| One of the most dangerous things parents are | | | | systems can be the best for dealing with toddlers |
| forced to do with their children is put them inside | | | | who have figured out buttons. Harnesses are |
| a vehicle to go somewhere. When accidents | | | | very difficult for toddlers to disengage. |
| happen, most vehicles are just not equipped to | | | | Older, larger children - While most parents might |
| protect little passengers. | | | | not want to admit it, children do grow out of |
| While safety features, like reinforced doors, can | | | | standard car seats rather quickly. When a |
| help, others can hurt. Air bags, for example, have | | | | preschooler is too big for a harness system, a |
| been known to literally suffocate small | | | | booster seat is in order. This type of seat will |
| passengers. The best way to compensate for the | | | | generally raise a child enough that the seat belt |
| fact vehicles are built for adults is to put in the | | | | system of the vehicle will work. Booster seats |
| right child safety seats and use them where they | | | | are advised for children until they reach the height |
| are most effective. Whether you are planning a | | | | of about 4 feet 9 nine inches. |
| trip down the street or across country, having | | | | Teens - Make sure to keep the good habits going |
| the right seat in place for a child is the best thing | | | | into the teen years by insisting on seat belts even |
| you can do to protect precious cargo. | | | | in the back seat. |
| The best location in a vehicle for child seats is the | | | | Installing car seats properly is vital for ensuring |
| back seat area. If a pickup truck is the vehicle of | | | | they will work when they are needed the most. |
| choice, be sure to disengage the passenger side | | | | To get the job done right, follow manufacturer |
| air bag if this is possible. To select the right seats | | | | instructions closely. If there is any concern during |
| follow these general rules of thumb for picking out | | | | the installation, check the instructions twice. |
| age and size-appropriate models: | | | | Otherwise, many local police and fire departments |
| Newborns and infants - Rear-facing car seats are | | | | and hospitals have technicians available that can |
| the best for babies. Most states, in fact, insist on | | | | help. Call to find out if a car seat expert is |
| rear-facing seats in their written laws. Try to | | | | available in the local community. Do not be |
| keep a child in a rear-facing seat for as long as | | | | embarrassed if figuring out proper installation |
| possible, but do pay attention to manufacturer | | | | proves to be too much. Car seats have become |
| recommendations for size and weight. | | | | so complicated that technicians must take a |
| Toddlers and preschoolers - As babies get a little | | | | several-day class to receive certification. |
| older; they will outgrow most standard rear-facing | | | | No matter how far you plan to travel, making |
| seats. When this happens, it is time for a | | | | sure children are safe should be the top priority. |
| forward-facing, harness system or a convertible | | | | The best place to start is with installing the right |
| seat. These car seats are designed to | | | | child safety seat for each little passenger. |
| accommodate children up to age 4 or 5. Harness | | | | |