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Observe laws and regulations
Always observe the legal requirements when
using a child restraint system in the vehicle.
Observe standards for child restraint systems
All child restraint systems must meet the follow‐
ing standards:
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U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225
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Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system com‐
plies with the standards can be found on an
instruction label on the child restraint system.
This confirmation can also be found in the instal‐
lation instructions that are included with the child
restraint system.
Detecting risks, avoiding danger
Securing systems for child restraint systems
in the vehicle
Only use the following securing systems for child
restraint systems:
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The LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
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The seat belt system of the vehicle
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The Top Tether anchorages
Installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system is favored.
Simply attaching to the securing rings on the
vehicle can reduce the risk of installing the child
restraint system incorrectly.
When securing a child with the integrated seat
belt of the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system, always comply with the permissible gross
weight for the child and child restraint system
(
/
page 37).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
40 lbs (18 kg) in weight or until they reach a
height where a three-point seat belt can be fas‐
tened properly without a booster seat.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a child booster seat
with a backrest and seat belt guides.
Advantage of a rearward-facing child restraint
system
It is preferable to transport a baby or a small
child in a suitable rearward-facing child restraint
system. In this case, the child sits in the opposite
direction to the direction of travel and faces
backwards.
Babies and small children have comparatively
weak neck muscles in relation to the size and
weight of their head. The risk of injury to the cer‐
vical spine during an accident can be reduced in
a rearward-facing child restraint system.
Always secure a child restraint system cor‐
rectly
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WARNING Risk of injury or death due to
incorrect installation of the child restraint
system
The child can then not be protected or
restrained as intended.
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Be sure to comply with the manufactur‐
er's installation instructions for the child
restraint system and its correct use.
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Make sure that the entire base of the
child restraint system always rests on
the sitting surface of the seat.
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Never place objects (e.g. cushions)
under or behind the child restraint sys‐
tem.
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Use child restraint systems only with
the original cover designed for them.
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Always replace damaged covers with
genuine covers.
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WARNING Risk of injury or death due to
unsecured child restraint systems in the
vehicle
If the child restraint system is incorrectly
installed or not secured, it can come loose.
The child restraint system could be flung
around and hit vehicle occupants.
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Always install child restraint systems
correctly, even when not in use.
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Always comply with the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation
instructions.
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Always observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation and operating
34 Occupant safety