Buckling Up Children In Four Easy Steps

Carol MeidingerCertified Child Passenger Safety

InstructorOctober 29, 2008

Correct Use of Car Seats

• Selection – is the car seat appropriate for the age, weight, height and developmental level of the child?

• Condition – is the car seat in good condition, free from recalls, not been in a crash?

Correct Use of Car Seats

• Installation – is car seat installed correctly in the vehicle using the seat belt or LATCH system?

• Securing child in seat – is child securely snugly in seat, are straps in correct slots?

Selection - Four Steps to Safety

1. Rear-facing Car Seat

2. Forward-facing Car Seat

3. Booster Seat

4. Seat Belt

Rear-Facing

• Minimum: 20 pounds and 1 year of age

• Optimum: Until upper rear-facing weight limit of convertible car seat

• New Study: Until age 2

Rear Facing Only (Infant Seat)• Rear facing ONLY

• Birth/5pounds to 17 - 22 pounds (most models) or when head is 1” below top of shell

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Rear Facing Convertible

Many have rear-facing limits of 30-35 pounds

Forward-facing

• Keep child in a car seat with a harness to 40 pounds (or higher if car seat allows)– Higher-weight harness seats (50-65 pounds)

• May use a convertible seat or a forward-facing only car seat

Forward-facing

ConvertibleForward-facing only

Booster Seats

• Use from 40 pounds to 80-100 pounds

• Booster seats provide transition from car seat with a harness to seat belt

• Booster seats elevate child and help seat belt fit better

Booster SeatsTwo Types:• Shield Booster• Belt-Positioning

Boosters– High Back– Backless

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Correct Booster Seat Use

• Belt-positioning booster seats MUST be used with a lap AND shoulder belt for upper body protection

• Some models have shoulder belt positioners or guides

• High-back boosters provide head protection in vehicles with low seat backs

Seat Belts

• Approximately 80-100 pounds and 4’9” tall

• Seat belt fit is best guide

• Lap and shoulder belt is best

• Lap belt least effective protection other than no belt (no upper body)

• Poor-fitting seat belts may cause injury

• Never place shoulder belt under arm or behind back

5-Step Test for Seat Belt Use

Condition of Seat

• Recalls – keep in perspective – not all recalls affect crashworthiness of seat

• Register car seats – return card or www.safercar.gov

• Expiration dates – usually six years – refer to “do not use after…” dates on back of seats

Condition

• Car seats in crashes – replace if moderate to severe crash– Was anyone injured?– Did air bags deploy?– Damage to car seat?– Did vehicle have to be towed?– Was door nearest car seat damaged?

Installation Issues to Consider

• Seating position in vehicle

– Back seat – 12 and younger

– Center is safest, but check vehicle owner’s manual

– Air bags – front and side

– Booster seats need lap and shoulder belts

InstallationIssues to Consider

• Correct Direction• Recline – usually upright for forward-facing and

reclined for rear-facing– Infant seats often have level indicators

• Correct Belt Path – convertible seats have two belt paths

• Handle position on infant car seats

InstallationIssues to Consider

• How tight - no more than 1” side-to-side, front-back movement

• Test at belt path

• Seat Belt or LATCH – not both

• Use tether whenever possible

Installation - LATCH

• Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children

Top tether anchorOne pair lower anchors

Securing Child in SeatIssues to Consider

• Correct harness slots– Rear-facing: at or below shoulders– Forward-facing: at or above shoulder

• Retainer clip – armpit level

• How to adjust harness

• Add-on products – do not use unless they came with the car seat

Securing Child in Seat

• Test at child’s shoulder

• Try to pinch webbing up and down

• Your fingers should slide off

Harness straps are too loose

Correct Use of Car Seats

• Car Seat Instructions

• Vehicle Owner’s Manual

• Car Safety Seat Checkups

• Certified Technicians