Child Safety Seat Questions and Answers
The following list of child safety seat tips is a must read for anyone who transports children in a motor vehicle. While many of the tips are things we have all heard before, we urge you to take a few minutes to refresh your memory.
Does your child ride in the back seat? The back seat is generally the safest place in a crash. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, it is essential for children 12 and under to ride in the back.
Does your child ride facing the right way? Infants should ride in rear facing restraints (in the back seat) until age one, and until they are at least 20-22 lbs. Infants who weigh 20 pounds before one year of age should ride in a restraint approved for higher rear facing weights. Always read your child restraint system manual for instructions on properly using the restraint. Children over age one and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward.
Does the safety belt hold the seat tightly in place? Put the belt through the correct slots. If your safety seat can be used facing either way, use the correct belt path for each direction. Check the vehicle owner’s manual and safety seat instruction book for guidance.
Is the harness buckled snugly around your child? Keep the harness straps snug over the child’s shoulders and place the chest clip at armpit level.
Does your child who is over 40 pounds have the best protection possible? Keep your child in a safety seat with a full harness as long as possible, at least until 40 pounds. A belt-positioning booster seat is preferred for children between 40 and 80 pounds. The booster seat is used in unison with the adult lap and shoulder belt.
How should a safety belt fit an older child? The child should be tall enough to sit without slouching, with knees bent at the edge of the seat and feet on the floor. The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should rest over the shoulder and across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the child’s back. The adult lap and shoulder belt system alone will not fit most children until they are at least 4’ 9” tall and weigh about 80 pounds.
If you have a question about the proper installation of your child safety seat or need assistance, please call the Public Safety Facility at 624-4545 and one of our child passenger seat technicians from EMS or the Police Department will be happy to assist you.
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