What Every Parent Needs to Know About Car Seats

Your child̵7;s safety is most likely your No. 1 priority. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, automobile accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among children between 1 and 12 years of age. When you consider this, choosing the proper car seat for your child becomes a top priority. A little research on your part will guide you as you select the most appropriate car seat for your child.

  1. Rear-Facing Seats

    • A rear-facing seat is the safest style for your infant. These seats are designed to protect your child̵7;s head, neck and spine in the event of a crash. When your child outgrows the infant seat, move him to a convertible seat or 3-in-1 seat, which allows you to continue to place your child in a rear-facing position. The manufacturer̵7;s manual gives the height and weight restrictions that help you decide when to move your child to a forward-facing position. However, manufacturers recommend keeping your child in a rear-facing position as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that all infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat installed in the rear passenger seat until at least the age of 2 years.

    Forward-Facing Seats

    • If you have a convertible seat or a 3-in-1 seat, when your child is ready for a forward-facing position, turn the seat around and secure it according to the manufacturer̵7;s recommendations. These seats use a harness to restrain your child. If your child outgrows the seat before he is able to use a booster seat, look for a new child seat that has higher height and weight limits. A forward-facing seat with a harness is usually designed for children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds.

    Booster Seats

    • Once your child outgrows a forward-facing seat he is ready to ride in a booster seat. These seats are designed to accommodate your child until he is able to ride in your vehicle using a seat belt only. Booster seats typically accommodate children up to a height of 4 feet 9 inches. Choose a high-back booster seat if your vehicle has a low seat back. If the seat back provides head support, a backless booster is appropriate. A 3-in-1 car seat offers the option of converting from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat and to a booster.

    Seat Belts

    • Your child should continue to ride in a booster seat until he is tall enough to sit with his back against the seat without slouching, with his knees bent over the edge of the seat and his feet flat on the floor. The lap belt should fit snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder strap should lie across his shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face. The safest position for your child is in a rear passenger seat through the age of 12 years.

    Installation

    • Always install car seats according to the manufacturer̵7;s and your vehicle̵7;s instructions in a rear passenger seat. An infant seat comes with a base that you install by threading the seat belt through the base, fastening it and locking it in position. The base should move no more than one inch in any direction. Install rear- or forward-facing seats by threading the seat belt through the seat belt path, fastening it and locking it in place. If your vehicle is equipped for a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, use the anchors and tethers to safely install your child̵7;s car seat.

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