Children under the age of 4 must be in a federally approved car seat (or booster if the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of a car seat).
The American Academy of Pediatrics Now advises parents that children should remain rear-facing until 2 years of age (or until the child reaches the highest weight or height limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat). Previously, the AAP advised parents to keep kids rear-facing as long as possible, up to the maximum limit of the car seat, but also cited one year and 20 pounds as the minimum for flipping the seat, which many people interpreted as the time to make the switch.
*Loose harness straps don’t provide proper protection. Be sure the harness is tight; you should only be able to fit your finger under the straps. Position the shoulder straps through the slots on the seat at or below your child's shoulders. (Winter coats make this very difficult, dress them in layers and take big bulky winter coats off in the car seat).
*Adjust the chest clip to armpit level!
*Use either the car’s seat belt or LATCH system to lock the car seat into the car not both systems at the same time. The car seat should not move more than one inch side to side or front to back.Use your knee to press the car seat down on the vehicle's seat while tightening the belt/strap.
*All car seats have an expiration date. (About six years).
*If you need help, or to make sure your car seat is installed properly, you can get it inspected for free. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Find car seat safety check locations HERE
Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must use a booster seat.
*An adult lap and should belt does not fit children properly until the child is about 4 feet, 9 inches and at least 80 pounds. They must be able to sit all the way back against the vehicle seat, knees bent over the seat's edge, the shoulder belt goes across the collarbone and the lap belt fits low on the hips.
Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat. (No front seat until at least age 13!)
Even if you are just going down the street, or a quick trip to the school or store or whatever, Please take the time to buckle them in properly & tighten belts. Accidents can happen any where and at any time!
