National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program May 2004 Selecting & Securing Children In Vehicle Safety Restraint Systems

Objectives Describe the purpose of child restraints, including aspects of the child’s body development that affect restraint design and effectiveness List the types of restraint systems for children Selecting & Securing - 2

Objectives Describe the appropriate ages and sizes of children for each type of restraint system Define the four factors to consider in selecting the appropriate child restraint Describe the ways to determine whether a used child restraint is acceptable for use Describe aftermarket devices and related issues Selecting & Securing - 3

Objectives Determine best practice for CRS use Determine appropriate response to tough choices Describe and demonstrate correct use of CRSs Describe general guidelines for CRS cleaning and maintenance Selecting & Securing - 4

Child’s Body Proportions Selecting & Securing - 5

Protection Provided by Child Restraints Prevents ejection Contacts the strongest parts of the body Spreads force over a wide area Helps the body to “ride down” the crash Protects the head and spinal cord Selecting & Securing - 6

Correct Use of Child Restraints Selecting the appropriate CR for the child Securing the child properly in the CR Installing the CR properly Using a CR that meets appropriate FMVSS Functioning correctly (all parts & instructions available) Free of recall Not altered Crash history available Selecting & Securing - 7

Effectiveness of Child Restraints 71% effective in reducing infant deaths 54% effective in reducing toddler deaths 69% effective in reducing hospitalization need Children = 37% less likely to be fatally injured riding in the rear seat Selecting & Securing - 8

“Tough Choices” and “ Best Practices” May not have clear answer May reflect changing technology Confronts parents with unclear choices Parent Laws Best Practice Manufacturer Selecting & Securing - 9

“Tough Choices” and “ Best Practices” Best Practice: Suggested options that provide the safest way to travel for child Best practice may conflict with real world situation Selecting & Securing - 10

CSS Parts & Functions Shell/Frame Padding/Cover Harness slots Harness straps Retainer clip/tie Selecting & Securing – 11

CSS Parts & Functions T-Shield Tray Shield Selecting & Securing - 12

CSS Parts & Functions Harness adjustment Front-facing Rear-facing Selecting & Securing - 13

CSS Parts & Functions Splitter Plate Buckle Belt Paths Recline adjustment Selecting & Securing - 14

Forward Facing Belt Path Converts into Stroller CSS Parts & Functions Forward Facing Belt Path (Unique belt path) Converts into Stroller Selecting & Securing - 15

CSS Parts & Functions Level Indicator Labels Instructions / Location Selecting & Securing - 16

CSS Parts & Functions Registration Card Selecting & Securing - 17

CSS Parts & Functions Locking Clip Selecting & Securing - 18

Built-in locking clips CSS Parts & Functions Built-in lock-off Built-in locking clips Selecting & Securing - 19

CSS Parts & Functions Adjustment Foot Detachable Base Selecting & Securing - 20

CSS Parts & Functions Carry handle BPB shoulder belt guide Rebound control Selecting & Securing - 21

CSS Parts & Functions LATCH Tether Lower anchorage attachments Selecting & Securing - 22

Hands-on Exercise Getting to know CRS: Teams take CRS apart Use seat instructions to ID parts NO TOOLS ALLOWED NO extra parts should be left after seat is CORRECTLY put back together Selecting & Securing - 23

What is the “best” child restraint? The one that fits your child The one that fits your vehicle The one that you will use correctly every time Selecting & Securing - 24

Factors to Consider When Selecting Restraints Safety Certification History Product life Appropriate for child Age Size Physical development Behavioral needs Compatibility Convenient to use Comfort Selecting & Securing - 25

Staying Buckled Up Must Become A “Habit For Life” Testing limits is normal Babies become TEENAGERS!!! Selecting & Securing - 26

Types Of Restraints For Children Rear-facing only restraints Convertible restraints Forward-facing only restraints Special needs CRS Vehicle safety belts Selecting & Securing - 27

Rear Facing Only (Infant Seat) Birth/5pounds to 17 - 22 pounds (most models) or when head is 1” below top of shell Selecting & Securing - 28

Rear Facing Only (Infant Seat) Supports entire head, neck & back, reducing stress to neck and spine in crash May have 5-point or V-harness Some have a detachable base Selecting & Securing - 29

Rear Facing Convertible Rear-facing until 20 to 30/35 lbs and at least one year old Use in reclined position 5 Point Harness Tray Shield T Shield Selecting & Securing - 30

Securing Child In Rear Facing Seats Back & bottom flat into CRS Rolled cloth at crotch strap if necessary Blankets at sides for positioning Harness at or below shoulders Harness snug Retainer clip at armpit level Selecting & Securing - 31

Convertible Seat Forward facing Over 1 year and 20-40+ lbs Seat in upright or semi-reclined position Harness Can be 5-Point, T-Shield, or Tray Shield Harness in reinforced slots at or above shoulders Generally must use top slots when turned to face front Selecting & Securing - 32

Securing Child In Forward Facing Convertibles Avoid bulky clothing Back and bottom flat into CRS Proper harness slots Harness snug Retainer clip at armpit level Selecting & Securing - 33

Forward Facing Only Seats Forward-facing for children over 1 year old from 20-50+ pounds Some can ONLY be used with the harness Others have removable harness Selecting & Securing - 34

