Nissan Versa (N17): Child restraints

Precautions on child restraints

WARNING

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions for proper use and installation of child restraints could result in serious injury or death of a child or other passengers in a sudden stop or collision:

• The child restraint must be used and installed properly. Always follow all of the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation and use.
• Infants and children should never be held on anyone's lap. Even the strongest adult cannot resist the forces of a collision.
• Do not put a seat belt around both a child and another passenger.

• NISSAN recommends that all child restraints be installed in the rear seat. Studies show that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If you must install a forward-facing child restraint in the front seat, refer to "Forward-facing child restraint installation using the seat belts" in this section.
• Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, never install a rearfacing child restraint in the front seat.

  An inflating air bag could seriously injure or kill a child. A rear-facing child restraint must only be used in the rear seat.

• Be sure to purchase a child restraint that will fit the child and vehicle.

  Some child restraints may not fit properly in your vehicle.

• Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints.

  Under no circumstances are they to be used to attach adult seat belts, or other items or equipment to the vehicle. Doing so could damage the child restraint anchorages. The child restraint will not be properly installed using the damaged anchorage, and a child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision.

• Never use the anchor points for adult seat belts or harnesses.
• A child restraint with a top tether strap should not be used in the front passenger seat.
• Keep seatbacks as upright as possible after fitting the child restraint.
• Infants and children should always be placed in an appropriate child restraint while in the vehicle.

When the child restraint is not in use, keep it secured with the LATCH system or a seat belt. In a sudden stop or collision, loose objects can injure occupants or damage the vehicle.

CAUTION

A child restraint in a closed vehicle can become very hot. Check the seating surface and buckles before placing a child in the child restraint.

This vehicle is equipped with a universal child restraint anchor system, referred to as the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

Some child restraints include rigid or webbing-mounted attachments that can be connected to these anchors. For additional information, refer to "LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system" in this section.

If you do not have a LATCH compatible child restraint, the vehicle seat belts can be used.

Several manufacturers offer child restraints for infants and children of various sizes. When selecting any child restraint, keep the following points in mind:

• Choose only a restraint with a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
• Check the child restraint in your vehicle to be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's seat and seat belt system.
• If the child restraint is compatible with your vehicle, place your child in the child restraint and check the various adjustments to be sure the child restraint is compatible with your child. Choose a child restraint that is designed for your child's height and weight.

  Always follow all recommended procedures.

• If the combined weight of the child and child restraint is less than 65 lbs (29.5 kg), you may use either the LATCH anchors or the seat belt to install the child restraint (not both at the same time).
• If the combined weight of the child and child restraint is greater than 65 lbs (29.5 kg), use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to install the child restraint.
• Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require that infants and small children be restrained in an approved child restraint at all times while the vehicle is being operated. Canadian law requires the top tether strap on forward-facing child restraints be secured to the designated anchor point on the vehicle.

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

LATCH system lower anchor locations

Your vehicle is equipped with special anchor points that are used with LATCH system compatible child restraints. This system may also be referred to as the ISOFIX or ISOFIX compatible system. With this system, you do not have to use a vehicle seat belt to secure the child restraint unless the combined weight of the child and child restraint exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and child restraint is greater than 65 lbs (29.5 kg) use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to install the child restraint. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation.

The LATCH anchor points are provided to install child restraints in the rear outboard seating positions only. Do not attempt to install a child restraint in the center position using the LATCH anchors.

LATCH lower anchor

WARNING

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions for proper use and installation of child restraints could result in serious injury or death of a child or other passengers in a sudden stop or collision:

• Attach LATCH system compatible child restraints only at the locations shown in the illustration.
• Do not secure a child restraint in the center rear seating position using the LATCH lower anchors. The child restraint will not be secured properly.

Inspect the lower anchors by inserting your fingers into the lower anchor area. Feel to make sure there are no obstructions over the anchors such as seat belt webbing or seat cushion material. The child restraint will not be secured properly if the lower anchors are obstructed.

Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints.

Under no circumstances are they to be used to attach adult seat belts, or other items or equipment to the vehicle. Doing so could damage the child restraint anchorages. The child restraint will not be properly installed using the damaged anchorage, and a child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision.

LATCH lower anchor location

LATCH lower anchor location

The LATCH lower anchors are located as shown.

A label is attached to the seatback to help you locate the LATCH lower anchors.

