When Britney Spears was photographed in 2006 holding her child in her lap while driving, it made national news. People were aghast that she’d put her child in danger like that. Yet every year, parents put their children in danger when they don’t follow the laws and guidelines for infant and child safety in the car.
Correct Use of Child Safety Seats Saves Lives
The CDC reports that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., and that correct use of child safety seats reduces risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. But often car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly, resulting in needless injury and death. “The Right Seat” campaign asks parents to make sure they’ve got the right safety seat for their child and that they’re using it properly.
Laws vary by state, but every state requires that infants and young children be secured in car safety seats. Nearly every state (except Florida and South Dakota) requires booster seats for older toddlers and children. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) lists the requirements by state along with the maximum fine for the first offense. Some are a monetary fine only, and others add points to the license.
Child Car Safety Recommendations By Age
While states have differing laws on child safety seats, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following general safety protocol for traveling in the car with your child:
Birth to 1 year old
Babies should ride in rear-facing car seats only.
1-3 years old
Children should continue to sit in rear-facing car seats until they reach the car seat’s specified maximum height and weight limits. They should then sit in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
4-7 years old
Children should continue to sit in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the car seat’s specified maximum height and weight limits. They should then sit in a booster seat in the back.
8-12 years old
Children should continue to sit in a booster seat in the back until they can sit safely in the seat with the seatbelt; that is, the lap belt should fit snug across the lap, not the stomach, and the shoulder strap should cross at the chest and shoulder, not the face or neck.
Children under 13 who can sit in the car without a booster seat should continue to ride in the back seat. Front seat airbags can kill children. And no matter what the age, the safest spot in the car is in the middle of the back seat, so children should be placed there whenever possible.
How to Choose a Car Safety Seat and Booster Seat
Every car seat sold must meet federal safety standards, so your choice of car seat might have more to do with budget or convenience than safety. The NHTSA has a guide based on ease of use that ranks car seats from 1 to 5 stars. Consumer Reports also ranks car seats by type on overall performance.
Whichever model you choose, be certain to follow the instructions for proper installation and use. If you do, you’ll make every trip in the car safer for your child.
