Child safety seats are most effective when the proper seat is chosen
for the age and weight of your child.
There are 3 basic types of
child safety seats:
1. Rear-facing infant-only seats: Designed for babies from birth
to 20 pounds and one year old. If the infant’s head is more
than 1”above the top of the seat, not yet 1 year old but weighs
over 20 pounds move the infant to a convertible seat in the rear
facing position. (Make sure that the harness strap is at or below
the baby’s shoulder level.)
2. Convertible safety seats: These seats can be used for
rear-facing infants and forward facing for toddlers between
one and four years old. When used for infants, the seat
should be rear-facing. This seat is recommended when the
infant has reach 20-22 pounds and their head reaches above
the top of the infant-only seat. When use in the forward
facing direction, the child should weigh between 30 and
40 pounds.
3. Booster seats are used as a transition by older kids
who have outgrown their convertible seat but not quite
ready
for the vehicle’s seat belt system. Booster seats
are recommended for children age 4-8, less than 4’9”,
and over 40 lbs. Although not a law in every state, booster
seat are highly recommended for the safety of this group
of children. Check your state laws to determine their
policy
on booster seats.
Where to place the child safety seat:
The safest place for the child safety seats is in the back center
seat of car. Never place a child safety seat in the front
where there is an air bag. All children 12 or younger should
be seated in the back seat. The front passenger air bag may
deploy and cause serious injuries and or death a child sitting
in the front seat.
Harness Straps:
Harness straps should fit snugly and untwisted. The top of harness
clip should be at the child’s armpit level. You should
not be able to pinch any slack on the harness strap.
Installing the child safety seat:
Read your vehicle
owner’s manual and the child safety seat manual carefully
for specific installing directions. Usually two persons
are recommended to install the seat tightly: one person
to hold down the seat with their body weight while the other
locks the buckle in place. The seat should not move side-to-side
more than 1 inch.
Getting Help installing the child safety seat
Most local police, fire station and hospitals will have information
to locations of local child safety seat checks that help inspect
or install your child safety seat. More than 80 percent of
child safety seats are installed incorrectly. If you have
never installed a child safety seat before, it is recommended
that you take the time to find a location in your area and
get your installation checked. Installing child safety seats
involve so many variables and can be complex even for experienced
parents.
Recalled seats:
Do not buy used child safety seats because you cannot be
certain that it has not been involved in an accident. Also,
be sure
to send in the warranty cards immediately after buying your
child safety seat for the manufacturer to contact you if
there
is a recall. Check government sites or the manufacturer’s
web site for recalls. Seats involved in an accident or recalled
may be less effective or totally ineffective in the occurrence
of an accident.
Always take the time to properly buckle your child to reduce the
risk of serious injury or death. And always drive carefully.
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