Misuse in the Classroom •Work in teams of 2-3•Go to each scenario•Identify any misuse

10-36 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Chapter Review

•Describe those physical characteristics of children that require travel special considerations

•Identify all CR parts on forward-facing CRs

•Identify correct CR installation methods •Describe correct placement of harness straps, harness retainer clip, and belt path.