Built-in child restraints

Over the years, several vehicle manufacturers have offered the option of built-in or integrated child restraints in their vehicle seats. While harnessed, forward-facing, built-in restraints have been produced in the past, the most recent versions have been offered are built-in booster seats that pop up from the vehicle seat cushion (Jakobssen et al. 2007). The advantage of a built-in child restraint is that it links the child directly to the vehicle and eliminates errors in installing the child restraint to the vehicle. Arguments against built-in harnessed restraints are that rear-facing models have not been offered, a child could only use a harnessed forward-facing restraint for up to five years, and the restraint could not be transferred for use in other vehicles. A built-in booster may prove to be more popular, as a child could potentially use it for four-to-eight years, and recent commercial versions allow the children to enjoy the comfort and safety features of the vehicle seat back. In addition, older children who should use a booster may be less likely to resist extended use if it is part of the vehicle seat.

9-27-21

Built-in belt-positioning booster seat