Booster Seat Safety

A Minute for Kids: Booster Seat Safety (Video)

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Car Safety Seat Checkup

Using a car safety seat correctly makes a big difference. Even the seat appropriate for your child’s size may not properly protect your child in a crash unless it is used correctly. So take a minute to check to be sure.

Figure 1: Infant-only car safety seat

Does your car have air bags?

• Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a front passenger air bag. If the air bag inflates, it will hit the back of the car safety seat, right where your baby’s head is, and could cause serious injury or death.
• The safest place for all children younger than 13 years to ride is in the back seat.
• If an older child must ride in the front seat, a child in a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice. Just be sure the vehicle seat is moved as far back from the dashboard (and the air bag) as possible.

Figure 2: Forward-facing car safety seat

Is your child facing the right way for weight, height, and age?

• All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
• All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.

Is the harness snug?

• Harnesses should fit snugly against your child’s body. Check the car safety seat instructions on how to adjust the straps.
• The chest clip should be placed at armpit level to keep the harness straps on the shoulders.

Figure 3: Belt-positioning booster seat

Has your child outgrown the forward-facing seat?

• All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
• A seat belt fits properly when the shoulder belt crosses the middle of the chest and shoulder, the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and the child is tall enough so that when he sits against the vehicle seat back, his legs bend at the knees and his feet hang down.

Does the car safety seat fit correctly in your vehicle?

• Not all car safety seats fit properly in all vehicles.
• Read the section on car safety seats in the owner’s manual for your car.

Is the seat belt in the right place and pulled tight?

• Route the seat belt through the correct path. Convertible seats have different belt paths for when they are used rear-facing or forward-facing (check your instructions to make sure).
• Pull the belt tight. Apply weight into the seat with your hand while tightening the seat belt or lower anchor strap. When the car safety seat is installed, be sure it does not move more than an inch side to side or toward the front of the car.
• Check the owner’s manual for your car to see if you need a locking clip.
• It is best to use the tether that comes with your car safety seat to the highest weight allowed by the vehicle and car safety seat manufacturers. Check the vehicle owner’s manual and car safety seat instructions for how and when to use the tether and lower anchors.

Can you use the LATCH system?

• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is an attachment system that eliminates the need to use seat belts to secure the car safety seat.
• Vehicles with the LATCH system have anchors located in the back seat. Car safety seats that come with LATCH have attachments that fasten to these anchors.
• Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, come with LATCH.
• Unless both the vehicle and the car safety seat have this system, seat belts are still needed to secure the car safety seat.
• Always follow car safety seat and vehicle manufacturer instructions, including weight limits, for lower anchors and top tether anchors. Remember, limits can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Do you have the instructions for the car safety seat?

• Follow them and keep them with the car safety seat.
• Be sure to send in the registration card that comes with the car safety seat. It will be important in case the seat is recalled.

Has the car safety seat been recalled?

• You can find out by calling the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hot Line at 888/327-4236 or the NHTSA Web site.
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making any needed repairs to your car safety seat.

Are you using a used car safety seat?

• Do not use a car safety seat that has been in a crash, has been recalled, is too old (check with the manufacturer), has any cracks in its frame, or is missing parts.
• Make sure it has a label from the manufacturer and instructions.
• Call the car safety seat manufacturer if you have questions about the safety of your seat.

Questions
If you have questions or need help installing your car safety seat, find a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician. A list of certified CPS technicians is available by state or ZIP code here.(information is available for children with special needs and in Spanish). A list of inspection stations-where you can go to learn how to correctly install a car safety seat-is available in English and Spanish at www.seatcheck.org or toll-free at 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243). You can also get this information by calling the toll-free NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hot Line at 888/327-4236, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.

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Car Safety Seat

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe.

But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming. The type of seat your child needs depends on several things including your child’s size and the type of vehicle you have.

All children should be seated in a suitable restraint when travelling in a car for their own safety. Adult seatbelts do not offer sufficient protection for babies and children and an appropriate child restraint must be used until your child reaches approximate 26kg in weight (generally at about 7 years of age). This includes your first journey home from the hospital with your baby, so don't leave it too late to get one fitted!

There is not such thing as "best" or "safest" when it comes to baby car safety seats. The best seat is the one that fits your child’s age and size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and can be used properly every time you drive. Don’t decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or easier to use. Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history. Never use a car seat which:

    * Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long it recommends using the seat.

    * Has any visible cracks on it.

    * Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.

    * Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat.

    * Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.

    * Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm.

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Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2011

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming.

The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s size and the type of vehicle you have. The following information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidance on choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child.
To see a list of car safety seats and safety seat manufacturers, click here.

Infants and toddlers—rear-facing

The AAP recommends that all infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.

Types of rear-facing car safety seats

There are 3 types of rear-facing car safety seats: infant-only seats, convertible seats, and 3-in-1 seats. When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their infant-only seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat or 3-in-1 seat.

