Child Safety: Proper Seat Use Chart (Automobiles)
Motor vehicles continue to be the leading cause of death among children in the
United States. Make sure that you have your child in the proper safety seat.
| |
Infants |
Toddler |
Young Children |
| Weight |
Birth to 1 year at least 20-22 lbs. |
Over 1 year and Over 20 lbs.-40 lbs. |
Over 40 lbs. Ages 4-8, unless 4'9'' |
| Type of Seat |
Infant only or rear-facing convertible |
Convertible / Forward-facing |
Belt positioning booster seat |
| Seat Position |
Rear-facing only |
Forward-facing |
Forward-facing |
| Always Make Sure: |
Children to one year and at least 20 lbs. in rear-facing
seats
Harness straps at or below shoulder level
|
Harness straps should be at or above shoulders
Most seats require top slot for forward-facing
|
Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap
and shoulder belt.
Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh
area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest and shoulder to
avoid abdominal injuries
|
| Warning |
All
children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat |
All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat |
All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat |
For more about Children's Health, please visit the
Healthy Kids Center.
Source:
www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Last Editorial Review: 4/21/2003
