Child car seat safety hits the list of parenting tips today. With so many different car seats on the market it is hard to know which one is right for your child. Yet, this is one area that is vital to the well-being of our children.
It is important to note that a right fit is determined by the size and weight of a child. The following chart is from the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Infant Car Seats
Most people realize that infants need to ride in a rear facing car seat beginning with the first ride home from the hospital. However, as the child nears one year of age – the tendency of many parents is to move the baby into a regular forward facing car seat. This is because the child has gotten so big and outgrown the infant seat. This is a MISTAKE. A child should remain in a rear facing car seat until they are one year old AND at least 20 pounds.
- If your child hits 20 pounds before their first birthday then they should still ride facing the rear of the car.
- If your child turns one year old but does not weigh 20 pounds yet then they should still ride facing the rear of the car.
I know, many of you will argue that the baby has outgrown that little carrier/car seat by six or seven months of age. This is common and is not a problem. It is time to purchase what is known as a convertible car seat. This type of chair can be buckled into the car in either a rear facing or forward facing position.
Use it facing the back of the car until the baby hits one year AND 20 pounds, then turn it around and use it forward facing until the upper height and weight limits for that particular seat have been reached. Remember to make child car seat safety your number one priority. Your baby and your aching shoulders will thank you!
Toddler Car Seats
Luckily, the convertible car seat that you have invested in should last you for awhile. Many of these seats will last until a child is at least 30 pounds and an appropriate height for the harness to fit correctly. Always read the instructions for the seat to determine whether it is a good fit for your child. The height and weight specs vary for each make and model of set – so read these carefully.
Also, remember that a seat is only effective if it is installed correctly. Most convertible car seats come with a tether strap and make use of the LATCH system that all newer cars are outfitted with. If your car is an older model make sure that the seatbelt is tight and secure and use the seatbelt clip to reduce any give. Many police stations, AAA offices, and community organizations will offer checks of car seat installations. My parenting advice is to take advantage of these for additional peace of mind.
Booster Seats
A child graduates to a booster seat when he outgrows his convertible car seat. Boosters come in a few different styles. If the child is under 4 years of age, it is a good idea to get one with a five point harness that can be removed when he gets a little older. There are also styles with and without backs. The most important thing here is the fit. Once the harness is removed the cars seatbelt is used to strap the child in safely. A cars seatbelt is designed to fit an adult. A booster provides added height needed for the belt to fit snugly over the hips and across the body. A booster seat should be used until the child fits into the cars own seatbelts properly.
If you carpool often, it is a good idea to have an extra seat or two for the other children. Gone are the days of piling in everyone that fits, seatbelt or not.
For more guidelines on child car seat safety visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
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