Get Occupant safety -> Safely transporting children in the vehicle Guide for Mercedes GLC Class SUV First generation (2015-2021)

Occupant safety 49

Observing laws and legal requirements

Always observe the legal requirements when

using a child restraint system in the vehicle.

R

The vehicle seat must be suitable for instal‐

ling a child restraint system.

Safely transporting children in the vehicle

Always observe when children are traveling

in the vehicle

Accident statistics show that children secured

on the rear seats are generally safer than chil‐

dren secured on the front seats. For this reason,

Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you install

a child restraint system on a rear seat.

Observing standards for child restraint sys‐

tems

All child restraint systems must meet the follow‐

ing standards:

% Also strictly observe the safety notes for the

specific situation. In this way you can recog‐

nize potential risks and avoid dangers if chil‐

dren are traveling in the vehicle

(/ page 50).

Generic term "child restraint system"

R

U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

213 and 225

The generic term child restraint system is used

in this Operator's Manual. A child restraint sys‐

tem is, for example:

Be diligent

R

Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

213 and 210.2

Bear in mind that neglecting to secure a child in

the child restraint system may have serious con‐

sequences. Always be diligent in securing a child

carefully before every journey.

R

a baby car seat

a rearward-facing child seat

a forward-facing child seat

a child booster seat with a backrest and seat

belt guide

Mercedes-Benz recommends using a child

booster seat with a backrest.

Confirmation that the child restraint system

complies 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.

R

To improve protection for children younger than

12 years old or under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height,

Mercedes-Benz recommends you observe the

following information:

R

Always secure the child in a child restraint

system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz vehi‐

cle.

The child restraint system must be appropriate

to the age, weight and size of the child.

R

The child restraint system must be appropri‐

ate to the age, weight and size of the child.

50 Occupant safety

Detecting risks, avoiding danger

Always secure a child restraint system cor‐

rectly

height where a three-point seat belt can be

installed properly without a booster seat.

Mercedes-Benz recommends a suitable child

booster seat with a backrest and seat belt guide.

Securing systems for child restraint systems

in the vehicle

Only use the following securing systems for child

restraint systems:

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death caused

by incorrect installation of the child

restraint system

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 oppo‐

site 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.

R

the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) mounting brackets

If the child restraint system is incorrectly

installed on a suitable seating position, it

cannot perform its intended protective func‐

tion.

The child cannot be restrained in the event of

an accident, heavy braking or a sudden

change of direction.

R

the vehicle's seat belt system

R

the Top Tether anchorages

Installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint

system is preferred.

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 sys‐

tem (/ page 56).

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

#

Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions for the child

restraint system and its correct use.

#

Make sure that the entire base of the

child restraint system always rests on

the sitting surface of the seat.

#

Never place objects under or behind

the child restraint system, e.g. cush‐

ions.

Occupant safety 51

Do not modify the child restraint system

instructions as well as the vehicle-specific

information:

#

Always use child restraint systems with

the original cover designed for them.

Always replace damaged covers with

genuine covers.

&

WARNING Risk of injury due to modifi‐

cations to the child restraint system

-

Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system on the rear seat

(/ page 56).

The child restraint system may no longer

function as it is supposed to if you make

modifications or attach objects to it, e.g. toys

or unsuitable accessories. This poses an

increased risk of injury!

Never modify the child restraint system. Only

attach accessories which the manufacturer

of the child restraint system has authorized

especially for this child restraint system.

-

Secure the child restraint system with the

seat belt on the rear seat (/ page 59).

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death from

unsecured child restraint systems in the

vehicle

-

Secure the child restraint system with the

seat belt on the front passenger seat

(/ page 61). Observe the specific

instructions for the rearward-facing and

forward-facing child restraint systems

(/ page 60).

If the child restraint system is not correctly

installed or secured, it could release in the

event of an accident, sudden braking or a

sudden change in direction.

The child restraint system could be flung

around and hit vehicle occupants.

If the front passenger seat is occupied,

ensure, both before and during the jour‐

ney, that the status of the front

passenger airbag is correct for the cur‐

rent situation (/ page 45).

Only use child restraint systems which are in

proper working condition

#

Always install child restraint systems

correctly, even when not in use.

Always comply with the child restraint

system manufacturer's installation

instructions.

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death caused

by the use of damaged child restraint

systems

#

R

Observe the warning labels in the vehicle

interior and on the child restraint system.

Also secure Top Tether if present.

Child restraint systems or their retaining sys‐

tems that have been subjected to a load in

an accident may then not be able to perform

their intended protective function.

R

Always observe the child restraint system

manufacturer's installation and operating

52 Occupant safety

#

The child cannot be restrained in the event of

an accident, heavy braking or a sudden

change of direction.

Protect it with a blanket, for example.

In addition, the children could also set the

vehicle in motion, for example by:

If the child restraint system has been

exposed to direct sunlight, allow it to

cool before securing a child into it.

Never leave children unattended in the

vehicle.

R

Releasing the parking brake.

#

Always replace child restraint systems

R

Changing the transmission position.

immediately that have been damaged or

involved in an accident.

#

R

Starting the vehicle.

#

Never leave children unattended in the

vehicle.

#

Have the securing systems for the child

Observe when stopping or parking

restraint systems checked at a qualified

specialist workshop before installing a

child restraint system again.

#

When leaving the vehicle, always take

the key with you and lock the vehicle.

&

WARNING Risk of accident and injury

due to children left unattended in the

vehicle

#

Keep the vehicle key out of reach of

children.

Avoid direct sunlight

If children are left unattended in the vehicle,

they could:

&

WARNING Risk of burns when the child

seat is exposed to direct sunlight

&

WARNING Risk of fatal injury due to

exposure to extreme heat or cold in the

vehicle

R

Open doors, thereby endangering other

persons or road users.

Get out and be struck by oncoming traf‐

fic.

Operate vehicle equipment and become

trapped, for example.

If the child restraint system is exposed to

direct sunlight or heat, parts could heat up.

Children could suffer burns from these parts,

particularly on metallic parts of the child

restraint system.

R

If people – particularly children – are

exposed to extreme temperatures over an

extended period of time, there is a risk of

serious or even fatal injury.

R

#

Always make sure that the child

#

Never leave anyone – particularly chil‐

dren – unattended in the vehicle.

restraint system is not exposed to

direct sunlight.

Occupant safety 53

#

Never leave animals in the vehicle unat‐

tended.

54 Occupant safety

Overview of suitable seats in the vehicle for installing a child restraint system

Securing systems for child restraint systems

Vehicle seat

Left/right rear seat

Preferred securing system:

Alternative securing system:

R

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing sys‐

tem

Vehicle seat belt

Also secure Top Tether if present

(/ page 58)

Front passenger seat

Securing system:

Be sure to observe:

R

Vehicle seat belt

If the front passenger seat is occupied, ensure,

both before and during the journey, that the sta‐

tus of the front passenger airbag is correct for the

current situation (/ page 45).

R

Notes on automatic front passenger airbag shut‐

off (/ page 43).

Occupant safety 55

Vehicle seat

Center rear seat

Securing system:

R

Vehicle seat belt

Also secure Top Tether if present

(/ page 58)

#

Activating/deactivating the seat belt's child

special seat belt retractor

To install a child restraint system: when

installing a child restraint system, always

observe the manufacturer's installation and

operating instructions as well as the informa‐

tion in this Operator's Manual.

Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat belt

outlet.

Engage the seat belt tongue in the seat belt

buckle.

To activate the special seat belt retrac‐

tor: pull the seat belt out fully and let the

inertia reel retract it again.

#

Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as

soon as possible, paying attention to

road and traffic conditions.

Activate the child seat safety feature

again and correctly secure the child

restraint system.

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death if a

#

seat belt is unfastened while the vehicle

is in motion

If the seat belt is released while the vehicle is

in motion, the child restraint system is no

longer correctly secured. The child seat

safety feature is deactivated and the seat

belt is drawn in a bit by the inertia reel.

It is therefore not possible to engage the seat

belt again.

#

When enabled, the special seat belt retractor

ensures that the seat belts of the front

passenger seat and rear seats do not slacken

once the child restraint system is secured.

The seat belts on the following seats are equip‐

ped with a special seat belt retractor:

When the special seat belt retractor is activa‐

ted, you should hear a ratcheting sound.

Push the child restraint system down until

the seat belt sits tightly.

R

Front passenger seat

#

R

Rear seats

56 Occupant safety

#

To deactivate the special seat belt retrac‐

intended and could result in additional

injury.

Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo com‐

partment cannot be restrained by the

seat backrest.

tem, the permissible gross mass of the child

and child restraint system is 73 lb (33 kg).

tor: press the release button of the seat belt

buckle.

R

If the child and the child restraint system

together weigh more than 73 lb (33 kg), the

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system

with integrated seat belt does not offer suffi‐

cient protection. An excessive load may be

placed on the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat

attachments and the child may not be

restrained in the event of an accident, for

example.

