For Safety!
Types of Child Restraints:
These seats are commonly known as infant
car seats and should only be used so that child faces the back of
the vehicle, never facing forward, and never in front of an airbag.
These seats are typically used for children under 1 year of age
and weighing up to 20 lbs. A rear-facing car provides the most
protection for your child in a crash. In an accident it designed to
move so that it protects the child’s fragile neck and spine. It is
recommended to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible,
even up to 2 years old and as long as the manufacturer guidelines
for your car seat allow.
A forward-facing car seat has a
harness and sometimes a tether strap that keeps the child from
moving forward in a crash. If a tether strap is included with the car
seat it is important to connect it to the tether anchor of your vehicle.
At a minimum a child should be 1 year of age and at least 20 lbs
and has reached the highest requirements for their rear-facing seat
to use this type of car seat. Make sure to follow the guidelines
from the car seat manufacturer on when to use this type of seat.
A convertible car seat can be an
economical option for parents. This type of seat can grow with
your child usually accommodating a child as small as 5 lbs. and
rearing-facing and then allowing for a larger child in a forwardfacing
position. Because this seat can accommodate children of
different sizes it may allow for a child to remain in the rear-facing
position longer. Make sure to closely follow the manufacturer’s
guidelines for your convertible car seat because they with vary
by brand.
A vehicles seat belt is generally designed to t an
adult, a booster seat is used to help position the vehicle’s seat belt
over the stronger parts of a child’s body such as the hips, chest,
and collarbone. Your child may be ready for a booster seat at
about 5 years old, if they have out grown their forward facing car
seat and are able to sit safely in a booster seat. Booster seats are
an important middle step between using a car seat and using a
seat belt alone.
Most children will t properly in a seat belt when they
reach about 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. It is recommended
that when using a seat belt that a child can sit in the vehicle seat
with their back against it, their knees can easily bend over the
edge of the seat, and feet are at on the oor. The seat belt should
rest against the child’s hips, chest, and shoulder and never on the
child’s stomach, neck or face.
What Is the “Best” Car or Booster Seat For Your Child?
Of course we can’t recommend a specic seat that is best for all
children. However, there are some things to keep in mind when
selecting a car seat or booster seat. Choose the one that ts your
child the best. Also, keep in mind which one would t best in your
car. Many stores will allow you to take the car seat to your car to
see how it ts. Lastly, choose the one that you will be able to install
and correctly use every time.
Always remember the safest place for children under 13 years
old, to ride in the car, is in the backseat. It is also recommended
that you keep your child in an appropriate car or booster seat as
long as possible. The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County
offers car seat check-ups to families wishing to make sure their
child’s car or booster seat is installed properly. A certied child
passenger safety technician will work closely with you to make
sure your child is riding in your vehicle as safely as possible. To
schedule an appointment for a car seat check-up call (941)757-
2900 extension 244.
Need More Help?
Monthly classes are held at different locations throughout Manatee
County. A nationally certied child passenger safety technician
teaches all classes and will also assist you as you install your car
seat in your vehicle.
Find a location and schedule your free appointment today at
HopkinsAllChildrens.org/carseats
Low cost car seats are available for families who are not able to
purchase a car seat at a regular cost.
Helpful Links:
www.safekids.org
www.safecars.gov
www.cdc.gov/safechild
Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County with 10 years of
Kids Coalition-Manatee Council.
in Manatee County.
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/carseats
/www.safekids.org
/www.safecars.gov
/safechild