What you should know about carseats

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All fifty states require that parents have a car seat that meets federal safety standards before their baby may leave the hospital. So before you consider outfitting the nursery, outfit your car for safety..

It’s the law for a very precious reason. A correctly used car seat can reduce the chance of serious injury by 70%. All children are required to ride buckled up in a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt, appropiate for their weight and height. Here are some helpful hints that may help you when shopiing for a child safety seat.

Always check labels to make sure the car seat you choose meets current federal safety standards. Use extra caution when considering a used car seat. A car seat that has been involved in an accident should be replaced.

Read you car owners manual for information about installing a car safety seat. Nearly all passengers vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after september 1, 2002, come with the latch attachment system which eliminates the need to use seat belts to secure the car safety seat.

Be comfortable with your selection. Shop around. Try out different latches and buckles. If possible, make sure the seat fits securely in your car and put your child in it and adjust the harness and buckles to ensure a safe, comfortable fit.

Consider your routines and your preferences. If you will be using an infant car seat in more than one car consider purchasing an extra infant seat base. This will eliminate the need to reinstall the seat each time. Many infant car seats are part of a convertible stroller system. The choices are many, your choice depends on your preferences and your pocketbook, so consider all your options before you buy.

When choosing car toys, select ones that will occupy and entertain, but avoid heavy toys that can be thrown and any toy with sharp or pointed edges.

Whenever possible, the safest possition for your car safety seat is in the back seat.

When traveling with children, the ffa recommends that children be securely fastened in car safety seats utilized with the airplane seat belts until 4 years of age. Check the labbel on your car safety seat to be sure if is certified for use in airplanes.

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Remember:

infants under 26” tall, less than 20 lbs. And less than one year old must ride rear facing in an infant or convertible safety seat.

A child, who sits unsupported and is over 26” tall, is over one year old and at least 20 lbs. Can be moved into a forward facing standard or convertible car seat.

Children over 40”tall, weighing 30 lbs. Can move into booster seats. Children should continue riding in booster seats until the backs of their heads are higher than the car’s back seat.

“A correctly used car seat can
reduce the chance of serious injury by 70%.”