Baby Car Seats-Current Safety Standards

By: Jason Petrina



So, how do you know when it’s time for your little baby to graduate from a rear facing car seat to a standard car seat? And when is your older child old enough to sit in the seat without the aid of a car seat? These questions can be difficult to answer, if you don’t take the time to research current safety requirements and standards. Below you will find information regarding car seat safety standards for children and babies.

Birth to 1 year
Up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long

Recommendation:
Use a rear-facing infant seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.
Set the shoulder straps below the child’s shoulder level.
Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep in mind that most infant only restraints are designed for use by infants from 5 lbs to 20 lbs. They MUST be used so that the child faces the rear of the vehicle. They should NEVER be used in the front of a vehicle.

Infants should remain rear-facing until they are at least 20 lbs. With that said; however, a child’s head should not extend beyond the top of the restraint's backrest. Keep in mind that most infant-only restraints can only accommodate infants less than 26 inches in height.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should remain in a rear-facing car seat up to one year of age. With that said, if your baby happens to be large for their age, you should consider purchasing a convertible car seat that will accommodate rear facing use up to 30 pounds.
1 to 4 years
20 to 40 pounds, 26 to 40 inches tall

Recommendation:
Use a forward-facing seat or a convertible seat in the forward-facing position.
Position the straps at or above shoulder level.
Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.
If the top of the child restraint back is below the top of the toddler's ears or the toddler weighs more than 40 lbs., it is time to move them into a booster seat.
4 to 8 years
40 to 80 pounds, 40 to 57 inches tall

Recommendation:
Use a belt-positioning booster seat or a high-back, belt-positioning booster seat that uses the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt.
Don’t use a shield-type booster seat.
Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.
So, what’s the difference between the various harness systems? Provided below are some tips to help you sort through them.
5-point harness system:
Similar to a race car driver's harness, many child care experts recommend this restraint system because it provides the opportunity for a tighter, and safer, fit.
3-point harness/overhead shield system:
This car seat has a shield that swings down over your child's head and snaps into place with one click.

3-point harness/T-shield system:
This car seat has a soft "T" shaped shield that conveniently snaps into the seat shell.

Keep these safety standards in mind when shopping for a baby car seat. The best course of action is to purchase a car seat new rather than use one with an unclear history. Also, if at all possible, avoid using a hand-me-down or second-hand seat for your newborn. Many older model newborn seats do not meet current safety regulations. Look for a car seat that:

Was made after January 1, 1981. Substantial federal safety standards took effect on that date requiring child restraints to perform well in a simulated 30 mph crash test.

Has a label stating that it conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Includes a set of Instructions.
Hasn't been in a crash.

Most manufacturers recommend that child restraints not be used more than six years after the date of manufacture.

Baby car seat safety standards may change. For the most up to date standards to be sure to investigate for yourself.


Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com