Car Seat Installation

Great information from the University of Virginia...

How long should my child ride rear-facing in a child safety seat?

"A rear-facing child safety seat supports your infant's upper body, protecting the head, neck and spine and spreading crash forces across the back. A properly installed child safety seat reduces the risk of death by 71% for infants involved in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Always put your infant in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat of your car.  A baby riding in the front seat can be fatally injured by a passenger side air bag." 
Is it safe for my rear-facing baby’s feet to touch the vehicle seat?

"There is no evidence that a baby's feet touching the back of a seat are at risk of injury in a crash.  If your baby is having this problem and in an infant carrier, you may consider using a convertible safety seat in the rear-facing position to provide additional room for his or her legs.  The benefits of remaining rear-facing far outweigh the injury risks to their legs."

   

When should my child ride forward-facing in a child safety seat?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP, all children 2 years or older, should use a forward-facing CSS with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of their CSS.  Check the instruction manual or seat label for your seat's maximum weight and height limits for rear-facing use.  There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing.  Convertible and 3-in1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.  If you have been using a convertible in the rear-facing position, you'll need to make a few adjustments to convert it to a forward-facing (e.g. incline angle, harness slots).  Always follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual."

When is my child ready for a booster seat?

"Keep your 4 to 7 year old children in their forward-facing car seat with a harness until they hit the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer. Once they outgrow their forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat...but still in the rear seat.  Restraining a child under the age of 8 with only a seat belt and no booster will put them at risk for serious injury or death.  A belt-positioning booster seat raises your child up so that your vehicles' lap and shoulder belt is properly positioned across his/her shoulder and thighs."


Thank you University of Virginia car seat study for getting this information out there!!  For more information on Wisconsin State laws regarding child passenger safety visit Wisconsin Department of Transportation

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