#

Hold the seat belt tongue and guide back to

the seat belt outlet.

#

Make sure that the seat backrest and

the rear bench seat/rear seat are

engaged before every trip.

Installing the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system on the rear seat

Installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system on the rear seat

If the left and right seat backrests are not

engaged and locked in place, this will be shown

on the multifunction display on the instrument

cluster.

If the center seat backrest is not engaged and

locked in place, the red lock verification indica‐

tor will be visible.

#

If the child and the child restraint sys‐

&

WARNING Risk of injury if the rear

bench seat/rear seat and seat backrest

are not engaged

tem together weigh more than 73 lb

(33 kg), use only a LATCH-type (ISOFIX)

child restraint system that secures the

child with the vehicle seat belt.

If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat

backrest are not engaged they could fold for‐

wards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the

event of an accident.

#

Also secure the child restraint system

with the Top Tether belt, if available.

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death if the

permissible gross mass of the child and

child restraint system is exceeded

R

If this is the case, the vehicle occupant

Always comply with the information about the

mass of the child restraint system:

would be forced into the seat belt by the

rear bench seat/rear seat or by the seat

backrest. The seat belt cannot protect as

For LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint sys‐

tems in which the child is secured using the

integrated seat belt in the child restraint sys‐

R

In the manufacturer's installation and operat‐

ing instructions for the child restraint system

used

Occupant safety 57

R

On a label on the child restraint system, if

present

the front seat so that the seat does not

touch the child restraint system.

When using a Group I forward-facing

child restraint system: the backrest of the

child restraint system must, as far as possi‐

ble, lie flat against the backrest of the vehi‐

cle seat.

For certain child restraint systems in weight

group II or III, there may be restrictions on

the maximum size setting, e.g. due to possi‐

ble contact with the roof.

The child restraint system must not be ten‐

sioned between the roof and the seat cush‐

ion and/or be installed facing the wrong

direction. Where possible, adjust the seat

cushion inclination accordingly.

The child restraint system must not be put

under strain by the head restraints. Adjust

the head restraints accordingly.

O

Regularly check that the permissible gross mass

of the child and child restraint system is still

complied with.

When installing a child restraint system, observe

the following:

O

Always observe the correct use of the seats

and consider their suitability for attaching a

child restraint system.

Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation and operating instructions for

the child restraint system used.

Make sure that the child's feet do not come

into contact with the front seat. If neces‐

sary, move the front seat forward slightly.

O

1

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) mounting bracket

O

Before every journey, make sure that the LATCH-

type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is engaged

correctly in both mounting brackets in the vehi‐

cle.

® When installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX)

child restraint system, also observe the follow‐

ing:

When using a Group 0/0+ baby car seat

and a Group I rearward-facing child

restraint system on a rear seat: adjust

O

58 Occupant safety

also cause additional injuries, e.g. in the

event of an accident.

NOTE Be careful not to damage the seat

belt for the center seat when installing

the child restraint system

*

#

Always lock rear seat backrests after

installing Top Tether belts.

#

Make sure that the seat belt is not trap‐

ped.

#

Observe the lock verification indicator.

#

If the left and right seat backrests are not

engaged and locked in place, this will be shown

on the multifunction display on the instrument

cluster.

Attach the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system to both mounting brackets

in the vehicle.

If the center seat backrest is not engaged and

locked in place, the red lock verification indica‐

tor will be visible.

¯ If the child restraint system is equipped

with a Top Tether belt:

Securing Top Tether

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death if the

rear seat backrests are not locked after

installing Top Tether belts

The risk of injury can be reduced by a Top

Tether. The Top Tether belt facilitates an

additional connection between the child

restraint system attached with LATCH-

type (ISOFIX) and the vehicle.

If the rear seat backrests are not locked, they

could fold forwards in the event of an acci‐

dent or during braking or sudden changes of

direction.

As a result, child restraint systems cannot

perform their intended protective function.

Rear seat backrests that are not locked can

Occupant safety 59

Make sure that the seat backrest and

the rear bench seat/rear seat are

engaged before every trip.

#

Securing the child restraint system with the

seat belt

If necessary, slide head restraint 1 upwards

(/ page 99).

Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint

system with Top Tether. Comply with the

child restraint system manufacturer's instal‐

lation instructions when doing so.

Guide Top Tether belt 5 under head

restraint 1 between the two head restraint

bars.