Types of Car Safety Seats at a Glance

Age Group	Type of Seat	General Guidelines
Infants/Toddlers	Infant seats and rear-facing convertible seats	All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
Toddlers/Preschoolers	Convertible seats and forward-facing seats with harnesses	All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a Forward-Facing Car Safety Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
School-aged children	Booster seats	All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
Older children	Seat belts	When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection. All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the Rear Seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

Figure 1: Infant-only car safety seat

1. Infant-only seats
• Are used for infants up to 22 to 35 pounds, depending on the model.
• Are small and have carrying handles (and sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
• May come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don’t have to install the seat each time you use it. Parents can buy more than one base for additional vehicles.
• Are used only for travel (not for positioning outside the vehicle).
2. Convertible seats (used rear-facing)
• Can be used rear-facing, then “converted” to forward-facing for older children. This means the seat can be used longer by your child. They are bulkier than infant seats, however, and do not come with carrying handles or separate bases.
• May have higher rear-facing weight (30–40 pounds) and height limits than infant-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies.
• Usually have a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, at the hips, and between the legs. Older convertible seats may have an overhead shield—a padded tray-like shield that swings down over the child.
3. 3-in-1 seats (used rear-facing)
• Can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, or as a belt-positioning booster. This means the seat may be used longer by your child.
• Are often bigger in size so adequate space within the vehicle when rear-facing should be determined.
• Do not have the convenience of a carrying handle or a separate base; however, they may have higher rear-facing weight (35–40 pounds) and height limits than infant-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies.

Installation tips for rear-facing seats

When using a rear-facing seat, keep the following in mind:

• Place the harnesses in your rear-facing seat in slots that are at or below your baby’s shoulders.
• Ensure that the harness is snug and that the harness clip is positioned at the mid-chest level.
• Make sure the car safety seat is installed tightly in the vehicle. If you can move the seat at the belt path more than an inch side to side or front to back, it’s not tight enough.
• Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an active front passenger air bag. If the air bag inflates, it will hit the back of the car safety seat, right where your baby’s head is, and could cause serious injury or death.
• Be sure you know what kind of seat belts your vehicle has. Some seat belts need locking clips to keep the belt locked into position. Locking clips come with most new car safety seats. If you’re not sure, check the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle. Locking clips are not needed in most newer vehicles, and some seats have built-in lock-offs to lock the belt.
• If you are using a convertible or 3-in-1 seat in the rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is routed through the correct belt path. Check the instructions that came with the car safety seat to be sure.
• If your vehicle was made after 2002, it may come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car safety seats. See below for information on using LATCH.
• Make sure the seat is at the correct angle so your infant’s head does not flop forward. Many seats have angle indicators or adjusters that can help prevent this. If your seat does not have an angle adjuster, tilt the car safety seat back by putting a rolled towel or other firm padding (such as a pool noodle) under the base near the point where the back and bottom of the vehicle seat meet.
• Still having trouble? There may be a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician in your area who can help. If you need installation help, see below for information on how to locate a CPS technician.

Common questions

Q: What if my baby’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat?
A: Your child can bend his legs easily and will be comfortable in a convertible seat. Injuries to the legs are rare for children facing the rear.
Q: What do I do if my baby slouches down or to the side in his car safety seat?
A: Blanket rolls may be placed on both sides of the infant and a small diaper or blanket between the crotch strap and the infant. Do not place padding under or behind the infant or use any sort of car safety seat insert unless it came with the seat or was made by the manufacturer of the seat.

Figure 2: Car safety seat with a small cloth between crotch strap and infant, retainer clip positioned at the midpoint of the infant’s chest, and blanket rolls on both sides of the infant.

Q: Can I adjust the straps when my baby is wearing thicker clothing, like in the winter?
A: Yes, but make sure the harnesses are still snug. Also remember to tighten the straps again after the thicker clothes are no longer needed. Ideally, dress your baby in thinner layers instead of a bulky coat or snowsuit, and tuck a blanket around your baby over the buckled harness straps if needed.
Q: Are rear-facing convertible seats OK to use for preemies?
A: Premature infants should be tested while still in the hospital to make sure they can ride safely in a reclined position. Babies who need to lie flat during travel should ride in a crash-tested car bed. Very small infants who can ride safely in a reclined position usually fit better in infant-only seats; however, if you need to use a convertible seat, choose one without a tray-shield harness. The shields often are too big and too far from the body to fit correctly and the child’s face could hit the shield in a crash.
Q: What is LATCH?
A: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is an attachment system for car safety seats. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat and may be easier to use in some cars. The top tether improves the safety provided by the seat and is important to use for all forward-facing seats. Read the vehicle owner’s manual and the car safety seat instructions for weight limits for lower anchors and top tethers.
Vehicles with the LATCH system have anchors located in the back seat. Car safety seats that come with LATCH have attachments that fasten to these anchors. Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, come with LATCH. However, unless both your vehicle and the car safety seat have the lower anchor system, you will still need to use seat belts to install the car safety seat.