Installing child restraint LATCH lower anchor attachments

LATCH webbing-mounted attachment

LATCH compatible child restraints include two rigid or webbing-mounted attachments that can be connected to two anchors located at certain seating positions in your vehicle. With this system, you do not have to use a vehicle seat belt to secure the child restraint. Check your child restraint for a label stating that it is compatible with LATCH. This information may also be in the instructions provided by the child restraint manufacturer.

LATCH rigid-mounted attachment

When installing a child restraint, carefully read and follow the instructions in this manual and those supplied with the child restraint.

Top tether anchor point locations

Anchor points are located on the rear parcel shelf 1 .

WARNING

Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used to attach adult seat belts, or other items or equipment to the vehicle. Doing so could damage the child restraint anchorages.

The child restraint will not be properly installed using the damaged anchorage, and a child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision.

Rear-facing child restraint installation using LATCH

For additional information, refer to all Warnings and Cautions in the "Child safety" and "Child restraints" sections of this manual before installing a child restraint.

Do not use the lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs (29.5 kg), use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to install the child restraint. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Follow these steps to install a rear-facing child restraint using the LATCH system: 1. Position the child restraint on the seat. Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

Rear-facing webbing-mounted - step 2

2. Secure the child restraint anchor attachments to the LATCH lower anchors. Check to make sure the LATCH attachment is properly attached to the lower anchors.

Rear-facing rigid-mounted - step 2

Rear-facing - step 3

3. For child restraints that are equipped with webbing-mounted attachments, remove any additional slack from the anchor attachments.

Press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your hand to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while tightening the webbing of the anchor attachments

Rear-facing - step 4

4. After attaching the child restraint, test it before you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the child restraint near the LATCH attachment path. The child restraint should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm), from side to side. Try to tug it forward and check to see if the LATCH attachment holds the restraint in place. If the restraint is not secure, tighten the LATCH attachment as necessary, or put the restraint in another seat and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint or try installing by using the vehicle seat belt (if applicable). Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.

5. Check to make sure the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the child restraint is loose, repeat steps 1 through 4.

Rear-facing child restraint installation using the seat belts

WARNING

The three-point seat belt with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) must be used when installing a child restraint. Failure to use the ALR mode will result in the child restraint not being properly secured. The restraint could tip over or be loose and cause injury to a child in a sudden stop or collision.

For additional information, refer to all Warnings and Cautions in the "Child safety" and "Child restraints" sections of this manual before installing a child restraint.

Do not use the lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs (29.5 kg), use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to install the child restraint. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Follow these steps to install a rear-facing child restraint using the vehicle seat belts in the rear seats:

Rear-facing - step 1

1. Child restraints for infants must be used in the rear-facing direction and therefore must not be used in the front seat. Position the child restraint on the seat.

Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

Rear-facing - step 2

2. Route the seat belt tongue through the child restraint and insert it into the buckle until you hear and feel the latch engage. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for belt routing.

Rear-facing - step 3

3. Pull the shoulder belt until the belt is fully extended. At this time, the seat belt retractor is in the ALR mode (child restraint mode). It reverts to the ELR mode when the seat belt is fully retracted.

Rear-facing - step 4

4. Allow the seat belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove any slack in the belt.

Rear-facing - step 5

5. Remove any additional slack from the seat belt; press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while pulling up on the seat belt.

Rear-facing - step 6

6. After attaching the child restraint, test it before you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the child restraint near the seat belt path. The child restraint should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm), from side to side. Try to tug it forward and check to see if the belt holds the restraint in place.

If the restraint is not secure, tighten the seat belt as necessary, or put the restraint in another seat and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint. Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.

7. Check to make sure that the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the seat belt is not locked, repeat steps 1 through 6.

After the child restraint is removed and the seat belt fully retracted, the ALR mode (child restraint mode) is canceled.

Forward-facing child restraint installation using LATCH

For additional information, refer to all Warnings and Cautions in the "Child safety" and "Child restraints" sections of this manual before installing a child restraint.

Do not use the lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs (29.5 kg), use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to install the child restraint. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Follow these steps to install a forward-facing child restraint using the LATCH system: 1. Position the child restraint on the seat. Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

Forward-facing webbing-mounted - step 2

2. Secure the child restraint anchor attachments to the LATCH lower anchors. Check to make sure the LATCH attachment is properly attached to the lower anchors.

If the child restraint is equipped with a top tether strap, route the top tether strap and secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point. For additional information, refer to "Installing top tether strap" in this section.

Do not install child restraints that require the use of a top tether strap in seating positions that do not have a top tether anchor.

