By Hayley Jackson Perez, Extension Educator in Lancaster County
Car seats are essential safety devices for children. They significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a car accident. For parents of children ages birth to 5 years old, understanding car seat safety is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you ensure your child is properly protected on the road.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAR SEAT
• Rear-facing car seats: For infants and toddlers, rear-facing car seats are the safest option. They provide optimal head, neck and spine protection in a crash.
• Forward-facing car seats: Once your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat (usually around 2-years-old or when they reach the maximum height and weight limit), they can transition to a forward-facing car seat. These seats are designed to protect children from 4–8 years old.
• Booster seats: When your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, they should use a booster seat. Booster seats help position the seat belt correctly to protect your child’s chest, abdomen and pelvis.
PROPER INSTALLATION
• Read the manual: Always refer to the car seat manufacturer’s manual for specific installation instructions.
• LATCH or seat belt: Most car seats can be installed using either the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or the vehicle’s seat belt.
• Tightness: Ensure the car seat is securely fastened and doesn’t move more than an inch in any direction.
• Tether strap: If applicable, use the tether strap to anchor the top of the car seat to the vehicle’s rear anchor point.
HARNESSING YOUR CHILD
• Shoulder straps: The shoulder straps should be at or slightly below your child’s shoulders.
• Chest clip: The chest clip should be at your child’s armpit level.
• Harness tightness: The harness should fit snugly, with no more than one finger between the harness and your child’s chest or shoulder.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
• Never place a child in a car seat while wearing a bulky winter coat. The coat can create a dangerous gap between the child and the car seat harness, which may not restrain them properly in a crash.
• Regular inspections: Have your car seat inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) to ensure proper installation and use.
• Avoid air bags: If possible, place your child’s car seat in the backseat to avoid potential injuries from airbags.
• Stay up-to-date: Keep informed about the latest car seat safety guidelines and recommendations.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your child’s safety on the road.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For More information
For resources, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at https://nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats.