Child Safety Seats & Seat Belt Usage Tips Last updated2/18/2008                             
Child safety seats are as important as your child's immunizations (baby shots) in protecting his or her life and health. Did you know that the greatest danger to children after they have reached two to three months of age is car accidents? Fortunately, serious injuries and deaths can be prevented simply by using a child safety seat or restraint that is appropriate for your child's age. Remember, children should use some kind of special seat until they weigh sixty pounds. At that time, they are ready to start using a regular seat belt. Strapping a small child (under sixty pounds) into a seat belt is not recommended, but it is better than no restraint at all.

What seat works best?  Here are some general guidelines to help you select a car seat that best fits your child.

Infant-only car safety seats (from birth to 18-20 pounds).

Infant-only safety seats must face the rear of the car when installed. Usually, the center of the back seat is the safest place for your child. If you use the front seat and your car has an airbag on the passenger side, a rear-facing infant needs to ride in the back. Seats made for infants only must face backward no matter what your child weighs.

Infant car safety beds are available for premature infants or infants who must lie flat for medical reasons. Your doctor needs to decide if your child should ride on his or her back or stomach The infant's head should face the center of the car when the seat is in place. Please check your car owner's manual for instructions on using the car bed in a car with airbags.

Convertible safety seats (from birth to 40 pounds).

Convertible safety seats-those you can use for infants and toddlers-must face the rear of the car until the child weighs at least twenty pounds and is one year old. This position protects the child's back, neck and head, and is very important for young children. Make sure the seat belt is routed correctly. There is only one correct way if the seat faces the rear and one correct way if it faces forward, although the way the belt is routed varies depending on the brand of seat you buy.

Booster seats.

These are used when a convertible or toddler safety seat is outgrown. Booster seats with small shields are very popular, but experts are concerned about their safety. A small shield cannot hold the upper body and head back nearly as well as harness straps or a vehicle shoulder belt. There is also some risk that crash forces will be centered on your child's abdomen (stomach area). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these other choices:

• Keep your child in a regular car safety seat as long as possible.

• Use a booster seat with a large shield.

• If your back seat has lap and shoulder belts, use a booster seat that lets you use both lap and shoulder belts for greater protection.

Remember, the safest seat is one that your child will use every time he or she rides in the car. Make sure the seat you buy has easy-to-follow directions and can be taken in and out of the car easily. All safety seats should have a five-part harness--two shoulder straps, a lap belt and a crotch strap. Children weighing over sixty pounds are usually ready to be strapped into the car's lap and shoulder belts. Help your children develop this habit by setting a good example. Use seat belts every time you get in the car for short and long trips.

Making friends with your child safety seat.

• Set a good example. If you buckle up, your child will want to be safe too.

• Praise your child often for riding in the safety seat or wearing a seat belt.

• For infants, comfort counts. Pad the sides of the seat with rolled towels or put a rolled towel between the crotch strap and the infant to prevent slouching.

• Restless toddlers may appreciate soft or chewy toys attached to the seat with very short strings. Unattached toys will fall out of your child's reach or go flying during sudden stops.

• Let your two-and three-year-olds put stickers, names or racing stripes on their seat. Make the seat their "special seat". Show your child how to buckle up their favorite stuffed animal or doll.

• Older children enjoy "feeling like a grown-up" by showing younger children how to use safety seats. Show them how they can set a good example.

• Children old enough to use seat belts should know what your rules are about using them. Try using reminder stickers for your children and their friends riding in your car.

Never let a fussy child out of a safety seat or seat belt while the car is moving. Stop the car if he or she needs a break.