Forward-facing rigid-mounted - step 2

3. The back of the child restraint should be secured against the vehicle seatback.

If necessary, adjust or remove the head restraint/headrest to obtain the correct child restraint fit. If the head restraint/headrest is removed, store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head restraint/headrest when the child restraint is removed. For additional information about head restraint/headrest adjustment, refer to "Head restraints/headrests" in this section.

If the seating position does not have an adjustable head restraint/headrest and it is interfering with the proper child restraint fit, try another seating position or a different child restraint.

Forward-facing - step 4

4. For child restraints that are equipped with webbing-mounted attachments, remove any additional slack from the anchor attachments.

Press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your knee to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while tightening the webbing of the anchor attachments.

5. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

Forward-facing - step 6

6. After attaching the child restraint, test it before you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the child restraint near the LATCH attachment path. The child restraint should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm), from side to side. Try to tug it forward and check to see if the LATCH attachment holds the restraint in place. If the restraint is not secure, tighten the LATCH attachment as necessary, or put the restraint in another seat and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint. Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.

7. Check to make sure the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the child restraint is loose, repeat steps 1 through 6.

Rear bench seat

1 Top tether strap

2 Anchor point

Installing top tether strap

The child restraint top tether strap must be used when installing the child restraint with the LATCH lower anchor attachments.

First, secure the child restraint with the LATCH lower anchors (rear bench outboard seating positions only).

Rear bench seat

OUTBOARD SEATING POSITIONS

1. Remove the head restraint/headrest and store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head restraint/headrest when the child restraint is removed. For additional information for head restraint/headrest adjustment, removal and installation, refer to "Head restraints/headrests" in this section.

2. Position the top tether strap 1 over the seatback.

3. Secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point 2 as shown.

4. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

CENTER SEATING POSITION

1. Position the top tether strap 1 over the seatback.

2. Secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point 2 as shown.

3. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

If you have any questions when installing a top tether strap, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

WARNING

Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used to attach adult seat belts, or other items or equipment to the vehicle. Doing so could damage the child restraint anchorages.

The child restraint will not be properly installed using the damaged anchorage, and a child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision.

Forward-facing child restraint installation using the seat belts

WARNING

The three-point seat belt with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) must be used when installing a child restraint. Failure to use the ALR mode will result in the child restraint not being properly secured. The restraint could tip over or be loose and cause injury to a child in a sudden stop or collision. Also, it can change the operation of the front passenger air bag. For additional information, refer to "Front passenger air bag and status light" in this section.

Forward-facing (front passenger seat) - step 1

For additional information, refer to all Warnings and Cautions in the "Child safety" and "Child restraints" sections of this manual before installing a child restraint.

Do not use the lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs (29.5 kg), use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to install the child restraint. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Follow these steps to install a forward-facing child restraint using the vehicle seat belt in the rear seats or in the front passenger seat:

1. If you must install a child restraint in the front seat, it should be placed in a forward-facing direction only. Move the seat to the rearmost position. Child restraints for infants must be used in the rear-facing direction and, therefore, must not be used in the front seat.

2. Position the child restraint on the seat. Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions.

The back of the child restraint should be secured against the vehicle seatback.

If necessary, adjust or remove the head restraint/headrest to obtain the correct child restraint fit. If the head restraint/headrest is removed, store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head restraint/headrest when the child restraint is removed. For additional information, refer to "Head restraints/headrests" in this section for head restraint/headrest adjustment, removal and installation information.

If the seating position does not have an adjustable head restraint/headrest and it is interfering with the proper child restraint fit, try another seating position or a different child restraint.

Forward-facing - step 3

3. Route the seat belt tongue through the child restraint and insert it into the buckle until you hear and feel the latch engage. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for belt routing.

If the child restraint is equipped with a top tether strap, route the top tether strap and secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point (rear seat installation only). For additional information, refer to "Installing top tether strap" in this section.

Do not install child restraints that require the use of a top tether strap in seating positions that do not have a top tether anchor.

Forward-facing - step 4

4. Pull the shoulder belt until the belt is fully extended. At this time, the seat belt retractor is in the ALR mode (child restraint mode). It reverts to ELR mode when the seat belt is fully retracted.

Forward-facing - step 5

5. Allow the seat belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove any slack in the belt.

Forward-facing - step 6

6. Remove any additional slack from the seat belt; press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your knee to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while pulling up on the seat belt.

7. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

Forward-facing - step 8

8. After attaching the child restraint, test it before you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the child restraint near the seat belt path. The child restraint should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm), from side to side. Try to tug it forward and check to see if the belt holds the restraint in place.

