Proper use of car seats in automobiles saves childrens' lives and prevents serious injury. However, it is estimated by Seatcheck.org, that seven out of 10 kids are not properly buckled into safety seats. It is important to make sure that the safety seat you use is correct for your child's age, height and weight and your vehicle--and that it is properly installed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts seat checks nationwide. You can go to seatcheck.org to find a seat-check location near you.
Age
The age of your child is less of a factor in car seat selection than is height and weight. Infants need to be in a car seat made especially for children 1 year of age. If your child is over the age of 1 but is small and light, it is safest to continue using a seat that matches your child's size.
Height and Weight
All car seats have a recommended weight range. It is important to follow these guidelines. It is a good idea to keep your child in a car seat until he reaches its maximum weight. This will ensure that he is big enough before moving him to a bigger seat.
Front-Facing Seat
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that "all infants should always ride rear-facing until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds." If you can, keep your child rear-facing to the highest weight and height allowed by her car safety seat. Once she has reached these height and weight limits, she can ride in a forward-facing convertible or toddler seat.
Tether and Latch
Since 2000, all new cars, minivans and SUVs have been required to have anchors for car seat tethers. A tether is a strap that attaches to the top of a car seat and then attaches to the car anchor. Tethers help to keep the child's head from moving to far forward in a crash.
The LATCH system, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, has been in place in car seats and cars made after September 2001. Car seats made after this date, come with lower belts that firmly attach the safety seat to the vehicle seat's anchors. The Latch system makes it possible to secure the car seat without the use of the vehicle's seat belts.
You should purchase car safety seats that are new enough to have the tether and latch systems, and use them with your toddler's seat, if you car is new enough to be compatible with these systems.
Booster Seats
A forward-facing seat with a harness should be used until it is outgrown. At around 4 years of age and about 40 to 65 pounds, children can move to a booster seat. They should ride in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
