Child Passenger Safety Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my infant is positioned correctly?
Infants up to 20 pounds - no matter which child restraint used - must face the rear of the car at a 45 degree recline. The position allows the baby's back to absorb the force in a collision rather than the chest or abdomen.
How do I know if the harness is used correctly?
Just as the seat belt keeps the car seat in your car, the harness keeps your child in the car seat. Keep the harness snug for the best protection.
Is my child's seat belt positioned incorrectly?
Know the proper routing for the seat belt on your car seat. Seat belts placed incorrectly may allow the car seat to fly forward or move out of position, injuring your child.
Is it okay if the tether strap is not used?
If your car seat comes with a tether strap, use it. The together gives the seat necessary stability to stay upright in a crash. For forward facing seats only.
What type of seat should my child be in?
Children under 20 pounds and under 1 year of age must ride in a rear facing child restraint. It is safest to keep your child rear facing until the upper rear facing weight limit of their seat. Appropriate restraints are rear facing only infant seats or rear facing convertible seats.
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 over 40 pounds need to sit on a booster seat until they are at least 8 years or unless they are over 4’9” tall. A booster seat allows the vehicles lap and shoulder belt to fit the child properly. Never allow a child to place the shoulder harness under their arm or behind their back. Booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belts.
- They can sit with their backs against the back of the seat and knees bend over the front edge of the seat
- The lap portion of the seat belt fit across their upper thighs/lower hips
- The shoulder portion of the belt crosses the middle of their shoulder
- The can remain in this position for the whole trip