The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that in 2007, there were 6,532 passenger vehicle where occupants age 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. Some of these fatalities could have been prevented with the proper use of car seats. Car seat regulations differ by state, though some regulations are the same across the United States. While it might seem like a bother to keep your child restrained in a car seat, the NHTSA creates car seat regulations to keep them safe.
Age Regulations
The NHTSA requires that all infants under the age of 1 and under 20 lbs. ride in a rear-facing car seat that has a five-point harness. A forward facing seat is required until your child is at least 5 years old and 40 lbs. After that, some states require you to use a booster until age 7. (See Resources.)
Age vs. Weight
Each safety regulation dealing with age also gives a weight requirement. This is because some children are smaller than others, while some reach the weight requirement while still being too young to move to the next phase of car seat. Your child must meet both regulations before moving to the next type of seat. A 9-month-old that weighs 20 lbs. still does not have the neck control to sit in a forward facing car seat.
Expiration Dates
All states have expiration dates on car seats within that state. As car seats age, their plastic can deteriorate, meaning less protection for your child. Most states have a five-year expiry period, after which you need to purchase a new car seat. Some states have as few as four years between expiry regulations, and some states go as long as eight years between expiry regulations. (See Resources.) Look on the bottom of your car seat to find an expiration date that is stamped on every car seat manufactured.
Car Accident Regulations
When you have been in a moderate to severe car accident, you must replace your car seat, according to the NHTSA. Even a fender bender, where the car seat is not damaged, could have caused internal weakening of your child's car seat. The NHTSA has requirements to determine if your accident was moderate to severe. (See Resources.) Your insurance company is required to provide you with new car seats if your car has been in an accident, so you shouldn't have to pay for one out of pocket.
Boosters
Even if your child is too large for a car seat, a booster is still necessary for certain age groups. A booster can be purchased in two forms; a high back and a regular. The high back booster looks much like a car seat, and is ideal for preschoolers and smaller children. Depending on your state's regulations, you can then graduate to a regular booster that raises your child up in order to position him better with a regular lap and shoulder belt. Boosters are required in some states up to age 7, so it's important to check for your state's rules and regulations regarding boosters and car seats.
