Car Seat Safety Tips
Children are resilient but also delicate - especially when it comes to car accidents. The reality is car seats and booster seats work. They save lives. Why are we blogging about this topic? Because we sell cars and September is Child Passenger Safety Month. Walker Chevrolet would like to take a moment to go over the three types of car seats and their uses.
1. Baby or Infant Car Seats
These car seats typically have a weight range between 22 and 35 pounds. The harness strap should be at or below the shoulders. Newborns and infants should have a 45 degree maximum recline. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions for specifics regarding each model.
2. Convertible Car Seat
Rear-facing models that offer a 35 to 40 lbs weight limit. Once a child reaches 40 pounds, some models are big enough to convert to front-facing for a little while depending on weight limits. Always follow manufacturer guidelines in regards to weight limits and use.
3. Booster Seats
These seats should be used for children that are at least 4 years old and weigh at least 40 pounds. They can typically be used for children up to 100 pounds and work with regular car seatbelts to secure the child.
A few other tips to keep mind:
- Never put a rear-facing seat in the frontÂ
- Children under age 13 should always sit in the back
- Ensure seat belts are always used and are used properly
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available to teach car seat best practices too. You can check Safe Kids and NHTSA for additional assistance.