C - Car Seat Safety

There is much debate on the rules surrounding car seats. There are many people who go strictly by the law and disregard the recommendations. I can tell you from personal experience, when it comes to the safety of your children, the state of KS strongly urges you to follow the RECOMMENDATIONS over the law. You are the parent, so make sure you at least KNOW the law in your area and go from there.

Rear Facing
You should have your child rear facing from birth to age one. You MAY have to switch from a bucket seat to a convertible seat if your child's length or weight exceed the limits of your purchased seat. (which is what I had to do with Turtle)

Now, it is strongly recommended that you do rear-facing to at least 2 and 3 is even better. People who rear face as long as possible will refer to this as extended rear facing (ERF). Turtle is our only child that had to be turned around prior to age 2! She was just too long and with our vehicle, it was not safe or comfortable for her.

Forward Facing (Harness)
When you turn your child around to forward facing, they should be in a harness until they meet the height recommendations for the seat. There are booster seats that do have harnesses for tall children so they can remain in a harness until at least age 4. *note - I personally left my children in a harness until they started Kindergarten but they are small*


Booster Seats
Booster seats are where many people have problems. Booster seats should be used for ALL children over the age of 4 and they should be used until the child is at LEAST 4'9" (57" - which, btw is why I am having to RE-purchase seats for my older two). There are some states that say "or until 8 years old" so you may not have to. I know in the state of Kansas that while it is not legally binding, the state has changed what they are instructing the agents of DCF.

Regular Seat
When your child is able to fit in the seat belt properly, they are ready to be booster free. This means that the lap belt will lay across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt should go across the shoulder and chest. It should not cross on the neck or face. Until your child is at least 12, he or she should remain in the back seat.

Source

You can find more car seat information at HealthyChild.org and SaferCar.gov.

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