Next week is Child Passenger Safety Week and we’re here to help you choose the right seat to keep your children safe at all times.
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children 1-13 years old and most injuries are preventable by the proper use of car seats, boosters and seat belts. To maximize safety, it is best to keep your children in a car seat as long as possible.
When it comes to picking a car seat, there are so many options. So how do you know which one is best? Here are the 4 types of car seats and when they should be used:
Rear-facing car seat. If your child is under the age of one, they should always ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of your car. A rear-facing car seat is the best option because it has a harness that cradles and moves with your child to reduce stress to their neck and spinal cord. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It is the best option when it comes to safety.
Forward-facing car seat. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, they are ready to use a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. It should be used in the back seat of your car.
Booster seat. After your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat, it’s time for a booster seat. Don’t forget that they should still remain in the back seat of your car. A booster seat positions the seat belt so that it properly fits over the stronger part of your child’s body.
Seat belt. Don’t move your child out of a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly. For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. And remember to keep your child in the back seat of your car because it is much safer.