Child restraints

Updated 2024-08-07

Children should always use suitable child restraints and be securely seated in the car according to given recommendations.

Different types of child restraints are specifically designed for certain age and height ranges. Your car is equipped with child restraint anchorage points that suit different types of child restraints.

Volvo follows NHTSA's and Transport Canada's recommendations and recommends that all children up to and including 12 years of age sit in the rear seat. This is an extra strong recommendation for children in rearward-facing child restraints.

Child restraints are classified into different approval levels:

Universal	A child restraint of this approval level can be installed on a seat in any car model, as long as the car seat position is suitable for universally approved child restraints according to the car's manual.
Vehicle specific	A child restraint of this approval level can be installed on a seat in specific car models, as long as the child restraint manufacturer has included the car model in the type list for the specific restraint.

Warning

Child restraints and front passenger seat

Never use a child restraint on the front passenger seat. Volvo follows NHTSA's and Transport Canada's recommendations and recommends that all children up to and including 12 years of age sit in the rear seat. This is an extra strong recommendation for children in rearward-facing child restraints.

Damaged and old child restraints

Never use or reuse a child restraint:

if the restraint has been involved in an accident or is damaged in any way
if the expiry date or service life of the restraint has been exceeded
if you don't know the full history of the restraint.

Important

Loose child restraints

Never leave a loose child restraint in the passenger compartment. When not in use, keep it installed according to the manufacturer's instructions or store it securely in the boot. A loose child restraint can cause damage in the event of a collision or sudden braking.

General safety recommendations

When applicable, follow the general safety recommendations regarding seatbelt use, headrest adjustment and proper seating.

Local regulations

Regulations on where and how children should be seated and secured differ between regions. Make sure that you know what applies to the region you are in.

Child restraint registration and recalls

Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You must register your child restraint to be reached in a recall. To stay informed about child safety seat recalls, be sure to fill out and return the registration card that comes with new child restraints.

Child restraint recall information is readily available in both the U.S. and Canada.

For recall information in the U.S., call the U.S. Government's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 or go to https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues.

In Canada, visit Transport Canada's Child Safety website at https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/child-car-seat-safety.html.