Link to Pictorial

To identify a particular child restraint, select the appropriate category below, if known, or click on the sample photograph that is most similar to your safety seat.

The photographs linked from this page are organized by type of child restraint, then alphabetically by manufacturer (in bold), with the newer models before the very old ones. If the manufacturer is known, scroll down to those models. If not, scroll to view all of the child restraints of that type. When you find the picture of your safety seat, write down the manufacturer and model name, which is shown above each photograph. Also given are the dates when the product was first made and when it was discontinued, which may help in the identification. Keep in mind that the fabric cover shown may be a different color or design than yours and other small features may vary, so focus on the overall shape and appearance.

Type	Samples	Notes
Rear-Facing Infant Restraints and Detachable Bases		Appearance may vary (with or without a canopy, with or without base, carry handle up or down). Some have had more than one style of base. Later models are equipped with LATCH. Pg 2-9.
Side-Facing Car Beds		Position the child lying flat and sideways in the vehicle. Pg 10.
Child Restraints with 5-Point Harness		Convertible, forward-facing-only, and combination (used as booster when harness is removed) seats. If seat is used as booster but strap slots are present, photo is included in this section. Pg 11-20.
Child Restraints with Harness and Tray-Shield or Armrest		Seats with tray-shield have no lap straps; lap straps are present if there is an armrest (only made until early 1980s). Both types are attached to sides of shell and held down by harness. Pg 21-24.
Child Restraints with Harness and T-Shield or Floating Shield		T-shield or floating pad is not attached to sides of shell. No lap straps. Pg 25-26.
Shield-Only Restraints (Including Boosters)		No harness straps. Some boosters have a removable shield that may not be present (see also below). Pg 27-28.
Belt-Positioning Boosters (No Shield)		Backless, highback, and removable-back models. See "Shield-Only" section for models with removable shield. See "5-Point Harness" section for combination seats with harness removed (identified by strap slots in seat back and cover). Pg 29-36.

It is essential to identify the model name of a child restraint before inspecting it or installing it. The model name is needed to determine two things: (1) which instruction booklet to use, if not provided by the parent, and (2) whether or not there is a recall. Unfortunately, many manufacturers do not show the model name on their products and/or on the instruction booklets. If the model name was originally shown on a sticker, it may have been peeled off or washed off.

The Color Pictorial has photographs for almost every child restraint made since 1981, when the federal standard was revised to require crash testing. Stand-alone harnesses are not included. Since only one photograph is shown for each model, it is important to be aware that some features may vary. Examples include the color of the fabric cover, the harness, or the plastic shell; cup holders, extra pillows, pads, or inserts; the style of the buckle or shoulder strap retainer clip. Many child restraints were made prior to September 2002 without LATCH straps and after that date with LATCH straps, which may or may not be visible in the photograph.

The Color Pictorial Guide to Child Restraints was developed by SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. without outside funding and is copyrighted. Printing and reproduction of this material is prohibited, but printed copies are available. To order one or more copies for use at checkups or fitting stations, see order information or contact Cheryl Kim.