1. Passenger Safety Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with The Texas Department of Transportation Prenatal Education on Car Seats Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

2. Why Car Seat Education is Important Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among children. Nationally, nearly 43% of the children who died in crashes were unrestrained. Misuse of car seats is very high Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

3. Start Before Your Baby Is Born Make sure you are wearing your seatbelt on every trip and wearing it correctly.

4. Effectiveness of Child Restraints 71% effective in reducing infant deaths 54% effective in reducing toddler deaths To be effective they must be used correctly! Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

5. Why Rear-facing for Infants? Babies have large, heavy heads in proportion to their body Small, flexible shoulders Bones not fully developed

6. Rear-facing Increases Protection Seat absorbs crash forces Back of seat spreads crash forces along the entire torso Protects head, neck, and spinal cord

7. Keep a child rear-facing until age two or more. Make sure there is 1 inch from the top of the child’s head to the top of the shell. Install at the correct angle. – According to instructions Keeping Baby Rear-facing

8. Keeping a Child Rear-facing 3 months 2 years 3 years 6 months

9. What Is the Best Child Safety Seat? Fits child  appropriate for child’s height, weight, and age Fits in the vehicle Seat that will be used correctly all of the time

10. Rear-facing Only Seat or Convertible Seat? Both rear-facing only seats and convertible seats can accommodate an infant. A rear-facing only seat offers the convenience of a base that stays in the car and a removable carrier. Convertible Seat Rear-facing Only Seat

11. Rear-facing Only Seats Rear-facing only Start at birth or 4 or 5 lbs. Some go up to 30/32/35 lbs. Most come with a base

12. Rear-facing Only Seats 5-point harness 4 1 2 3 5

13. Carry Handle Read manual to determine correct position for handle when used in vehicle

14. Rear-facing Convertible Seat 5-Point Harness 4 1 2 3 5

15. Rear-facing Convertible Seat Rear-facing until age two or more Safer to leave child rear-facing longer (to age two or the weight and height limit of seat) Most rear-facing convertible seats go to 40 lbs. rear-facing Some go to 45 or 50 lbs. rear-facing

16. Never use ANY rear-facing seat in front of an active air bag. Air Bag Warning

17. Correct Angle is Important Rear-facing seats must be reclined according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Seat may have adjustment foot (rear-facing only) or recline adjuster (convertible) May need to use rolled towel or pool noodle Angle is critical to keeping airway open.

18. Angle Indicators Indicator Lines

19. Harness Straps Snug Straps should be at or below shoulders Straps must be snug Not able to pinch any of webbing on harness

20. Harness Adjusters Harness adjusters vary Rear Adjusters Front Adjuster Knobs

21. Harness Retainer Clip Keeps harness straps on baby’s shoulders Always goes across chest from armpit to armpit Retainer Clip

22. Non-regulated Products Do not add: – Thick padding under or behind child or harness – Pads on harness straps

23. Acceptable Padding Receiving blankets/cloth diapers that don’t interfere with harness and/or shell contact may be used.

24. Installing It Correctly Must be rear-facing Center position is safest IF secure installation can be achieved Correct angle according to instructions Read instructions in vehicle owner’s manual and car seat manual Contact technician for inspection

25. Important Read the instruction book. Read labeling Mail in the registration card INSTRUCTIONS COSCO READ AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Rear Facing Infant Seat

26. What to Avoid - Second-Hand Seats Seat involved in crash History unknown Missing labels More than 6 years old* Cracks or rust Parts missing On recall list * Some seats have a longer expiration date. Always check instruction book and labels

27. Recalls Recall Lists on NHTSA Website – http://www.safercar.gov/parents/index.htm http://www.safercar.gov/parents/index.htm – AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE 1-888-DASH-2-DOT Contact child safety seat manufacturer

28. What’s Next?

29. Resources Get a free safety seat inspection with a certified technician Locate a technician – http://buckleup.tamu.edu