What are the types of car seats?
Infant car seats: These seats are useful for
infants and babies up to 1 year
of age and up to 20 pounds. They are rear facing only. Many are portable
and have a detachable base that remains fastened into the car. Infant car
seats come with either a 3-point or 5-point harness to keep your baby buckled
in securely. Although these seats are designed for weight limits up to 20
pounds, some babies may outgrow them before they are a year old, requiring
a bigger seat that remains rear facing.
of age and up to 20 pounds. They are rear facing only. Many are portable
and have a detachable base that remains fastened into the car. Infant car
seats come with either a 3-point or 5-point harness to keep your baby buckled
in securely. Although these seats are designed for weight limits up to 20
pounds, some babies may outgrow them before they are a year old, requiring
a bigger seat that remains rear facing.
Convertible car seats
These car seats often bridge the gap between
infant
car seats and forward-facing car seats. They can be used for babies up to 20
pounds and 1 year of age who have outgrown their infant seats. In this capacity,
they must remain rear facing. Once your child has reached 1 year of age and 20
pounds, the seat may be turned around to face forward. The manufacturer will
have directions on how to adjust the straps and seat positions. Convertible seats
may have three types of harnesses: 5-point, T-shield, or overhead shield.
car seats and forward-facing car seats. They can be used for babies up to 20
pounds and 1 year of age who have outgrown their infant seats. In this capacity,
they must remain rear facing. Once your child has reached 1 year of age and 20
pounds, the seat may be turned around to face forward. The manufacturer will
have directions on how to adjust the straps and seat positions. Convertible seats
may have three types of harnesses: 5-point, T-shield, or overhead shield.
Forward facing car seats
This type of car seat is only used for
children over
1 year of age and over 20 pounds. The forward-facing seat has either a 5-point
or shield harness. Your child must remain in this type of car seat until he or
she is 4 years of age and 40 pounds. After 40 pounds, you may choose to place
your child in a booster-type front facing seat. This type of restraining device uses
the lap and shoulder belts on your car and helps to protect your child’s upper body and neck.
1 year of age and over 20 pounds. The forward-facing seat has either a 5-point
or shield harness. Your child must remain in this type of car seat until he or
she is 4 years of age and 40 pounds. After 40 pounds, you may choose to place
your child in a booster-type front facing seat. This type of restraining device uses
the lap and shoulder belts on your car and helps to protect your child’s upper body and neck.
All states have laws
governing the use of car seats and safety
restraints. There are many different types
of car seats, which are designed to keep your
child safe inyour vehicle during each stage of your
child’s life.
How do I know the car seat is properly
positioned?
The manufacturer of the car seat you purchased will have an instructional manualdescribing the correct installation into your vehicle. Also, remember to securely fasten your baby or child into the seat with the harness. You can usually stop by your local fire department to have someone check your car seat to make sure its properly installed.
Where is the safest place for my child to sit?
Your child should sit in the back seat of the car to ensure maximal safety. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a car that has air bags. Serious injury could occur should the air bag inflate. Toddlers in front-facing car seats are also at risk frominjuries related to air bags. While an air bag is designed to protect passengers, the force of the inflation is so strong, it can sometimes cause injury to children.
The manufacturer of the car seat you purchased will have an instructional manualdescribing the correct installation into your vehicle. Also, remember to securely fasten your baby or child into the seat with the harness. You can usually stop by your local fire department to have someone check your car seat to make sure its properly installed.
Where is the safest place for my child to sit?
Your child should sit in the back seat of the car to ensure maximal safety. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a car that has air bags. Serious injury could occur should the air bag inflate. Toddlers in front-facing car seats are also at risk frominjuries related to air bags. While an air bag is designed to protect passengers, the force of the inflation is so strong, it can sometimes cause injury to children.