Child Passenger Safety Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my infant is positioned correctly?
Children should ride rear-facing until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height or weight limits of their seats. Children in the 1 to 2 year age group are 5 times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash when they are riding in forward facing seats, as opposed to rear facing. NEVER PLACE A REAR FACING SEAT IN FRONT OF AN ACTIVE AIRBAG.

How do I know if the harness is used correctly?
Harnesses should lay flat and smooth. You should not be able to pinch a fold in the harness fabric. For rear facing seats, harnesses should come out through the slot at or just below the child’s shoulders. For forward facing seats, use the slot at or just above the shoulders. Always check the car seat manual for specific directions.

Is my child’s seat belt positioned correctly through the car seat?
Using the correct belt path on the car seat is critical. Car seats that can be used both rear and forward facing will have two belt paths. Some seats will have a different belt path depending on whether the seat is installed using the seat belt or latch system.

Is it okay if the tether strap is not used?
If a forward facing car seat has a tether strap and the vehicle has an anchor location, the tether should be used. Using the tether limits the forward head movement in a crash, providing greater protection to the child.

What type of seat should my child be in?
Children should ride in rear facing seats until age 2 or until they reach the upper weight or height limits of their seats. Children should then ride in forward facing harnessed seats until they reach the seats’ upper weight/height limits. Boosters should then be used until vehicle seat belts fit correctly.

How long should my child be riding rear facing?
Children over 20 pounds and 1 year can be turned forward facing but remember, your child is better protected rear facing. Appropriate restraints are forward facing convertibles and forward facing only combination seats.

When can my child sit with a seat belt?
Children who have outgrown their harnessed seats need to use booster seats until they are at least 8 years old or until they are 4'9" tall. Booster seats lift children up to help vehicle lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. The lap belt should ride low across a child’s upper thighs and the shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder. Never allow a child to place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. Both the lap and shoulder belt must be used. Children are ready to move from booster seats to seat belts alone when:

• They can sit with their backs against the back of the seat and knees bent comfortably over the front edge of the seat
• The lap portion of the seat belt fits across the upper thighs/lower hips
• The shoulder portion of the seat belt crosses the middle of the shoulder
• Children can remain in this position for the whole trip.

If you have questions or would like to have your seat checked by a nationally certified child passenger safety technician, call the UH Rainbow Car Seat Hotline at 216-844-2277.