If you own and drive a car, there’s a pretty good chance you have a car seat installed for your little ones. Is everything up to date and installed correctly for their size and age? Let’s check it out.
This informational campaign comes to you in partnership with the Stark County Community Action Agency.
It can feel intimidating or daunting to install your baby’s car seat for the first time, but after a few months, you quickly get the hang of it. If you’re still feeling unsure or you’re putting one in your vehicle for the first time, there are some important facts to know.
What Kind of Carseat Do You Need?
There are four options for keeping your kids safe in the car.
Forward-Facing Car Seats are for kids ages two (2) through seven (7) years old.
Boosters seats are for the “big kids”, ideal for children four (4) to 12 years old.
And finally, once your child has outgrown their safety seats- usually between ages eight to 12-. they can buckle in correctly with their seatbelt.
When Do We Make A Change?
It is safest to leave your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Children under the age of one (1) should always be rear-facing. Only turn your child’s convertible or all-in-one seat forward-facing when your child meets the seat manufacturer’s required height and weight limits.
You should always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions regarding a child’s height and weight limits. Read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available.
When your child outgrows their forward-facing harness car seat (per the manufacturer’s instructions), you can move them to a booster seat. Your child should still be riding in the backseat of the car.
Keep your child in their booster seat for as long as they meet the requirements. Remember the back seat is the safest place for them. Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat.
Your child is big enough for a seat belt when they have outgrown their booster seat and the seatbelt lap belt stretches across their thighs- not their stomach. Additionally, the chest strap should not cut across their face or neck but rest across their chest.
A Few Things to Note
- 325 children are saved by car seats annually
- You can find a certified child passenger safety technician near you to ensure your car seat is installed properly
- You can find helpful tips from certified experts on social media, like Michelle Pratt of @safeintheseat on Instagram
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Car Seat Recommendations for Children.” [PDF Online] Available at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/carseat-recommendations-for-children-by-age-size.pdf
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Car Seats and Booster Seats.” [Online] Available at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats
- HealthyChildren.org. “Car Seats: Information for Families.” [Online] Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting
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