Car Seat Safety

Rear Facing

Rear facing is the best protection for a child’s developing spine. Rear face to a minimum of age 2, ideally age 4.

• Position harness straps at or below child’s shoulders.
• Position chest clip at armpit level
• Seat is installed at the correct angle
• If using an infant seat, ensure handle is locked in a travel position per the manual.
• Child is within the weight and height limits and has 1″ (unless otherwise specified) of shell above their head.
• Rear face to the limits! Don’t worry about the child’s legs, they are safe and comfortable with legs crossed, propped up, or hanging to the side.

Forward facing

When a child has outgrown their rear facing convertible (not infant!) seat and is at least 2 years old, move to a forward facing seat with a 5 point harness.

• Straps are at or above shoulders
• Chest clip is at armpit level
• Ears are below the top of the shell
• Top tether is attached

Belt Positioning Booster

When a child has outgrown their five point harness, is at least 5 years old and is mature enough to sit properly, move to a belt positioning booster.

• Shoulder belt fits evenly across and flush with the torso, not cutting into the neck, slipping off the shoulder, or held out in front of the chest.
• Lap belt sits low on the hips, touching the tops of the thighs.
• Child is mature enough to stay seated without leaning out of the seat belt or unbuckling for the entire ride, even while asleep.
• Shoulder belt threaded through the guide and positioned at or above the child’s shoulders.
• When using a backless booster, the child should have head support from a vehicle headrest at least to the tips of their ears.
• When the child is not in the vehicle, always secure the booster using a seat belt (or lower anchors, if provided) to keep it from becoming a projectile.

Seat Belt Alone

When a child is at least 10 years old and can pass the 5-step test, they are ready for an adult seat belt alone.

• Child sits all the way back in the vehicle seat with knees bent at the edge.
• Shoulder belt fits evenly across the torso, not cutting into the neck or face.
• Lap belt is low on the hips, touching the tops of the thighs.
• Feet are on the floor.
• Child can stay seated comfortably this way for the entire ride.

http://csftl.org/the-four-steps-of-car-seat-safety/