Toddlers and preschoolers—forward-facing

All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a Forward-Facing Car Safety Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. It is best for children to ride in a seat with a harness as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.

Figure 3: Forward-facing car safety seat

Types of car safety restraints

There are 5 types of car safety restraints that can be used forward-facing.

1. Convertible seats—Seats that “convert” from rear-facing to forward-facing seats. These include 3-in-1 seats.
2. Forward-facing only—These seats can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the model).
3. Combination seat with harness—These seats can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the model) or without the harness as a booster (up to 80–100 pounds).
4. Built-in seats—Some vehicles come with forward-facing seats built in. Weight and height limits vary. Read your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for details about how to use these seats.
5. Travel vests—These can be worn by children between 20 and 168 pounds and can be an alternative to traditional forward-facing seats. They are useful for when a vehicle has lap-only seat belts in the rear or for children whose weight has exceeded that allowed by car safety seats. These vests may require use of a top tether.

Installation tips for forward-facing seats

Make sure the car safety seat is installed tightly in the vehicle and that the harness fits the child snugly.
To switch a convertible or 3-in-1 seat from rear-facing to forward-facing

• Move the shoulder straps to the slots that are at or above your child’s shoulders. On some convertible seats, the top harness slots must be used when facing forward. Check the instructions that came with the seat to be sure.
• You may have to adjust the recline angle of the seat. Check the instructions to be sure.
• Make sure the seat belt runs through the forward-facing belt path. When making these changes, always follow the car safety seat instructions.
• If your vehicle was made after 2002, it should come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car safety seats.

A tether is a strap that attaches to the top of a car safety seat and to an anchor point in your vehicle (see your vehicle owner’s manual to find where the tether anchors are in your vehicle). Tethers give important extra protection by keeping the car safety seat and the child’s head from moving too far forward in a crash or sudden stop. All new cars, minivans, and light trucks have been required to have tether anchors since September 2000. New forward-facing car safety seats come with tethers. Check the car safety seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual for information about the top weight limit and locations of the tether anchors.

Common questions

Q: What if I drive more children than can be buckled safely in the back seat?
A: It’s best to avoid this, especially if your vehicle has air bags in the front seat. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. If absolutely necessary, a child in a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice to ride in front. Just be sure the vehicle seat is moved as far back away from the dashboard (and the air bag) as possible.
Q: What do I need to know if my child will be driven by someone else, such as for child care or school?
A: If your child is being driven by someone else, make sure

• The car safety seat your child will be using fits properly in the vehicle used for transport.
• The car safety seat being used is appropriate for the age and size of your child.
• The person in charge of transporting your child knows how to install and use the car safety seat correctly.

Child care programs and schools should have written guidelines for transporting children. These guidelines should include the following:

• All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. In some states, school bus drivers need to have a special type of license.
• Staff-to-child ratios for transport should meet or exceed those required for the classroom.
• Every child should be supervised during transport, either by school staff or a parent volunteer, so the driver can focus on driving.
• School staff, teachers, and drivers should know what do to in an emergency, know how to properly use car safety seats and seat belts, and be aware of other safety requirements.

Q: Should my child ride in a car safety seat on an airplane?
A: Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats can be used on airplanes, but booster seats and travel vests cannot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the AAP recommend that when flying, children should be securely fastened in certified child restraints until 4 years of age, and then should be secured with the airplane seat belts. This will help keep them safe during takeoff and landing or in case of turbulence. Check the label on your car safety seat or call the car safety seat manufacturer before you travel to see if your seat is certified for use on an airplane. You can also consider using a restraint made only for use on airplanes and approved by the FAA.

School-aged children—booster seats

Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. The owner’s manual that comes with your car safety seat will tell you the height and weight limits for the seat. As a general guideline, a child has outgrown his forward-facing seat when any one of the following is true:

• He reaches the top weight or height allowed for his seat with a harness. (These limits are listed on the seat and also included in the instruction booklet.)
• His shoulders are above the top harness slots.
• His ears have reached the top of the seat.

Types of booster seats

Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. High-back and backless booster seats are available. They do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way an adult rides. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts. Booster seats typically include a plastic clip or guide to help ensure the correct use of the vehicle lap and shoulder belts. See the instruction booklet that came with the booster seat for directions on how to use the guide or clip.

Figure 4: Belt-positioning booster seat

Installation tips for booster seats

Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. When using a booster seat, make sure

• The lap belt lies low and snug across your child’s upper thighs.
• The shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child’s chest and shoulder.

Common questions

Q: What if my car only has lap belts in the back seat?
A: Lap belts work fine with infant-only, convertible, and forward-facing seats. If your car only has lap belts, use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness and higher weight limits. Other options are

• Check to see if shoulder belts can be installed in your vehicle.
• Use a travel vest (some can be used with lap belts).
• Consider buying another car with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat.

