Just in time for Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 13-19), check out the following guidelines from OC Keep Kids Safe, an injury prevention program of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to make sure you are choosing the right car seat for your child.
Rear Facing Infant and Convertible Seats
- Never in front of an airbag
- Rear facing to upper weight or height limit
- Harness snug at or below shoulders
- Chest clip at armpit level
- Attach to car with seat belt or lower anchors
- Add nothing to or behind harness
- Rear facing 5 times safer between ages 1 and 2 years
Forward Facing Seats
- Up to 40-65 or 80 pounds
- Lower anchors to 40-48 pounds
- Harness snug at or above shoulders
- Chest clip at armpit level
- Attach to car with top tether strap and seat belt or lower anchors
- Use a 5-point harness to upper weight or height limit of seat
Booster Seats
- Until 4’ 9” and 8 -12 years
- Always use lap/shoulder seat belt
- Never put shoulder belt behind back or under arm
- Use highback booster for vehicle seat without headrest
Adult-Size Seat Belts
- Back straight against vehicle seat, and knees bent at seat edge
- Shoulder belt across chest, not neck or throat
- Lap belt low and snug across upper thighs, not stomach
- Children younger than 13 should always ride in the back seat
As a reminder, rear facing is always safer and be sure to always read your car seat and vehicle manuals for specific directions.
Visit CHOC’s community education page for more on child passenger safety.
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Get more safety and injury prevention tips from CHOC experts
More children are affected by injuries than all other childhood illnesses and diseases combined. Most of these injuries are predictable and preventable. Here’s how to keep your child safe.
