Your back-to-school checklist is almost complete. Backpack? Check. Supplies and books? Check. New clothes? Check. Your kids grow so fast, they need new supplies every year—but have you overlooked the one upgrade that could actually save their lives?
Is Your Child Using the Right Type of Car Seat?
Car accidents are a major cause of death for children, often proving fatal for passengers under 13 years old. The use of car seats 
and booster seats can drastically reduce the chances of fatal injury; unfortunately, many of these seats are poorly fitted and improperly installed.
This September 13th – 19th, parents are urged to examine their children’s risks during Child Passenger Safety Week, including taking a look at the many types of car seats and choosing the right one for their child’s age and size. Here is a quick rundown on when to use the most common car seat restraints:
Rear-Facing Car Seat
Used by newborns and children up to three years old.
Cradles infants and small children to reduce stress on the neck and spinal cord.
Should be installed in the back seat.
Should be used until the child reaches the maximum height or weight limits of the seat.
Forward-Facing Car Seat
Used by children between one and seven years old.
Uses a harness to secure the child at the strongest parts of the body.
Uses a tether to limit the child’s forward head movement in a crash.
Should be installed in the back seat.
Should be used until the child reaches the maximum height or weight limits of the seat.
Booster Seat
Used by children between four and twelve years old.
Positions your child so that the seat belt fits properly over the strongest parts of the child's body.
Can be made with a back to provide head and neck support, or backless for vehicles with head rests.
Should be installed in the back seat.
Should be used until the child reaches the maximum height or weight limits of the seat.
Seat Belt
Used by children eight years and older.
Should only be used if a booster seat no longer provides the best placement of the seat belt.
May be used when a child is tall enough to sit with their backs against the vehicle seat with their feet flat on the floor, and their knees naturally bent over the edge of the seat.
The lap belt should lie across the upper legs rather than the stomach, and the shoulder belt should sit from the shoulder across the chest rather than on the neck or face.
Children should be buckled in the back seat through at least age 12.
Tips for Buying the Right Car Seat
There are many different models for every type of car seat, each with its own pros and cons. The important thing to remember when buying a new car seat is to make sure it can be installed and used correctly every time. Not all seats will fit in all vehicles, so if your chosen seat does not fit well, exchange it for one that will offer more protection. Once you have chosen and installed your seat, don’t forget to register your child’s car seat to receive automatic recall updates.
Want to encourage fellow parents to update their car seats before winter hits? Feel free to share this article on Facebook or via email to make sure all of your child’s friends make it through another year!
Related Links:
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