Q: Is there a difference between high-back and backless boosters?
A: Both types of boosters are designed to raise your child so the seat belts fit properly and both will reduce your child’s risk of injury in a crash. High-back boosters are useful in vehicles that do not have head rests or have low seat backs. Many seats that look like high-back boosters are actually combination seats. They come with harnesses that can be used for smaller children and can then be removed for older children. Backless boosters are usually less expensive and are easier to move from vehicle to vehicle. Backless boosters can be safely used in vehicles with headrests and high seat backs.

Older children—seat belts

Seat belts are made for adults. Your child should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly (usually when the child reaches about 4 feet 9 inches in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age). When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection.

Using a seat belt

1. An adult seat belt fits correctly when
• The shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat.
• The lap belt is low and snug across the upper thighs, not the belly.
• Your child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her knees bent without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip.
2. Other points to keep in mind when using seat belts include
• Make sure your child does not tuck the shoulder belt under her arm or behind her back. This leaves the upper body unprotected, putting your child at risk of severe injury in a crash or with sudden braking.
• Never allow anyone to “share” seat belts. All passengers must have their own car safety seats or seat belts.

Common Questions

Q: I’ve seen products that say they can help make the seat belt fit better. Should we get one of these?
A: No, these products should not be used. In fact, they may actually interfere with proper seat belt fit by causing the lap belt to ride too high on the stomach and making the shoulder belt too loose. They can even damage the seat belt. This rule applies to car safety seats too; do not use any extra products unless they came with the seat. There are no federal safety standards for these products and until there are, the AAP does not recommend they be used. As long as children are riding in the correct restraint for their size, they should not need to use any additional devices.

Shopping for car safety seats

When shopping for a car safety seat, keep the following tips in mind:

• No one seat is the “best” or “safest.” The best seat is the one that fits your child’s size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and is used properly every time you drive.
• Don’t decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or easier to use.
• Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history. Never use a car safety seat that
• Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long it recommends using the seat.
• Has any visible cracks on it.
• Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
• Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat.
• Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
• Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site.
• Do not use seats that have been in a moderate or severe crash. Seats that were in a minor crash may still be safe to use, but some car safety seat manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any crash, even a minor one. The NHTSA considers a crash minor if all of the following are true:
• The vehicle could be driven away from the crash.
• The vehicle door closest to the car safety seat was not damaged.
• No one in the vehicle was injured.
• The air bags did not go off.
• You can’t see any damage to the car safety seat.

If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat. See "Manufacturer phone numbers and Web sites" for manufacturer contact information.

About air bags

Front air bags

All new cars come with front air bags. When used with seat belts, air bags work very well to protect teenagers and adults. However, air bags can be very dangerous to children, particularly those riding in rear-facing car safety seats, and to preschool and young school-aged children who are not properly restrained. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, infants in rear-facing seats must ride in the back seat. Even in a relatively low-speed crash, the air bag can inflate, strike the car safety seat, and cause serious brain injury and death.
Vehicles with no back seat or a back seat that is not made for passengers are not the best choice for traveling with small children. However, the air bag can be turned off in some of these vehicles if the front seat is needed for a child passenger. See your vehicle owner’s manual for more information.

Side air bags

Side air bags improve safety for adults in side-impact crashes. Read your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about the air bags in your vehicle. Read your car safety seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual for guidance on placing the seat next to a side air bag.

If you need installation help

If you have questions or need help installing your car safety seat, find a certified CPS technician. Lists of certified CPS technicians and child seat fitting stations are available on the following Web sites:
NHTSA (or call NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236)
SeatCheck (or call 866/SEATCHECK [866/732-8243])
National Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians (or call 877/366-8154) This site provides information in Spanish and also provides a list of CPS technicians with enhanced training in protection of children with special needs.

Important reminders

1. Be a good role model. Make sure you always wear your seat belt. This will help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up.
2. Never leave your child alone in or around cars. Any of the following can happen when a child is left alone in or around a vehicle:
• He can die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.
• He can be strangled by power windows, retracting seat belts, sunroofs, or accessories.
• He can knock the vehicle into gear, setting it in motion.
• He can be backed over when the vehicle backs up.
• He can become trapped in the trunk of the vehicle.
3. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions for your car safety seat, write or call the company’s customer service department. They will ask you for the model number, name of seat, and date of manufacture. The manufacturer’s address and phone number are on the label on the seat. Also be sure to follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual about using car safety seats. Some manufacturers’ instructions may be available on their Web sites.

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Air Bag Safety

An air bag can save your life. However, air bags and young children are a dangerous combination. The following information will help keep you and your children safe:

    * The safest place for all infants and children younger than 13 years to ride is in the back seat.
    * Never put an infant in the front seat of a car, truck, SUV, or van with a passenger air bag.
    * All children should be properly secured in car safety seats, belt-positioning booster seats, or the lap and shoulder belts correct for their size.
          o All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
          o All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
          o All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
          o When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.
    * Side air bags improve safety for adults in side impact crashes, but children who are not properly restrained and are seated near a side air bag may be at risk for serious injury. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see what it says about children and side air bags.
    * New “advanced” air bags make travel safer for adults, but it is not yet known how they will affect the safety of children. Even though these new air bags may be safer, the back seat is still the safest place for children younger than 13 years to ride.

