Installing child restraints on the front passenger seat

Updated 06/09/2023

To securely install a child restraint on the front passenger seat, there is important information to read and recommendations to follow.

Accessory lower tether anchorage points1 can be used when installing a child restraint on the front passenger seat.

Tip

Long-term use of a child restraint may cause wear and tear on the car interior. Use a kick guard accessory to protect the car interior.

Allowed child restraints

Only use child restraints that are recommended by Volvo, universally approved or are vehicle specific approved where the car is included in the manufacturer’s vehicle list.

Seat preparations

Remove cushion extenders, leg supports and other accessories from the seat before installing a child restraint. If you use a kick guard accessory, this can remain on the seat.
Any support legs of a child restraint should always be fitted directly to the floor. Do not fit support legs to any raised or uneven floor surfaces, footrests or other objects. Adjust the seat position if necessary to get enough space.
Loose objects should not be stored around any support legs of a child restraint.
Any restraining straps of a child restraint should always be secured to designated anchorage points. Do not secure restraining straps to seat rails, handles or other parts of the interior.
When installing rearward-facing child restraints, adjust the seat to its lowest position.
When installing adjustable, rearward-facing child restraints, adjust the child restraint according to the child’s age. Older children should be seated in a more upright position than younger ones.
When installing a child restraint using the lower tether anchorage points, never adjust the seat position to tighten the straps.

Seatbelt use

When installing a child restraint secured using the car's seatbelt or when the car's seatbelt is used to secure a child, ensure that brackets or other parts of the restraint do not come into contact with the seatbelt buckle.2
When securing a child with the car's seatbelt, always start with the seatbelt's upper anchorage point adjusted to its highest level. Then lower it as needed to properly position the belt against the shoulder.

Warning

Passenger airbag status

When installing rearward-facing child restraints, always check that the passenger airbag is disabled.
When installing forward-facing child restraints, always check that the passenger airbag is enabled.

Failure to follow these instructions can endanger life or lead to serious injury.

Follow the instructions

Take extra care to read all information about child safety in this manual and follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your child restraint. If you do not, the child could sustain serious injury in the event of an accident.

Important

Follow the general recommendations for any child restraint anchorage points used to install a child restraint.

Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to install the child restraint.

Note

Installation questions

If you have installation questions, contact the manufacturer of the child restraint for more detailed instructions.

Protecting the car interior

Be careful during installation to avoid damage to the car interior caused by protruding parts or sharp edges of the child restraint.

If the child restraint uses lower tether straps, never adjust the position of the seat after the straps have been secured to the lower tether anchorage points. Always remember to remove the straps when the child restraint is not installed.
Fasten loose parts of child restraints, such as restraining straps, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Important

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.