Buckling Up Children In Four Easy Steps Carol Meidinger Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor October 29, 2008

Correct Use of Car Seats Selection – is the car seat appropriate for the age, weight, height and developmental level of the child? Condition – is the car seat in good condition, free from recalls, not been in a crash?

Correct Use of Car Seats Installation – is car seat installed correctly in the vehicle using the seat belt or LATCH system? Securing child in seat – is child securely snugly in seat, are straps in correct slots?

Selection - Four Steps to Safety 1. Rear-facing Car Seat 2. Forward-facing Car Seat 3. Booster Seat 4. Seat Belt

Rear-Facing Minimum: 20 pounds and 1 year of age Optimum: Until upper rear-facing weight limit of convertible car seat New Study: Until age 2

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

Rear Facing Convertible Many have rear-facing limits of pounds

Forward-facing Keep child in a car seat with a harness to 40 pounds (or higher if car seat allows) –Higher-weight harness seats (50-65 pounds) May use a convertible seat or a forward- facing only car seat

Forward-facing Convertible Forward-facing only

Booster Seats Use from 40 pounds to pounds Booster seats provide transition from car seat with a harness to seat belt Booster seats elevate child and help seat belt fit better

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

Correct Booster Seat Use Belt-positioning booster seats MUST be used with a lap AND shoulder belt for upper body protection Some models have shoulder belt positioners or guides High-back boosters provide head protection in vehicles with low seat backs

Seat Belts Approximately pounds and 4’9” tall Seat belt fit is best guide Lap and shoulder belt is best Lap belt least effective protection other than no belt (no upper body) Poor-fitting seat belts may cause injury Never place shoulder belt under arm or behind back

5-Step Test for Seat Belt Use

Condition of Seat Recalls – keep in perspective – not all recalls affect crashworthiness of seat Register car seats – return card or Expiration dates – usually six years – refer to “do not use after…” dates on back of seats

Condition Car seats in crashes – replace if moderate to severe crash –Was anyone injured? –Did air bags deploy? –Damage to car seat? –Did vehicle have to be towed? –Was door nearest car seat damaged?

Installation Issues to Consider Seating position in vehicle –Back seat – 12 and younger –Center is safest, but check vehicle owner’s manual –Air bags – front and side –Booster seats need lap and shoulder belts

Installation Issues to Consider Correct Direction Recline – usually upright for forward-facing and reclined for rear-facing –Infant seats often have level indicators Correct Belt Path – convertible seats have two belt paths Handle position on infant car seats

Installation Issues to Consider How tight - no more than 1” side-to-side, front-back movement Test at belt path Seat Belt or LATCH – not both Use tether whenever possible

Installation - LATCH Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children Top tether anchor One pair lower anchors

Securing Child in Seat Issues to Consider Correct harness slots –Rear-facing: at or below shoulders –Forward-facing: at or above shoulder Retainer clip – armpit level How to adjust harness Add-on products – do not use unless they came with the car seat

Securing Child in Seat Test at child’s shoulder Try to pinch webbing up and down Your fingers should slide off Harness straps are too loose

Correct Use of Car Seats Car Seat Instructions Vehicle Owner’s Manual Car Safety Seat Checkups Certified Technicians