In this room we'll learn why child safety seats are important and the correct way to use them. Now if you're a kid browsing through this site there's a good reason to read this section. You may have a little brother or sister that you can help protect.
BUYING A CHILD SAFETY SEAT
Only buy child safety seats that meet DOT requirements. Look for a label that says - "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor safety standards." The stamp of manufacturing should be after January 1st, l981.
Don't buy a used child safety seat if the instructions or DOT label are missing. You can't make sure it will provide adequate protection.
Buy a seat that's easy to use.
One important note: not every child safety seat will fit in every car. Some vehicles belts may not be compatible. If the car seat you have doesn't work - don't force it or you'll risk a drastic reduction in the car seat's effectiveness.
A PARENTS GUIDE TO PICK THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY SEAT FOR NEWBORNS, TODDLERS, LITTLE KIDS AND BIG KIDS.
NEWBORNS From Birth to 1 Year at least 20-22 Pounds
All newborns must ride in the back seat of the car in a rear facing safety seats. This is the safest position possible for two reasons. 1) an infant can be seriously injured or killed by an inflating airbag and, 2) the driver is less likely to be distracted while trying to care for the baby. The car seat should be firmly fastened in place and shouldn't slide from side to side. Be sure to read the manufactures instructions.
At first, when a baby can't support its head, you may need to put rolled towels around the head to keep it from flopping forward. Keep the straps over your child's shoulders. Adjust the harness so you can only fit one finger underneath the straps at your child's chest. The chest clip should be even with the child's armpits.
Parents often want to put their new babies in the front seat where they're easier to see. It may be tempting but don't do it. Remember, putting an infant's rear-facing restraint up front puts the baby in the path of the airbag where a serious injury or death could occur if the airbag inflates.
TODDLERS 1 Year and Over 20 - 40 pounds.
When newborns outgrow their rear facing restraints, they can graduate to child safety seats that face forward. Like rear-facing seats, these should always be placed in the back seat.
Read the instructions concerning safety seats from both your car owner's manual and the manufacturer of your safety seat.
Make sure the straps of the car seat go over your child's shoulder. Straps should be snug enough so you can slip only one finger underneath at your child's chest. Place the chest clip at armpit level.
SMALL CHILDREN 4 -8 years, unless 4'9".
Keep children in convertible or toddler seats as long as they will fit. When they have outgrown the convertible or toddler seat, use a booster seat that positions the lap/shoulder belt correctly - the lap belt should be across the child's hips and the shoulder belt shouldn't cross the face or the front of the neck.
BIG KIDS 8 years and older or 70 pounds or more
When a child is tall enough to sit with knees bent at the edge of the seat they can use adult lap/shoulder belts provided in the car. Children may need a special booster seat at first. Make sure the seat belts fit properly. Never allow children to put the safety belt shoulder portion behind themselves or under the arm.
The only exception to putting infants in the back seat is if your car does not have a back seat or you can deactivate the passenger airbag. Always reactivate the airbag when preparing to ride with older passengers.
