Child Seats
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death of children over the age of six months in the United States. The proper use of child car seats is one of the simplest and most effective methods available for protecting the lives of our young children in the event of a motor vehicle crash.
Importance of Child Safety Seats
Using a child safety seat (car seat) is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car. Every state in the United States requires that an infant or small child be restrained - and with good reason. Child safety seats can reduce the risk of a potentially fatal injury substantially for babies in particular and also for toddlers. But many safety seats are used incorrectly.
When choosing any car seat, there are general guidelines you can follow to ensure your child's safety. The best car seat is not always the most expensive one - it's the one that best fits your child's weight, size, and age, as well as your vehicle. Once you pick out a seat, be sure to try it out, keeping in mind that store displays and illustrations might not show the correct usage. It's up to you to learn how to install a car safety seat properly and harness your child for the ride.
Please make sure that children are properly protected while traveling in a motor vehicle. Only the correct use of child car seats will offer the protection your child needs. So please be aware of the facts listed on this page regarding the proper use of child car seats.
There are many different types of child car seats on the market today. Each one must meet federal standards and all provide good protection for your child when used correctly. The "right" seat for you is largely a matter of personal choice. Choose a seat that fits your child and your car, read the instructions carefully, and use the seat correctly on every trip.
Infant-Only Seats (Birth to 20 to 22 Pounds)
Infant-only seats are designed to protect babies from birth until they reach 20 to 22 pounds (about 10 kilograms) - sometimes more, depending on the model. Infant car seats should always be installed to face the rear of the car because in a crash an infant's soft spinal column can stretch and the spinal cord can be damaged if he or she is riding facing forward. When a baby rides facing the rear, the whole body - head, neck, and torso - is cradled by the back of the safety seat.
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