Installing and Using a Child Car Safety Seat Correctly

For example, does your car have a passenger air bag? An infant in a rear-facing seat should NEVER be placed in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag. In fact, the safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat. If an older or larger child must ride in the front seat, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and make sure he is wearing a seatbelt.

Is your child’s car safety seat facing the right way for his weight, height, and age? Infants should ride facing the back of the car until they have reached at least 1 year of age AND weigh at least 20 pounds. If your baby reaches 20 pounds before she turns one, or turns one before reaching 20 pounds, she should still be in a rear-facing seat.

Does your child’s car safety seat fit correctly? Check your car safety seat instructions. Is the harness snug? Does it stay on your child’s shoulders? Harnesses should fit snugly against your child’s body. The chest clip should be at armpit level .

Has your child outgrown his seat? Once your child outgrows his car safety seat, use a belt-positioning booster seat to help protect him until he is big enough for the seat belt to fit properly. Most states have height, weight and/or age limits for moving a child into or out of a booster seat. A belt-positioning booster seat is used with a lap and shoulder belt. A properly fitting seat belt crosses the chest, with the lap belt low and snug across the thighs.

Does the car safety seat fit correctly in your vehicle? Unfortunately, not all car safety seats fit in all vehicles. A key point when installing the seat is to make sure it does not move side-to-side or toward the front of the car. Read the owners manual for tips. If you are still unsure, call your local fire or police department. Many will install your child car safety seat for free.