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Car Seat Guide
The best way to keep your child safe in the car is to use the right car seat in the right way.
Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.
- Buying the Right Car Seat
- Installing Your Car Seat
- Car Seat Fit
- Updating Car Seats
- Register Your Car Seat
- Car Seat Recalls
There are three types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seat.
Even though there are many different models to choose from, all car seats meet the same U.S. federal safety standards.
Click this link for further information: https://ucsg.safekids.org/basic-tips/buying/
Take the time to read the owner manuals for both your vehicle and your car seat.
If you would like help installing your car seat, a car seat technician can help. Safe Kids coalitions have car seat checkup events and inspection stations around the country. Find an event here.
If there isn’t an event near you, look here for a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) who can help you.
Click this link for further information: https://ucsg.safekids.org/basic-tips/installing/
A properly-fitted 5-point harness gives the best possible protection for your child.
A 5-point harness has straps that go over both shoulders and both hips and then buckles at the base. The car seat label will tell you the weight and height range of the harness. Check regularly to make sure your child hasn’t outgrown it.
A seat belt is also a type of harness and is used on older children in booster seats. Every passenger in a moving vehicle must use some form of harness for protection in case of a crash.
Click this link for further information: https://ucsg.safekids.org/basic-tips/right-fit/#1
Use your current car seat until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit listed on the label. There is no need to rush on to the next car seat or booster seat.
Click this link for further information: https://ucsg.safekids.org/basic-tips/when-to-change/
Register your current car seat, ensuring that you are promptly notified about future recalls. You can register online with your car seat manufacturer, using the information found on the label on your car seat at SaferCar.gov. You can also register by filling out the registration card that came with your car seat.
Click this link to sign up for safety recall alerts and check your current car seat: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls