For a baby or child, their ticket to ride is a car seat.
While there are many models and versions that claim safety first, parents and caregivers need to first know the basics to purchase for the child’s age and weight.
In both Virginia and North Carolina, babies and children must be in a car seat. Not doing so could result in a fine for the driver and worse, an injury for the child.
An infant must be in a rear-facing seat until they are two years old unless they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer as recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics.
A convertible car seat makes it easy for children to transition. This is a seat that can be converted for use from an infant to toddler so it grows with the child. However, if your child outgrows it, either in weight or height, a forward-facing car seat should be purchased. Make sure it is equipped with a harness. This should be used by the child as long as possible. Again, pay attention to the height and weight. Overall this is more important than the age of the child because all children grow at a different pace.
Once a child reaches the height and weight limit of their harness forward-facing car seat, a belt positioning booster seat should be used. This helps the car seat belt fit properly. Typically once a child reaches four feet nine inches they no longer need the boaster seat. Usually children reach this height between eight to 12 years of age.
Finally, just because junior does not need a car seat does not mean they should not wear a seat belt. It is also important that children younger than 13 sit in the back seat if possible.
Everyone, no matter what age, should wear their seat belt. It is the first line of protection against injury in car crashes.
At The Auto Connection we care about the safety of your family.
