Oldsmobile 2001 Silhouette - Manual (Page 72)

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Q:
How do child restraints work?
A:
A child restraint system is any device designed for
use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position
children. A built
- in child restraint system is a
permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add - on
child restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle’s owner.
For many years, add - on child restraints have
used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help
reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to
be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt
system secures the add
- on child restraint in the
vehicle, and the add - on child restraint’s harness
system holds the child in place within the restraint.
One system, the three - point harness, has straps
that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders
and buckle together at the crotch. The five
- point
harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip
straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the
place of hip straps. A T
- shaped shield has shoulder
straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low
against the child’s body. A shelf
- or armrest - type
shield has straps that are attached to a wide,
shelf
- like shield that swings up or to the side.
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is,
it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
When securing an add
- on child restraint, refer to the
instructions that come with the restraint which may be
on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this
manual. The child restraint instructions are important,
so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy
from the manufacturer.
Q:
When securing an aftermarket child seat in a
bucket seat, I am unable to get the seat fastened
in snugly enough. What should I do?
A:
With some child seats, it may be difficult to tighten
the vehicle belts so that there is less side
- to - side
or front - to - back movement of the child seat.
A replacement buckle, which makes it easier to
secure your child seat, is available from your dealer
at no charge to you.