What Parents Can Do

    * Eliminate potential risks of air bags to children by buckling them in the back seat for every ride.
    * Plan ahead so that you do not have to drive with more children than can be safely restrained in the back seat.
    * For most families, installation of air bag on/off switches is not necessary. Air bags that are turned off provide no protection to older children, teens, parents, or other adults riding in the front seat.
    * Air bag on/off switches should only be used if your child has special health care needs for which your pediatrician recommends constant observation during travel and no other adult is available to ride in the back seat with your child.
    * If no other arrangement is possible and an older child must ride in the front seat, move the vehicle seat back as far as it can go, away from the air bag. Be sure the child is restrained properly for his size. Keep in mind that your child may still be at risk for injuries from the air bag. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride.

Source: Air Bag Safety (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics)

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Car Safety Seats: Product Listing for 2011

Infant-only seats
(Manufacturers’ names are boldfaced.)

Name	Harness Type	Rear-Facing Weight Limits	Height Limits	Price
Baby Trend EZ-Loc, EZ-Flex-Loc, Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc, Fixed Back, Adjustable Back	5-point	5-30 pounds	Up to 30"	$79.99-$129.99
Britax Chaperone	5-point	4-30 pounds	Up to 32"	$229.99
Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat, only sold as a travel system	5-point	4-22 pounds	Up to 30"	$300
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat	5-point	4-30 pounds	Up to 30"	$180-$190
Combi Navette 22, available only through Child Source	5-point	Birth-22 pounds	Up to 29"	$65
Combi Shuttle 33	5-point	Birth-33 pounds	Up to 33"	$170-$180
Combi Shuttle 35	5-point	Birth-35 pounds	Up to 33"	$199
Cosco Comfy Carry	5-point	4-22 pounds	Up to 29"	$59
CYBEX Aton	5-point	4-30 pounds	Up to 30"	$189.95
Dream on Me/Mia Moda Certo Infant Car Seat	5-point	4-22 pounds	Up to 29"	$119-$139
Eddie Bauer Deluxe Infant Car Seat	5-point	5-22 pounds	19"-29"	$100
Evenflo Discovery 5	5-point	5-22 pounds	19"-29"	$50-$60
Evenflo Embrace	5-point	5-22 pounds	19"-29"	$80-$100
Evenflo Secure Ride 35	5-point	5-35 pounds	19"-32"	$150
The First Years Via	5-point	4-22 pounds	Up to 30"	$139.99
The First Years Via 35	5-point	4-35 pounds	Up to 30"	$169.99
Graco SnugRide	5-point	5-22 pounds	Up to 29"	$89-$109
Graco SnugRide 30	5-point	4-30 pounds	Up to 30"	$119-$139
Graco SnugRide 35	5-point	5-35 pounds	Up to 32"	$149-$169
Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat	5-point	5-22 pounds	19"-29"	$170
Orbit Baby   Infant Car Seat and Car Seat Base G2	5-point	4-22 pounds	19"-29"	$400
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30	5-point	5-30 pounds	Up to 30"	$249-$299
Safety 1st Comfy Carry	5-point	4-22 pounds	Up to 29"	$69
Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite	5-point	4-22 pounds	Up to 29"	$75
Safety 1st Designer	5-point	5-22 pounds	19"-29"	$65-$80
Safety 1st OnBoard 35	5-point	4-35 pounds	Up to 32"	$99
Safety 1st OnBoard 35 Air	5-point	4-35 pounds	Up to 32"	$159-$179
Teutonia USA t-tario 35	5-point	5-35 pounds	Up to 32"	$225

 

