Whether you’re a new or veteran parent, it’s important to know and feel confident that you’ve done everything in your power to keep your little ones safe while on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46% of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly. Don’t take the risk – make sure you know how to properly use a car seat and feel confident about the kind your using.
Finding the Right Seat
There are many different types of car seats to choose from, but this doesn’t mean that they’re all right for your child. There are 3 different types of car seats available for different stages in life:
- Rear-facing Car Seats should be used from birth until 2-4 years old. You should check the car seat manual for more information on specific height and weight limits for your seat style.
- Forward-facing Car Seats should be used once your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat. Children typically begin to grow into this style between the ages of 4 and 5 years old. Again, it’s important to read the manual to determine if your child meets the height or weight requirements before using this type of seat. It’s also very important that they continue to use a forward-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit as disclosed in the manual.
- Booster Seats should be used once your child has outgrown their forward-facing car seat, and a seat belt fits properly. The proper fit for a seat belt is when the belt can lay across the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder piece of the belt fits tightly across the center of the chest. They should continue to use a booster seat until a seat belt fits properly without it. The recommended age for booster seats is between the ages of 7 and 12 years old.
No matter which stage your child is in, the most important thing to remember is to buckle them in before getting on the road. Making sure your child is fastened and seated in the proper style seat could end up saving their life. For more general information about child safety in cars, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This information and any attachments or links are provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. They are derived from information believed to be accurate. Utica Mutual Insurance Company and the other member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group (“Utica National”) are not providing legal advice or any other professional services. Utica National shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of the information provided. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.
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