Having a baby is an incredible experience, but you’ll find there are many new decisions you must make as a parent. One of those important decisions is the type of car seat you’ll use for your little one.
The type of car seat you choose should be based on your child’s age and size. There also are seats that are considered all-in-one, which can change from rear-facing to forward-facing and convert into a booster seat when appropriate.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed into law new legislation that states a child under age 2 must be securely fastened in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system, ‘which is to be used until the child outgrows the maximum weight and limits designated by the manufacturer.’
As your child grows, a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether can be used for children through age 7. When your child reaches the top height or weight limit based on the seat’s manufacturer, a booster seat can then be used. Children are usually ready for a booster seat between the ages of four and seven, depending on their size.
To maximize safety, your child should be kept in a car seat for as long as possible, as long as they fit within the height and weight requirements provided by the seat’s manufacturer. When your child can fit into a seat belt properly, make sure that the lap portion of the belt lies snugly across the hips/upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie across the shoulder, and not the neck.
Through age 12, your child should be kept in the back seat, even if they are using a seat belt. The back of the car is the safest place for your child.
For parents who choose to purchase a used car seat, there are a few points to keep in mind:
■ The seat should have the manufacturer label and model number still intact. Knowing this information will allow you to find out if there is a recall on the car seat.
■ The seat should not have been involved in any type of crash, as the seat’s safety and reliability could be compromised.
■ The seat should have all of its parts.
■ The seat should have its instruction booklet. If the booklet is missing but the seat is still in good condition, you may be able to order a replacement booklet from the manufacturer.
■ The seat should have no recalls. If there is a recall on the seat but the seat is still in good condition, contact the manufacturer, as the issue may be fixable.
After choosing the best type of car seat for your child’s needs, it’s essential that the seat be installed correctly in your vehicle. To begin, read your vehicle owner’s manual about installing a car seat, and also read the car seat’s instruction manual.
Once you’ve read the instructions, place the car seat in the back of your vehicle and make sure it’s secured tightly. It should not move more than 1 inch (either side-to-side or front-to-back) when pulled.
In rear-facing car seats, make sure that you’re following the correct reclining angle. If it’s forward-facing, make sure you anchor and tighten the tether strap, so head movement is limited if a crash occurs.
Lastly, once the seat is installed properly, take some time to fit your child into the seat. Remember that it might take you a few tries to get the routine down.
■ First, properly position the harness on your child. In a rear-facing seat, the harness straps should not be twisted, and should be placed through the slot located below your child’s shoulders. Make sure the straps lie flat.
■ In a forward-facing seat, place the harness straps through the slot near your child’s shoulders, and make sure the straps are not twisted.
■ Then, buckle the harness and chest clip, and tighten snugly. Make sure the chest clip sits at armpit level.
There are numerous types of car seats available that will fit you and your child’s needs. If you are unsure about which to choose, or which option will fit your child based on his or her height and weight, visit www.safercar.gov and use their interactive “find a car seat” app.
If you are ever unsure about whether the car seat is installed correctly, or if you want to make sure your child is properly secured, many local organizations offer free car seat safety checks. At Mount Nittany Physician Group Pediatrics in Boalsburg, free car seat safety checks are offered four days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, call (814) 466-7921.
Dr. Kaufman has been a pediatrician with Mount Nittany Physician Group for 12 years and serves as one of three pediatricians with the Centre County Children’s Advocacy Center.