Guide Top Tether belt 5 downwards

between cargo compartment cover 3 and

seat backrest 2.

Hook Top Tether hook 6 of Top Tether belt

5 into Top Tether anchorage 4 without

twisting.

Tension Top Tether belt 5. Comply with the

child restraint system manufacturer's instal‐

lation instructions when doing so.

If necessary, slide head restraint 1 down‐

wards (/ page 99). Make sure that you do

not interfere with the correct routing of Top

Tether belt 5.

#

Securing the child restraint system with the

seat belt on the rear seat

If the left and right seat backrests are not

engaged and locked in place, this will be shown

on the multifunction display on the instrument

cluster.

If the center seat backrest is not engaged and

locked in place, the red lock verification indica‐

tor will be visible.

&

WARNING Risk of injury if the rear

bench seat/rear seat and seat backrest

are not engaged

#

If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat

backrest are not engaged they could fold for‐

wards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the

event of an accident.

When installing a belt-secured child restraint

system, observe the following:

R

If this is the case, the vehicle occupant

would be forced into the seat belt by the

rear bench seat/rear seat or by the seat

backrest. The seat belt cannot protect as

intended and could result in additional

injury.

Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation and operating instructions for

the child restraint system used.

When using a category 0/0+ baby car

seat and a category I rearward-facing

child restraint system on a rear seat:

adjust the front seat so that the seat does

not touch the child restraint system.

O

R

Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo com‐

partment cannot be restrained by the

seat backrest.

The backrest of the forward-facing child

restraint system must, as far as possible, be

O

60 Occupant safety

Notes on rearward-facing and forward-facing

child restraint systems on the front

passenger seat

resting on the seat backrest of the rear

seat.

For certain child restraint systems in weight

category II or III, there may be restrictions

on the maximum size setting, e.g. due to

possible contact with the roof.

The child restraint system must not be ten‐

sioned between the roof and the seat cush‐

ion and/or be installed facing the wrong

direction. Where possible, adjust the seat

cushion inclination accordingly.

The child restraint system must not be put

under strain by the head restraints. Adjust

the head restraints accordingly.

passenger seat and rear seats do not slacken

once the child restraint system is secured

(/ page 55).

O

#

Install the child restraint system.

&

WARNING Risk of injury or death from

using a rearward-facing child restraint

system when the front passenger front

airbag is enabled

The entire base of the child restraint system

must always rest on the sitting surface of the

rear seat.

#

Always make sure that the shoulder belt

If you secure a child in a rearward-facing

child restraint system on the front passenger

seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi‐

cator lamp is off, the front passenger airbag

can deploy in the event of an accident.

strap is correctly routed from the seat belt

outlet of the vehicle to the shoulder belt

guide on the child restraint system.

The shoulder belt strap must be routed for‐

wards and downwards from the seat belt out‐

let.

O

The child could be struck by the airbag.

Always ensure that the front passenger air‐

bag is deactivated. The PASSENGER AIR BAG

OFF indicator lamp must be lit.

Make sure that the child's feet do not come

into contact with the front seat. If neces‐

sary, move the front seat forward slightly.

NEVER use a rearward-facing child restraint

system on a seat protected by an ENABLED

FRONT AIRBAG in front of it, DEATH or SERI‐

OUS INJURY to the CHILD can occur.

The seat belts on the following seats are equip‐

ped with a child seat safety feature:

R

Front passenger seat

R

Rear seats

When enabled, the child seat safety feature

ensures that the seat belts of the front

Occupant safety 61

Securing the child restraint system with the

seat belt on the front passenger seat

When installing a belt-secured child restraint

Observe the specific instructions for the rear‐

ward-facing and forward-facing child restraint

systems (/ page 61).

The child restraint system must not be ten‐

sioned between the roof and the seat cush‐

ion and/or be installed facing the wrong

direction.

The child restraint system must not be put

under strain by the head restraints. Adjust

the head restraints accordingly.

O

Always observe the status of the front passenger system on the front passenger seat, always

airbag on the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica‐

tor lamp:

observe the following:

O

Observe the child restraint system manufac‐

turer's installation and operating instruc‐

tions.

When using a forward-facing child restraint

system in category I: remove the head

restraint from the respective seat, if possi‐

ble.

O

R

When using a rearward-facing child restraint

system on the front passenger seat, the front

passenger airbag must always be disabled.

This is only the case if the PASSENGER AIR

BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit continuously

(/ page 45).

Never place objects under or behind the

child restraint system, e.g. cushions.