If the restraint is not secure, tighten the seat belt as necessary, or put the restraint in another seat and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint. Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.

9. Check to make sure the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the seat belt is not locked, repeat steps 2 through 8.

Forward-facing - step 10

10. If the child restraint is installed in the front passenger seat, place the ignition switch in the ON position. The front passenger air bag status light   should illuminate. If this light is not illuminated, refer to Front passenger air bag and status light in this section.

Move the child restraint to another seating position. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

After the child restraint is removed and the seat belt is fully retracted, the ALR mode (child restraint mode) is canceled.

Rear bench seat

1 Top tether strap

2 Anchor point

Installing top tether strap

The child restraint top tether strap must be used when installing the child restraint with seat belts.

First, secure the child restraint with the seat belt.

1. Remove the head restraint/headrest and store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head restraint/headrest when the child restraint is removed. For additional information for head restraint/headrest adjustment, removal and installation, refer to "Head restraints/headrests" in this section.

2. Position the top tether strap 1 over the seatback.

3. Secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point 2 as shown.

4. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

CENTER SEATING POSITION

1. Position the top tether strap 1 over the seatback.

2. Secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point 2 as shown.

3. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

If you have any questions when installing a top tether strap, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

WARNING

Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used to attach adult seat belts, or other items or equipment to the vehicle. Doing so could damage the child restraint anchorages.

The child restraint will not be properly installed using the damaged anchorage, and a child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision.

Booster seats

For additional information on installing a booster seat in your vehicle, follow the instructions outlined in this section.

Precautions on booster seats

WARNING

If a booster seat and seat belt are not used properly, the risk of a child being injured or killed in a sudden stop or collision greatly increases:

• Make sure the shoulder portion of the belt is away from the child's face and neck and the lap portion of the belt does not cross the stomach.
• Make sure the shoulder belt is not behind the child or under the child's arm.
• A booster seat must only be installed in a seating position that has a lap/shoulder belt.

A. Low back booster seat

B. High back booster seat

Booster seats of various sizes are offered by several manufacturers. When selecting any booster seat, keep the following points in mind:

• Choose only a booster seat with a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
• Check the booster seat in your vehicle to be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's seat and seat belt system.

• Make sure the child's head will be properly supported by the booster seat or vehicle seat. The seatback must be at or above the center of the child's ears. For example, if a low back booster seat is chosen, the vehicle seatback must be at or above the center of the child's ears. If the seatback is lower than the center of the child's ears, a high back booster seat should be used.
• If the booster seat is compatible with your vehicle, place the child in the booster seat and check the various adjustments to be sure the booster seat is compatible with the child. Always follow all recommended procedures.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require that infants and small children be restrained in an approved child restraint at all times while the vehicle is being operated.

The instructions in this section apply to booster seat installation in the rear seats or the front passenger seat.

Booster seat installation

WARNING

To avoid injury to child, do not use the lap/shoulder belt in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode when using a booster seat with the seat belts.

For additional information, refer to all Warnings and Cautions in the "Child safety", "Child restraints" and "Booster seats" sections of this manual before installing a child restraint.

Follow these steps to install a booster seat in the rear seat or in the front passenger seat:

1. If you must install a booster seat in the front seat, move the seat to the rearmost position.

2. Position the booster seat on the seat. Only place it in a front-facing direction. Always follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions.

Front passenger position

3. The booster seat should be positioned on the vehicle seat so that it is stable.

If necessary, adjust or remove the head restraint/headrest to obtain the correct booster seat fit. If the head restraint/headrest is removed, store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head restraint/headrest when the booster seat is removed. For additional information about head restraint/headrest adjustment, removal and installation, refer to "Head restraints/headrests" in this section.

If the seating position does not have an adjustable head restraint/headrest and it is interfering with the proper booster seat fit, try another seating position or a different booster seat.

4. Position the lap portion of the seat belt low and snug on the child's hips. Be sure to follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions for adjusting the seat belt routing.

5. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt toward the retractor to take up extra slack.

Be sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the top, middle portion of the child's shoulder. Be sure to follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions for adjusting the seat belt routing.

6. Follow the warnings, cautions and instructions for properly fastening a seat belt shown in "Three-point type seat belt with retractor" in this section.

7. If the booster seat is installed in the front passenger seat, place the ignition switch in the ON position. The front passenger air bag status light  may or may not illuminate, depending on the size of the child and the type of booster seat being used. For additional information, refer to "Front passenger air bag and status light" in this section.