Convertible seats

Name	Harness Type	Rear-Facing Weight Limits, Height Limits	Forward-Facing Weight Limits, Height Limits	Price
Britax Advocate 70 CS	5-point	5-40 pounds, up to 49"	20-70 pounds, up to 49"	$369.99
Britax Boulevard 70	5-point	5-40 pounds, up to 49"	20-70 pounds, up to 49"	$309.99
Britax  Boulevard 70 CS	5-point	5-40 pounds, up to 49"	20-70 pounds, up to 49"	$329.99
Britax Marathon 70	5-point	5-35 pounds	20-70 pounds, up to 49"	$279.99
Britax Marathon Classic (ONLY sold at Target)	5-point	5-40 pounds, up to 49"	20-65 pounds, up to 40"	$159.99
Britax Roundabout 50 Classic (ONLY sold at Target)	5-point	5-35 pounds, up to 49"	20-50 pounds, up to 40"	$229.99
Britax Roundabout 55	5-point	5-40 pounds. up to 46"	20-55 pounds, up to 46"	$199.99
Combi Coccoro	5-point	5-33 pounds	20-40 pounds	$239
Combi Zeus Turn	5-point	5-22 pounds	20-40 pounds	$300
Combi Zeus 360	5-point	5-33 pounds	20-40 pounds	$330
Cosco Scenera	5-point	5-35 pounds, 19"-36"	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	$50
Cosco Scenera 40RF	5-point, shield	5-40 pounds, 19"-40"	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	$50-$60
Evenflo Momentum 65	5-point	5–40 pounds AND top of head is at least 1" below the top of the child restraint headrest	20–65 pounds, less than 50"	$160-$190
Evenflo Titan Elite	5-point	5-35 pounds, At least 19" AND top of head is at least 1" below the top of the child restraint seat back	20-50 pounds, less than 47"	$50-$100
Evenflo Tribute 5	5-point	5-35 pounds, At least 19" AND top of head is at least 1" below the top of the child restraint seat back	20-40 pounds, less than 40"	$45-$60
Evenflo  Triumph Advance 65 LX, DLX, or Premier	5-point	5-40 pounds, At least 19" AND top of head is at least 1" below the top of the child restraint seat back	20-65 pounds, less than 50"	$140-$180
The First Years  True Fit 630	5-point	5-22 pounds without upper seat back installed 5-35 pounds with upper seat back installed	23-65 pounds, up to 50"	$189.99
The First Years Tru Fit Recline C650	5-point	5-22 pounds without upper seat back installed 5-35 pounds with upper seat back installed	23-65 pounds, up to 50"	$199.99
The First Years True Fit Rebound C670	5-point	5-22 pounds without upper seat back installed 5-35 pounds with upper seat back installed	23-65 pounds, up to 50"	$239.99
Graco ComfortSport	5-point	5-30 pounds	20-40 pounds, up to 40"	$79-$99
Graco My Ride 65	5-point	5-40 pounds	20-65 pounds, up to 50"	$149
Maxi-Cosi Priori	5-point	5-35 pounds, 19"-36"	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	$200-$230
Orbit Baby Toddler Seat	5-point	15-35 pounds	20-50 pounds, up to 49"	$360
Recaro ProRIDE	5-point	5-35 pounds	20-70 pounds, up to 50"	$279.99
Recaro Signo	5-point	5-35 pounds	20–70 pounds, up to 50"	$299.99
Safety 1st Complete Air 65	5-point	5-40 pounds, 19"-40"	22–65 pounds, 34"–52"	$180
Safety 1st onSide Air	5-point	5-40 pounds, 19"-40"	22–40 pounds, 35"–43"	$100
Sunshine Kids Radian65SL Car Seat	5-point	5-40 pounds	20-65 pounds, up to 53"; Up to 65 pounds with lower anchors	$229.99
Sunshine Kids Radian80SL Car Seat	5-point	5-45 pounds	20-80 pounds, up to 53" Up to 80 pounds with lower anchors	$269.99
Sunshine Kids RadianXTSL Car Seat	5-point	5-45 pounds	20-80 pounds, up to 53" Up to 80 pounds with lower anchors	$299.99
Tripleplay Products/Lilly Gold 5-n-1 Sit’n’Stroll	5-point	5-30 pounds	20-40 pounds	$249.95

 

3-in-1 seats
(Can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, or as a belt positioning booster.)

Name	rear-Facing Weight Limits, Height Limits	Forward-Facing Weight Limits, Height Limits	Booster Weight Limits, Height Limits	Price
Eddie Bauer Deluxe	5-35 pounds, 19"-36"	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-80 pounds, 43"-52"	$120-$130
Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat	5-35 pounds, 19"-36"	22-50 pounds, 34"-45"	40-100 pounds, less than 57"	$200
Evenflo   Symphony 65	5-40 pounds, AND top of head is at least 1" below the top of the child restraint headrest	20-65 pounds, 50" or less	40-100 pounds, less than 57"	$200
Graco  Smart Seat	5-40 pounds, AND top of head is greater than 1" from top of seat	20-65 pounds, Maximum height 50"	30-100 pounds, Maximum height 57"	$299-$329
Safety 1st All-in-One, Alpha Omega	5-35 pounds, 19"-36"	22-50 pounds, 35"-45"	40-80 pounds, 43"-52"	$120-$130
Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite	5-35 pounds, 19"-36"	22-50 pounds, 34"-45"	40-100 pounds, 34"-52"	$160

 

Combination seats
(Can be used with 5-point harness or as belt-positioning booster.)

