This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, an annual observance celebrated during the third week of September.

Keeping kids safe in the car should always be a top priority for parents and caregivers. It is no secret that car seats save lives. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that since 1975, child restraints have saved the lives of nearly 12,000 children under age 5.

Car seats are crucial, but they can also be confusing. There are so many things to consider, such as buying the right seat for the child’s size, properly installing the car seat and correctly using it.

Match the Car Seat to Your Child

Then of course, you need to know when it’s OK to move up to the next type of car seat. From infant seats to booster seats, forward-facing to rear-facing, all children need to be protected in the car – during every stage of development.

Every state in the U.S. has laws that require children to be secured in the appropriate car or booster seat for their age and size. In Ohio, children under age 4 or weighing less than 40 pounds must use a child safety seat. Children ages 4-8 who weigh more than 40 pounds but are under 4 feet, 9 inches tall are required to use a booster seat.

Adult safety belts are only permissible if children are between the ages of 8 and 15.

One additional note is that children under age 13 need to be in the back seat (provided the vehicle has rear seating). Air bags in the front seat of vehicles are designed for adults, so it’s not safe for kids to ride in the front. Additionally, car seats should never be placed in the front seat.

Follow Safety Guidelines

Here are important tips to keep in mind when using a car seat.

First, before you install a car seat, read both the car seat instruction manual AND the owner’s manual for your vehicle. Both booklets contain critical information regarding car seat installation.

Next, when installing a forward-facing car seat, always use the tether. This is an essential step as it helps keep the seat from moving forward in a crash and may prevent head injuries.

One final reminder is to use the FREE resources that are available to help you! According to the Stark County Health Department, there is a 70% misuse rate for installing car seats. However, there are 11 fitting stations throughout the county where you can have your child’s car seat checked by a nationally certified child passenger safety technician.

Be Ready for Your Newborn

For expectant parents, it’s also important to note that hospitals cannot install or check car seats when newborns go home.

Having your infant seat installed and inspected prior to your newborn’s arrival is a necessary precaution to keep your baby safe. Click here to see the list of Stark County fitting stations and simply call the location of your choice to make a free appointment.

In addition, the NHTSA has more helpful online resources to make car seat safety easier to understand. Visit www.nhtsa.gov/CarSeat for all kinds of information.

Sources:
National Child Passenger Safety Board
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Stark County Health Department