According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. At Davis Body Shop, you and your family’s car safety is our concern and commitment. This concern includes the best way to protect your children in the car. It is important to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way.
There are so many car seat types and models, how do you know which one is right for your child? The right car seat or booster fits your child and your car, and is one you will use correctly every time you travel. Not only will your child ride as safely as possible, you will be establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your child travels. The following chart will give you a quick reference and key information to assist you in choosing the type of car seat for different age groups:
| Age Group | Type of Seat | General Guidelines |
Infants/Toddlers |
Rear-facing seats only and rear-facing convertible seats | All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. |
Toddlers/Preschoolers |
Convertible seats and forward-facing seats with harness | Any child 2 years or older or has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their rear facing car seat, should use a Forward-Facing Car Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed their car seat’s manufacturer. |
School-Aged Children |
Booster seats | All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically between 8 and 12 years of age or when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height. |
Older Children |
Seat belts | When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection. |
If you have any questions about the installation or size of your child’s car seat, you can go to your local Highway Patrol Office and they will be glad to help you.
_______________________
We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything else we can do to help you feel free to call us at (805) 466-2446 (Atascadero) or (805) 239-8752 (Paso Robles). And be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook as well!
