How to Select a Car Seat
Car Seat Safety
What to Consider when Selecting a Car Seat
How long should my child be rear facing?
Your child should be rear facing until they are at least 1 year old AND 20 pounds. This is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep in mind that this is the minimum requirement. Since it is the safest, the longer you can keep your child rear facing, the better. Most convertible seats will go rear facing up to 30 pounds, some even up to 35 pounds.
How long should my child stay in a car seat?
Many parents think their children are too big for car seats or have outgrown their booster seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that children should be restrained in a booster seat until they are 4’9” and about 80 pounds. Regular seat belts are made for men who are 5’10” and 160 pounds. They are not designed to secure a child under 80 pounds. Yes, this quite possibly means that your 10 year old should still be in a booster seat!
What is the best kind of car seat to buy?
The truth is, there is no “best” car seat. The best style of seat is one with a five-point harness system. Other than that, find a car seat that fits your car, your child, and your budget. Remember that spending more does not always equal a safer seat.
Links for How to Select a Car Seat
Selecting a Car Seat
Partners for Child Passenger Safety— http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=77971
American Academy of Pediatrics—http://www.aap.org/family/infantpassengersafety.htm
American Academy of Pediatrics—http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
American Academy of Pediatrics—http://www.aap.org/family/CarSeatSittingPosition.pdf
KidsHealth—http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy/preparing/auto.html
KidsHealth—http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/products_seats.html
Community Resources for Car Seat Safety
Utah County Health Department
Car Seats and Child Passenger Safety— http://www.utahcountyonline.org/dept/healthpromo/injury/carseats.asp
