Keep Your Child Safe: Child Safety Seat Tips

Did you know that four out of five car seats are used incorrectly? In the event of a serious car crash, a child safety seat could save your child’s life.

Below is a list of safety features to look for in a child safety seat, recommended by the Nemours Foundation:

— The seat should be labeled as meeting or exceeding Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

— When possible, opt for a new child safety seat rather than a used one or hand-me-down.

— Seats that were made more than 10 years ago should not be used, nor should seats that have survived a previous car accident.

— Infants younger than a year and weighing less than 20 pounds should face backwards in the vehicle. Toddlers one and older and weighing 20 to 40 lbs can ride in a forward-facing child seat. Children 40 to 80lbs should use a booster seat.

— The safety seat should be a good fit for your child – the seat should be neither too small nor too big.

In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes.. Properly installed child safety seats and booster seats can help save a child’s life.

In 2007, 6,532 children younger than 14 were killed in car crashes. In some instances, a properly installed child safety seat or booster seat could have helped to save a child’s life.

Also read, "New Child Booster Seat Law to Take Effect."