Around 46 percent of car and booster seats are improperly used, greatly impacting their efficacy. With car accidents being the leading cause of death in children in the US, parents must know how to keep their children safe while riding in the car.
Types of Car Seats
Children from birth until 3 years old use a rear-facing car seat. From 3-7 years old, children upgrade to the forward-facing car seat. The booster seat is typically used from 5-12 years, depending on height and manufacturer’s guidelines. Children should be at least five years old, weigh at least 40 pounds, and meet the height and weight requirements before upgrading to a booster seat.
Choosing the Right Car Seat
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides useful information to help compare car seats. Your pediatrician can also provide advice on choosing the right one.
Installing Your Child’s Car Seat
Read the manufacturer’s installation guide before starting. The NHTSA also provides helpful safety tips for successful installation, and once installed, you can have it inspected to make sure it’s properly done.