The seat belt on the front passenger side is

equipped with a special seat belt retractor.

When enabled, the special seat belt retractor

function ensures that the seat belt does not

slacken once the child restraint system is

secured (/ page 55).

R

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator

After the child restraint system has been

removed, replace the head restraints imme‐

diately and adjust them correctly.

lamp is off, the front passenger airbag is ena‐

bled. The front passenger airbag may deploy

during an accident.

The backrest of the forward-facing child

restraint system must, as far as possible, be

resting on the seat backrest of the front

passenger seat.

For certain child restraint systems in weight

category II or III, there may be restrictions

on the maximum size setting, e.g. due to

possible contact with the roof.

O

#

Set the front passenger seat as far back as

possible and move the seat into the highest

position if possible.

Fully retract the seat cushion length adjust‐

ment.

#

Adjust the seat cushion inclination so that

the front edge of the seat cushion is in the

62 Occupant safety

Child safety locks

highest position and the rear edge of the

seat cushion is in the lowest position.

Set the seat backrest to the most vertical

position possible.

#

Never leave children unattended in the

vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, always take

the key with you and lock the vehicle.

Keep the vehicle key out of reach of

children.

Activating/deactivating the child safety lock

for the rear doors

#

&

#

WARNING Risk of accident and injury

due to children left unattended in the

vehicle

Install the child restraint system.

The entire base of the child restraint system

must always rest on the sitting surface of the

front passenger seat.

Always make sure that the shoulder belt

strap is correctly routed from the seat belt

outlet of the vehicle to the shoulder belt

guide on the child restraint system.

The shoulder belt strap must be routed for‐

wards and downwards from the seat belt out‐

let.

If children are left unattended in the vehicle,

they could:

&

WARNING Risk of fatal injury due to

exposure to extreme heat or cold in the

vehicle

#

R

Open doors, thereby endangering other

persons or road users.

If people – particularly children – are

exposed to extreme temperatures over an

extended period of time, there is a risk of

serious or even fatal injury.

R

Get out and be struck by oncoming traf‐

fic.

R

Operate vehicle equipment and become

trapped, for example.

#

Never leave anyone – particularly chil‐

dren – unattended in the vehicle.

Never leave animals in the vehicle unat‐

tended.

#

If necessary, adjust the seat belt outlet and

the front passenger seat accordingly.

In addition, the children could also set the

vehicle in motion, for example by:

#

R

Releasing the parking brake.

R

Changing the transmission position.

R

Starting the vehicle.

Occupant safety 63

Activating/deactivating the child safety lock

for the rear passenger compartment side

windows

The child safety lock on the rear doors secures

each door separately. The doors can no longer

be opened from the inside.

&

WARNING Risk of accident and injury

due to children left unattended in the

vehicle

If children are traveling in the vehicle, they

could, in particular:

R

Open doors, thereby endangering other

persons or road users

R

Get out and be struck by oncoming traffic

R

Operate vehicle equipment and become

trapped, for example

#

Always activate the child safety locks

installed if children are traveling in the

vehicle.

#

Never leave children unattended in the

vehicle.

#

When leaving the vehicle, always take

the SmartKey with you and lock the

vehicle.

#

Press the lever in direction 1 (activate) or

2 (deactivate).

There are child safety locks for the rear doors

and the rear passenger compartment side win‐

dows.

#

Make sure that the child safety locks are

working properly.

64 Occupant safety

#

To activate/deactivate: press button 2.

R

switch systems on or off and endanger

other road users

The rear passenger compartment side win‐

dow can be opened or closed in the following

cases:

Unsecured animals may be thrown around in

the vehicle in the event of an accident or

sudden steering and braking maneuver and

injure vehicle occupants in the process.

R

With indicator lamp 1 lit: via the switch

on the driver's door.

R

With indicator lamp 1 off: via the switch

#

Never leave animals in the vehicle unat‐

tended.

Always correctly secure animals while

on the corresponding rear door or driv‐

er's door.

#

driving, for example using a suitable

animal carrier.

Notes on pets in the vehicle

&

WARNING Risk of accident and injury

due to animals left unsecured or unat‐

tended in the vehicle

If you leave animals in the vehicle unatten‐

ded or unsecured, they could possibly press

down buttons or switches.

Thereby an animal may:

R

activate vehicle equipment and become

trapped, for example

Occupant safety -> Safely transporting children in the vehicle for Your Mercedes GLC Class SUV First generation (2015-2021)

Related Topics

Occupant safety