A review of car seat safety
Car seat safety is important for protecting your child. It is good to review how to safely secure your growing child or grandchild.
Be cautious about moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon. Rear facing car seats are recommended until children are at least age 2 or the highest weight, typically at least 35 pounds, or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Some families have a convertible seat, which can be used rear facing or forward facing, and typically has a higher rear-facing weight and height limit than does an infant-only seat. Some families will also switch from an infant-only seat to the convertible variety as their baby grows. When your child reaches age 2 or the rear-facing weight or height limit of the convertible seat, you can face the seat forward.
When you make the switch install the car seat in the back seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using either the seat belt or Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system.
Use the tether strap that hooks to the top of the seat and attaches to an anchor in the vehicle for added, but necessary, stability. Adjust the harness straps so they’re threaded at or above your child’s shoulders. Make sure the harness is snug on your child’s body, and not too loose.
Older children need booster seats to help an adult seat belt fit correctly over them. Switch to a booster seat once a child has grown beyond the tallest or heaviest (usually 40 to 80 pounds) allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Your child will always be safer remaining in a car seat with a harness for as long as possible.
Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. Make sure the lap belt lies low and snug across your child’s upper thighs and that the shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child’s chest and shoulder. Some booster seats come without backs. Backless booster seats also must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. Do not put the shoulder strap anywhere but across the middle of your child’s chest. If your vehicle has low seat backs or doesn’t have a headrest to protect your child’s head and neck in a crash, consider using a high-back booster that fits your child’s height and weight.
If you have questions about child passenger safety laws or need help installing a car seat, participate in a local car seat clinic or inspection event. The single most important aspect of child car seat safety is knowing your specific car seat manufacturer’s recommendations for the model of car seat you have. Keep them with you in the glove compartment so you will always have them handy, especially if you need to switch the seat to a different car.
