Ensuring your child’s safety in the car is a top priority. From choosing the right infant/child restraint system (CRS) to understanding how to use booster seats, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines. This guide covers key safety tips, including the proper use of car seats, the importance of rear-facing positions, and the risks of winter clothing. Always follow manufacturer instructions for optimal protection during travel.

 

Projectiles

Avoid having any unnecessary, loose items in your vehicle that could become projectiles in the event of a collision. Examples include tissue boxes, toys, or tools. 

 

Infants

Most infant restraint systems go up to between 22lbs and 30lbs. It is recommended that parents keep their child rear facing, until they reach the maximum weight indicted on the infant child’s restraint system. Most Infant Child Restraint Systems (CRS) come with a canopy and carrying handle. It is recommended that the handle be placed at the back, on the lowest level possible, with the canopy folded back. Some manufacturers will recommend otherwise, so make sure to follow their guidelines. 

 

Rear facing I/C, I/C/B

It is recommended that children remain in a rear facing position until they are two years old, and a minimum of 30lbs-35lbs. When the CRS is rear facing, there should be a minimum one-inch gap between the front passenger seat and the CRS, allowing you to freely pass your hand between.

 

Booster seats

Once a child has outgrown their CRS harness, has reached 40lbs and is 4’9”, they may graduate to a booster seat. This should only be done if the seatbelt sits at the correct spot across the child’s chest.

 

Seatbelt

Once the child has reached 80lbs and is over 4’9”, they may graduate to the seatbelt position. This should only be done if the seatbelt sits at the correct spot across the child’s chest.

 

Winter clothing

In cold weather, it can be tempting to put more layers of clothing on children. This is not recommended, as the extra clothing increases the gap between the CRS harness and the child’s torso. This can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the CRS harness.

 

For specific instructions regarding your Infant/Child Restraint System (CRS), follow the recommendations made in the owner’s manual, or contact the manufacturer. 

 

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