Are you sure that your car seat is protecting your child adequately? Did you know that 7 out of 10 children in car seats are not properly restrained? Are you aware that appropriately using child safety seats can decrease fatality by 71% in infants and 54% in children aged 1 to 4 years?
Review these helpful tips to be sure that your car seat is the safest for your child’s age, weight and height.
- Birth to age 2 years or until 35 lbs, use a Rear-Facing Child Safety Seat
- Children age 2 years or older or until 60 lbs, use a Forward-Facing Child Safety Seat
- When your child outgrows the limit of their Forward-Facing Care Seat: use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the child is 4 foot 9 inches tall AND 8-12 years old.
- When your child is at least 4’9″ AND is between 8-12 years of age: use an Adult Lap/Shoulder Belt.
- The back seat is ALWAYS a safer place for your child, especially under 13 years of age.
- An additional resource is www.seatcheck.org or 1-866-SEAT_CHECK to find out how to get your child car seat inspected and to be sure it’s properly installed. Just enter your zip code to find a resource near you to inspect your car seat. They can help you install a car seat, usually at no cost to you.
- Discount car seats can be found at AAA club, Police or Fire Departments, Health Department, and Safe Kids Worldwide. It is not recommended to use hand-me-down car seats.
- Car seats are NOT optional. If the buckles are not on, the car does not go. Feel free to stress this point to your children.
- Be a role model for your child, and ALWAYS wear your seat belt as well. Kids watch what we do more than what we say.
- A car crash can happen anywhere and at any time. Most crashes occur nearby home. Don’t take any chances, always use appropriate car restraints!