Name	Weight Limits, height Limits With Harness	Weight Limits, Height Limits as Booster	Price
Britax Frontier 85 harness-2-Booster	2 years of age and 25-85 pounds, 30"-57"	40-120 pounds, 42"-65"	$279.99
Cosco High Back Booster	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-80 pounds, 43"-52"	$50
Cosco Ventura	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-80 pounds, 43"-52"	$60
Eddie Bauer Adjustable High Back Booster	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-100 pounds, 43"-48"	$99
Eddie Bauer Deluxe High Back Booster	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-100 pounds, 43"-52"	$120
Evenflo Express, Chase	20-40 pounds At least 29" AND shoulders below top harness slots	40-100 pounds 43.5"-54" AND ears below top of child restraint headrest	$50-$70
Evenflo Generations 65	20-65 pounds	40-100 pounds 44"-57" AND ears below top of child restraint headrest	$100
Evenflo Maestro	20-50 pounds	40-100 pounds 44"-57" AND ears below top of child restraint headrest	$80
Graco Nautilus	20-65 pounds 27"-52" if shoulders are below top harness slots	High back: 30-100 pounds, 38"-57" Backless: 40-100 pounds, 40"-57"	$179.99
Graco Nautilus Elite	20-65 pounds 27"-52" if shoulders are below top harness slots	High back: 30-100 pounds, 38"-57" Backless: 40-100 pounds, 40"-57"	$199.99
Kiddy World Plus	20-40 pounds, up to 40" with protection shield	40-100 pounds, up to 60"	$269.99
KIDSEmbrace Toddler/Booster Car Seat	22-65 pounds, 29"-52"	30-100 pounds, 38"-57"	$159.99
Recaro ProSPORT	20-90 pounds, 27"-50"	30-120 pounds, 37"-59"	$279.99
Safety 1st Go Hybrid Booster	22–65 pounds, 34"–52"	40–100 pounds 43"–57"	$199.99
Safety 1st Rumi Air Booster or Essential Air	22–65 pounds, 34"–52"	40–100 pounds 43"–57"	$179
Safety 1st Summit	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-100 pounds, 43"-52"	$99.99
Safety 1st Vantage, Surveyor	22-40 pounds, 34"-43"	40-100 pounds, 43"-52"	$80

 

Forward-facing only toddler seats

Name	Harness Type	Weight Limits	Height Limits	Price
firstSEAT Revolution	5-point	22-60 pounds	Up to 50"	$299

 

Belt-positioning booster seats

Name	Type	Weight Limits	Height Limits	Price
Britax Parkway SG	High back converts to backless	40-120 pounds (high back and backless)	38"-63" (high back and backless)	$119.99
Britax Parkway SGL	High back converst to backless	40-120 pounds with lower anchors(high back and backless)	38"-63" (high back and backless)	$149.99
Chicco KeyFit Strada Booster	High back converts to backless	High back: 33-100 pounds Backless: 40-100 pounds	High back: 38"-57" Backless: 38"-57"	$150
Clek Olli Booster Seat	Backless	40-120 pounds	40"-57"	$79.99-$99.99
Clek Oobr Booster Seat	High back converts to backless	High back: 33-100 pounds Backless: 40-100 pounds	High back: 38"-57" Backless; 40"-57"	$274.99-$299.99
Clek Ozzi Booster Seat	Backless	40-120 pounds	40"-57"	$69.99
Combi   Kobuk Air Thru	High back	33-125 pounds	33"-57"	$80
Cosco Ambassador, High Rise	Backless	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$18
Cosco Complete Voyager	High back	40-80 pounds	43"-52"	$20-$25
Cosco Protek	High back	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$30-$50
Cosco Pronto!	High back	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$35
Cosco Disney Pronto!	Backless	40-100 pounds	43"-57"	$24
CYBEX Solution X-fit	High back	33-100 pounds	38"-60"	$199.95
Evenflo Big Kid, Big Kid Amp	Backless	40-100 pounds	40"-57" and whose ears below top of vehicle seat headrest	$15-$25
Evenflo Big Kid	High back converts to backless	High back: 30-100 pounds Backless: 40-100 pounds	High back: 38"-57" Backless: 40"-57" And ears below top of vehicle seat back	$30-$60
Evenflo   Maestro Booster	High back	40-100 pounds	44"-57" AND ears below top of child restraint headrest	$30-$40
The First Years B505 Compass Booster	High back	30-100 pounds	38"-57"	$59.99
The First Years B540 Compass Booster	High back	30-100 pounds	38"-57"	$79.99
The First Years Pathway B570 Booster	High back	30-100 pounds	38"-57"	$99.99
Graco TurboBooster	Backless	40-100 pounds	40"-57"	$24.99-$29.99
Graco TurboBooster	High back converts to backless	High back: 30-100 pounds Backless: 40-100 pounds	High back: 38"-57" Backless: 40"-57"	$49.99- $69.99
Harmony Baby Armor Youth Booster Seat	High back converts to backless	30-110 pounds (high back and backless)	34"-57" (high back and backless)	$79.99
Harmony Cruz Youth Booster Seat	Backless	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$18.99
Harmony Dreamtime Comfort Booster Seat	High back converts to backless	30-110 pounds (high back and backless)	34"-57" (high back and backless)	$49.99
Harmony LiteRiderYouth Booster Seat	Backless	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$13.50
Harmony SECURE Comfort Deluxe Booster Seat	Backless	30-110 pounds	34"-57"	$19.99
Jeffco Fibres Grizzly Bear	High back	40-100 pounds	33"-57"	$119
Jeffco Fibres   Polar Bear	High back	30-100 pounds	33"-57"	$129
Jeffco Fibres Teddy Bear	High back	30-80 pounds	33"-57"	$109
Maxi-Cosi Rodi	High back	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$130-$140
Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR	High back	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$160
ProRider Booster Car Seat	Backless	33-80 pounds	60" or less	$17.95 )online ordering only)
Recaro ProBooster	High back	30-120 pounds	37"-61"	$129.99
Recaro VIVO	High back	30-100 pounds	37"-59"	$89.99
Safety 1st Boost Air	High back	30-100 pounds	34"-57"	$79
Sunshine Kids Monterey Booster Seat	High back converts to backless	30-120 pounds Up to120 pounds with lower anchors	Up to 63"	$139.99
Sunshine Kids SantaFe Booster	Backless	30-120 pounds with lower anchors	38"-63"	$69.95

