Car Seat Safety

About this topic

A properly installed car seat is the best protection for your child when traveling by car. Child safety seat can lessen the risk of a serious injury, especially for babies and toddlers. The best car seat is not the most expensive one. It is the one that best fits your childs weight, size, age, and car. ‚
Check with your local fire department if you need help choosing and securing a safety seat. ‚
There are three types of car seats: ‚

For infants
- Baby car seats ¢ ˆ ’ Should always face the rear of the car and should be in the back seat.
For toddlers
- Convertible car seat ¢ ˆ ’ Can be used as a rear-facing seat for babies and toddlers. It can also be used as a forward-facing seat once the child is older.
- Belt-positioning booster seat ¢ ˆ ’ For kids who are at least 4 years old. It has a regular car lap and shoulder belt to secure your child.

When choosing your car seat: ‚

Select a car seat with a label saying that it meets or exceeds U.S. Federal Motor Safety Standard 213.
Make sure your car seat is right for your child's weight and height.
Use caution when using a used car seat. Do not use a seat that is more than 6 years old or a seat that was in a crash. Do not accept seats that have missing parts, are not labeled with the manufacture date and model number, or have no instruction manual.
If you have a used seat, call the manufacturer for advice on how long the seat can safely be used. Find out if it has been recalled.
For new car seats, fill out the product registration card so you will get information about recalls.

General

Infant or Rear-Facing Car Seats ‚

Your car must have lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) that can be used to secure a rear-facing seat.
Check your car manual to see what features your car has.
Use the cars seat belt with a locking clip to safely install a rear-facing car seat.
Position the car seat at a 45 ‚ ° angle.

How to Make the Car Seat Safe for Your Baby ‚

Snug and thread the harness straps at or just below your baby's shoulder.
Place the chest clip at armpit level.
The harness is too loose if more than one finger fits between the shoulder harness and your baby's collarbone.
Put the seat handle as recommended by the manufacturer.

Forward-Facing Car Seats ‚

Your car must have lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) that can be used to secure a forward-facing seat.
Check your car manual for the seating location that can be used.
Use the car's seat belt with a locking clip to safely install a forward-facing car seat.
Attach the top tether strap to the top of the car seat and fasten to an anchor that is bolted to the car.
Ask your car dealer to install a tether anchor, if you don't have one.
Thread the seat belt or UAS strap through the child seat as shown in the seat's instructions.
Push down on the child seat using your knee while you tighten the seat belt or UAS strap.
Put the tether strap on to hold the top of the child seat in position and tighten the strap.

How to Make the Car Seat Safe for Your Toddler ‚

Put the harness straps at or slightly above your child's shoulders.
Only one finger should fit between the harness strap and your child's collarbone.
Place the chest clip at armpit level.

Booster Car Seats ‚

Position the shoulder part of the seat belt over the middle of the collarbone while your child is seated in the booster seat.
Place the lap belt over the hips, away from the stomach.
Your child should be able to bend the knees over the edge of the seat.
Clip the seat belt across the booster seat even when your child is not with you.
Always use the shoulder and lap belt to secure the booster seat.

Will there be any other care needed?

Do not add things like bunting bags, head-huggers, trays, or comfort straps that are not supplied by the manufacturer.
Do not put anything under or behind your childs body. Tuck a blanket over your child after your child is secured.
Do not leave your child alone in the car.
Make sure that the locking clips are attached to the car seat when the UAS is used to secure the seat.
Make sure the infant seat is snapped into the car seat. Make sure to rebuckle your baby into the seat before beginning to drive.

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/auto_baby_toddler.html# ‚
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ‚
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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