Car Seats: Secure Your Child's Safety

Car seats, when used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. Unfortunately, according to the Safe Kids Buckle Up campaign, four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. As a result, many children are improperly restrained. But there's a lot about car seats -- from choosing the right one, to belting it in correctly, to putting it in the right position -- that can be tricky. Here are some tips to help make dealing with car seats easier.

Buy the Right One

Buying a good car seat is the first step in protecting your child in motor vehicles. There are three types of car seats -- infant seats (for babies from birth to 20 pounds), convertible car seats (that can be used for children at least one year old and over 20 pounds), and booster seats (for children who weigh from 40 to 80 pounds). To make sure you are buying the car seat that's right for your child, check weight specifications and take some time to learn about the different models that are available.

Know How to Use the Car Seat

The next step is to learn how to use your child's car seat. It is crucial to understand exactly how the car seat works and how to properly restrain it in your vehicle. Additionally, since not all car seats fit all vehicles, it is especially important to consult your vehicle owner's manual for proper car seat installation. If you have questions about installing your car seat, find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. A list of certified CPS Technicians is available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/contacts.

Take the Back Seat

As you probably know, the back seat is the safest place for any child to ride. While airbags can save adult lives, children riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed if an airbag is deployed in a crash. Each state has its own child occupant protection law; your local police department can let know you know what your state's laws are regarding the use of infant and booster seats. It's also a good idea to check with your child's physician to determine what type of car seat is appropriate for your child.

Buckle Them Up ... No Matter How Short the Trip

Since most crashes occur close to home on roads with low speed limits, taking the extra time to make sure children are properly and securely restrained, even on short trips, can save lives.