 

Travel Vests

Name	Weight Limits (Age Limits)	Price
E-Z-ON 103Z Adjustable Vest (rear zipper closure)	20–168 pounds, ages 2–adult	$120
E-Z-ON 203 Adjustable Vest (mini push button front closure)	20-100 pounds, ages 2-smaller-sized children (XSmall, Small)	$120
E-Z-ON 203/225 All-in-One LATCH Vest	20-100 pounds, ages 2-smaller-sized children (XSmall, Small, Medium)	$145
E-Z-ON 86Y Harness	100-168 pounds	$60-$80
E-Z-ON Kid-YC Harness	Up to 100 pounds	$65
E-Z-ON 101Z Non-adjustable Vest (rear zipper closure)	20-168 pounds, ages 2-adult	$120-$140
E-Z-ON 101 Push Button Non-adjustable Vest	101 Mini Push Button: 20-65 pounds 101 Standard Push Button: larger children-adult up to 168 pounds	$120-$140
Safety Angel Booster Harness	30-100 pounds, must be used with a booster seat	$48
Safe Traffic Systems RideSafer Travel Vest	Small vest: 35-60 pounds (3-6 years) Large vest: 50-80 pounds (5-10 years)	$124 (SM) $129 (LG)

Built-in (integrated) seats

Built-in or integrated child safety seats are available on selected models from some motor vehicle manufacturers. Check with the vehicle manufacturers for specifics.

Manufacturer phone numbers and Web sites

For more information on the seats listed in this guide, please contact the individual manufacturers.

Manufacturer	Phone Number	Web site
Baby Trend	800/328-7363	www.babytrend.com
Britax	888/427-4829	www.britaxusa.com
Chicco	877/424-4226	www.chiccousa.com
Clek	248/284-2462	www.clekinc.com
Combi	800/992-6624	www.combiusa.com
Cosco, Inc.	800/544-1108	www.coscojuvenile.com
CYBEX (Regal Lager, Inc. distributor)	800/593-5522	www.reallager.com
Dream on Me/Mia Moda	732/748-1300	www.miamodainc.com
Eddie Bauer	800/544-1108	www.djgusa.com/eddiebauer
Evenflo	800/233-5921	www.evenflo.com
E-Z-ON Products Inc. of Florida	800/323-6598	www.ezonpro.com
The First Years	888/899-2229	www.learningcurve.com
FirstSEAT	408/607-6294	www.firstseat.com
Graco Children's Products Inc. (Newell Rubbermaid)	800/345-4109	www.gracobaby.com
Harmony Juvenile Products	877/306-1001	www.harmonyjuvenile.com
Jeffco Fibres (formerly LaRoche Brothers)	800/225-7352	www.jeffcofibres.com
KiddyUSA	678/377-3309	www.kiddyusa.com
KIDSEmbrace	866/947-3287	www.kidsembrace.com
Maxi-Cosi	800/951-4113	www.maxi-cosi.com
Orbit Baby	877/672-2229	www.orbitbaby.com
Peg Perego USA, Inc.	800/671-1701	www.pegperego.com
ProRider, Inc.	800/642-3123	www.prorider.com
Recaro of North America	800/873-2276	www.recarokids.com
Safe Traffic System, Inc.	773/509-0530	www.safetrafficsystem.com
Safety 1st	800/544-1108	www.safety1st.com
Safety Angel	877/431-1678	www.safetyangel.com
Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products	888/336-7909	www.skjp.com
teutonia USA (Newell Rubbermaid)	800/345-4109	www.teutoniausa.com
TriplePlay Products, LLC/LillyGold	800/829-1625	www.lillygold.com

The NHTSA has put together the car safety seat Ease of Use Ratings to educate parents and caregivers about car safety seat features and to assist them in finding the appropriate seat for their needs. You can view this list at www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Ease-of-Use.

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not a testing or standard-setting organization, this guide sets forth the AAP recommendations based on the peer-reviewed literature available at the time of its publication, and sets forth some of the factors that parents should consider before selecting and using a car safety seat.

The appearance of the name American Academy of Pediatrics does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the products listed or the claims made. Phone numbers and Web site addresses are as current as possible, but may change at any time.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Prices are approximate and may vary.

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