Keeping Baby Safe: Car Seat Basics

Each year thousands of children are injured or killed in automobile accidents.  As a parent, it’s your job to make sure your child is as safe as possible when riding in a vehicle. The first step is to choose the correct safety seat. In general, the type of seat your child needs depends on the child’s size and age. Below are some basic recommended guidelines on selecting the correct car seat for your child. For more detailed information, go to healthychildren.org and search car seat safety.

INFANTS

Infants should ride in infant seats or rear-facing convertible seats.  They should face the rear of the vehicle until they weigh at least 20 pounds and reach one year of age.

TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

When children outgrow rear-facing seats, they should ride in a forward-facing seat with a full harness. Check the car seat manufacturer’s recommendations, but a child should ride in a forward-facing seat with a harness until she outgrows it – usually at around age 4 and about 40-80 pounds.

SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

School-aged children should ride in booster seats until adult seat belts fit correctly.  This is usually when the child reaches 4’ 9” in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age.

OLDER CHILDREN

Once children outgrow their booster seats, they should ride with a lap and shoulder seat belt in the back seat of the car until 13 years of age.