Car Seat Safety
September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. This month, Safer Kids and Homes, a Miami-based website and store carrying a carefully selected line of child safety seats, is helping the JPMA to spread the word about car seat safety.
Please use the following tips to select and use car seats for your children.
• ALWAYS follow all manufacturers' instructions for both the vehicle and the car seat or booster car seat.
• Be sure the car seat/booster car seat is appropriate for a child's weight and height.
• The back seat is always the safest place for children 12 and under to ride.
• Infants must ride rear-facing car seat until they are at least 1 year old AND 20 pounds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be kept rear-facing until closer to 18 months and 30 pounds.
• NEVER place any car seat in a seating location with a frontal air bag.
• Always anchor the car seat/booster car seat to the car using the LATCH attachment system or vehicle seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster car seat manufacturer. Most vehicle latch systems are not rated for use with a child over 45 pounds.
• Always check that the car seat/booster car seat is securely installed. A locking clip or belt lock-off may be necessary on some vehicle lap and shoulder belts. Read the vehicle owner's manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required.
• Most vehicles are equipped with rear tethers. Use of the tether in combination with the lower anchors or vehicle seat belt is the safest option for installation.
• Do not use a car seat/booster car seat more than six years old, unless it has been specifically rated for longer use by the manufacturer.
• Do not use a car seat/booster car seat that has ever been involved in a crash.
• Do not use a car seat/booster car seat missing the manufacturer's label showing the name of the manufacturer, model number, and date of manufacture.
• Booster car seats are recommended for children over 30 lbs., but consider height and maturity level as well. Some children are mature enough to handle a booster car seat, while others are unable to remain sitting properly in the adult lap and shoulder belt or keep the vehicle shoulder belt properly positioned. A 5 point harness booster is always safest.
• Set a good example and make sure the entire family buckles up.• NEVER buy a used car seat or booster car seat.
• Air Travel – taking your child's car seat along when traveling is recommended. Most car seats except belt positioning booster car seats are approved for use on aircraft. Booster car seats are not approved as a lap and shoulder belt are not available on the aircraft, however, The Kids Fly Safe Harness is approved for air travel. Pack your booster car seat as luggage so you have it at your destination.
Safer Kids and Homes carries infant carriers, convertible car seats and 5 point harness boosters, featuring Britax with true head impact protection, Sunshine Kids Radian Series and The Safeguard Go Booster.
