“Click it or ticket!” and “buckle up!” are likely phrases you have heard. These refer to remembering to secure yourself, and your children, in a vehicle before driving. However, also important is making sure your child is using the correct car seat for their age, and using that seat correctly. Read more for examples and resources on commonly asked questions related to child passenger safety to do your best to make sure your kiddo can be safe in a crash.
My child wants to sit in the front seat. At what age is that safe?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children under 13 always ride in the back seat of a vehicle. This is due to a few reasons. First, since most crashes occur in the front of a car, the back seat being furthest from impact reduces risk of injury. Front airbags, designed for adults and not small children, can cause serious injury on airbag release to the chest, neck, and head.
My 8-year-old child says his friends are all using seatbelts instead of booster seats. Booster seats are so inconvenient! Can she just wear a seatbelt?
It can definitely be annoying to both kids and their caregivers to be in a booster seat. But, if your child is too small to securely be restrained by a seatbelt, a booster seat is the way to go until she is. Seatbelts are appropriate for kids at least 120 pounds, and 57 inches tall. If your child is shorter or lighter than that, a booster seat is the safest choice for now, even if it doesn’t seem like the coolest!
I’ve looked at AAP guidelines, some blogs, other pages…there are so many resources out there! What are the general guidelines for each seat type?
There is certainly a lot out there on car seats, and not all of the information reflects the safest choices. If you have questions, looking at the AAP resources or asking your child’s pediatrician for AAP information is a good place to start.
It is important to note that the appropriate restraint for a child depends on both their age and size relative to the recommendations listed by each car seat.
Generally:
Infant carriers are appropriate for kids under 35 pounds and 32 inches.
Rear-facing, convertible, or all-in-one seats are appropriate for kids under 40 pounds and 40 inches.
Forward-facing seats with harness are appropriate for kids 22-65 pounds, and 28-49 inches. But, keeping your child rear-facing for longer until they exceed the weight limits of the seat is actually recommended by the AAP as the safest choice.
Booster seats, depending on high back or backless, are generally appropriate for kids 40-120 pounds and 38-57 inches.
And seatbelts are appropriate for kids at least 8-12 years of age and 57 inches in height. Please note that most children will not fit in a seat belt along until 10-12 years of age.
Be sure to look at the restrictions for your exact car seat since different manufacturers have different size guidelines.
I’m worried I’m not installing my car seat correctly. Who can I go to for resources?
Equally important to your child using the right seat for their age and size, is making sure they are using it correctly. Making sure that the seat you are using is installed properly, and not recalled, is important to preventing injury. Child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) are located throughout Illinois, and the country, frequently at police and fire stations, and hospitals. CPSTs provide resources on appropriate car seat installation and use. CPSTs also can provide low-cost seats as needed, and recommendations what to do as your child grows older and needs to be transitioned to a next seat. Safe Kids Worldwide provides a list of CPSTs, findable here, that you can search for by your zip code or city to find resources close to you. Families can also call 312-227-7081 or email carseats@luriechildrens.org to set up a free car seat check with CPSTs at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Conclusion
We can’t always prevent a crash from occurring. But, making sure our children are appropriately restrained is an important way to reduce their risk of serious injury. Knowing the AAP guidelines and finding your local CPST are important steps to take to keep your child safe in a collision.
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