A child's safety is always at the forefront of her parents' minds. However, many parents are unaware of critical safety issues regarding the installation and use of their children's car seats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 75 percent of car seats are not installed or used properly. Parents who are improperly using rear car seats are not only minimizing the effectiveness of these car seats, but they may also be putting their children's lives at risk.
Infant Car Seats
The first seat you'll use for your baby is an infant car seat. Infant car seats are rear-facing, meaning that they face the back of your car as opposed to the front. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents keep their children in infant car seats for as long as possible because it is the safest option for a small child. Infant car seats are intended for babies who are under a year old and who weigh 20 pounds or less.
Toddler Car Seats
Once your baby is a year old and weighs 20 or more pounds, he's ready for a toddler car seat. Toddler car seats allow your baby to face forward and get the same view as a regular passenger. The child is kept in place by a five-point restraint that covers his shoulders, torso and waist. Your child can use a toddler seat until he weighs 40 pounds, at which time he'll probably be around 4 years old.
Booster Seats
The final step before your child is ready to sit in a car unaided is a booster seat. Booster seats come in two forms: a high-back model that resembles a toddler car seat, and a no-back model that simply provides a boost to your child's seating position. In both versions, the booster seat itself does not include any straps or harnesses; the child is restrained by the seatbelt in the back seat of your car. Booster seats can be used until your child weighs 80 pounds or is taller than 4 feet, 9 inches; he can even use the booster seat beyond this point if he's not yet ready to sit in a regular car seat.
Child Car Seat Installation
The installation of a rear child car seat is one of the most important jobs you'll have as a parent. Poor installation can completely nullify the protective features of the child car seat, leaving your child defenseless against injury in the case of an accident. Fortunately, car seat installation has become much easier with the introduction of the LATCH system. The LATCH system does away with the old method of looping seatbelts through car seats and instead uses small hookups at the base of the rear seat, allowing parents to easily and safely install car seats. Despite the convenience of LATCH, parents are encouraged to consult their local fire or police departments to get their car seats professionally checked to ensure proper installation and maximum safety.
Child Car Seat Use
Installation of a car seat is just one measure to ensure your children are safe. It is also important to use the seat properly. Your child should fit securely in the seat, with the vertical straps, if any, starting at her shoulders. The straps should be a little loose, but not so loose that your child can easily worm her way out of them. Position the plastic piece that connects the vertical straps at her chest so she won't fly forward if you stop short. Booster seats must provide neck support and allow your child to comfortably buckle her seatbelt so that she is secure, but is unable to escape the seat.