Forward Facing Seats Combination child seat/ boosters Forward-facing only Most have 40 pound weight limit with internal harness Most must remove harness and use with lap and shoulder combination over 40 pounds Selecting & Securing - 35

Forward Facing Seats Energy absorbing restraint for children 30-65 pounds Looks like a shield without a base Width is fixed so it may not fit all children in the weight range Selecting & Securing - 36

Securing Child In Forward Facing Only Seats Back & bottom flat into CRS Correct harness slots Harness snug Retainer clip at armpit level Not too tall for CRS Selecting & Securing – 37

Correct Belt Fit with Belt Positioning Booster Booster Seats Provides transition from CRs with harness to vehicle lap and shoulder belts Minimum weight ranges 30-40 lbs Maximum weight ranges 60-100 lbs Minimun and maximum height limits vary Incorrect Belt Fit Correct Belt Fit with Belt Positioning Booster Selecting & Securing - 38

Booster Seats Two Types: Shield Booster Belt-Positioning Boosters High Back Backless Selecting & Securing - 39

Shield Booster Can be used with lap belt only with shield Current models have 40-pound weight limit for use with shield Removable shield for use as BPB over 40 lbs Selecting & Securing - 40

Backless Belt Positioning Booster MUST be used with lap and shoulder belt Guides lap belt across upper thighs and shoulder belt across chest Some models have shoulder belt positioners Some have removable shields Selecting & Securing - 41

High Back Belt Positioning Booster MUST be used with lap and shoulder belt Guides lap belt across upper thighs and shoulder belt across chest Current models have shoulder belt positioners Provides head restraint for low back vehicle seats Some have removable backs Selecting & Securing - 42

Securing Child In BPBs Requires lap & shoulder belt BPB fits flat on vehicle seat between safety belt anchors Lap belt positioned low across top of thighs and shoulder belt across chest Child’s knees bend comfortably Child has appropriate head restraint Selecting & Securing - 43

Ride Ryte Booster Option for additional upper body restraint over 40 lbs in lap-belt-only position Use with E-Z-On 86-y harness Camharness or Upright vests Selecting & Securing - 44

Harness / Vest Most for weight ranges of 25-40 pounds Used with vehicle lap belt Some require tether Some can be used on school buses Selecting & Securing - 45

Integrated Seat Built into the vehicle Forward-facing ONLY NOT for use rear-facing Some have 5-point harness Some can be used as BPB Selecting & Securing - 46

Children with Disabilities and Special Needs CRS selection should be determined by health professional Conventional CRS may be appropriate Specialty devices are generally more expensive More difficult to access and use Technician can install and advise Wheelchairs should be last resort and only crash tested models with voluntary compliance label should be used Selecting & Securing - 47

Children with Disabilities and Special Needs Main classifications: Respiratory Conditions Low Birth Weight Orthopedic Conditions Neuromuscular Conditions Behavioral Conditions Selecting & Securing - 48

Securing Child In Car Bed For small, premature, or medically fragile who should ride flat Infant lies prone/supine Head placed toward the center of the vehicle Selecting & Securing - 49

Children with Disabilities & Special Needs Orthopedic Conditions Seat for Hip Spica Cast E-Z-On Modified Vest for full body cast Selecting & Securing - 50

Children with Disabilities & Special Needs Neuromuscular Conditions Provides additional upper body restraint and positioning for higher weights Selecting & Securing - 51

Use of Vehicle Safety Belts Correct fit is best indicator Lap belt only: No upper body protection Poor fit on child may cause internal injuries Lap & shoulder belt = best protection Poor fit = serious injuries Poor Belt Fit Correct Belt Fit Selecting & Securing - 52

Securing Children in Vehicle Safety Belts Sit with back against seat, knees bend at edge of seat with hips back Lap belt low and tight on upper thighs Shoulder belt across mid-chest Head restraint adjusted properly Selecting & Securing - 53

Seat Belt Syndrome Spinal cord or soft tissue damage due to Improper placement of lap belt over the abdomen Lap belt that rides up onto abdomen Selecting & Securing - 54

Aftermarket Accessories NO current federal standard for testing or regulation Provides illusion of added safety May move belt too high on abdomen NO! Selecting & Securing - 55

Aftermarket Accessories Safety belt positioning devices may degrade belt performance Attaching ANYTHING to the CRS can be dangerous NO thick padding added under or behind child or harness Selecting & Securing - 56

Second-Hand Seats All labels and instructions are present Meets current FMVSS Free of recalls (make, model & date) All parts present and in working order Free of cracks, loose rivets, etc Complete history available; no evidence of being used in a crash No more than 6 years old Manufacturer still in business Selecting & Securing - 57

CRS Cleaning & Maintenance ALWAYS follow manufacturers’ instructions Use only mild soap and water and rinse with clean water NEVER use any chemicals such as starch, bleach, or spray-on “fabric care/wrinkle guard” products Do NOT iron harness Do NOT lubricate buckle Selecting & Securing - 58

Hands-On Exercise Using the information known about “your child”: Select the appropriate CRS Configure CRS correctly for child Explain why you chose that restraint system Selecting & Securing - 59