Car Seat Guidelines
Did you know that using a car seat properly can reduce the risk of your child’s death in a car accident by 71% (for infants) and 54% (for toddlers)? Because children’s bodies are not yet fully developed, they are more likely to suffer injuries in an accident. Yet a recent study shows that just 3 percent of children ages 1-3 were sitting in a proper, rear-facing car seat. Only 2 percent of kids ages 7 and up used a booster seat.
There’s nothing more important than keeping your child safe. One way you can do that is learn the proper way to secure your child in a car seat or booster seat. Follow the guidelines listed below from the National Highway Transportation Safety Association:
Proper Car Seat Use Chart
Proper Car Seat Use Chart | |||
INFANTS | TODDLER | YOUNG CHILDREN | |
WEIGHT | Birth to 1 year at least 20-22 lbs. | Up to 4 years, or between 20 and 35 pounds. | Over 40 lbs., ages 4 to 12 unless 4’9″. |
TYPE OF SEAT | Infant only or rear-facing convertible | Convertible / rear-facing | Belt-positioning booster seat |
SEAT POSITION | Rear-facing only | Rear-facing (unless above height/weight requirements) | Forward-facing (when they are above the height/weight requirements) |
ALWAYS MAKE SURE: | Children who weigh less than 20 pounds and who are under the age of 1 should ride in rear-facing seats. Harness straps at or below shoulder level. | Harness straps should be at or above shoulders. Most seats require top slot for forward-facing when above height/weight requirements. | Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt. Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries. |
WARNING | All children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat. | All children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat. | All children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat. |
Child Injured by a Defective Car Seat?
Did you follow the guidelines and use your car seat correctly? Was your child still injured? If so, there may be a defect with the car seat, and you may have a case.
Product injury cases can be very complicated, so the best thing you can do is contact Edgar Snyder & Associates. We’ve helped thousands of accident victims, including children who have been injured by defective car seats. Our attorneys have the experience you need to get compensation to care for your child.
Get started with the following links:
- Find out about the steps to take after an accident.
- Think the manufacturer is responsible? Read more about manufacturer liability.
- Read about our successful verdicts and settlements.
- Learn more about why you need a lawyer for a product injury case.
What to Do Next? Get a Free Legal Evaluation
Then call 1-866-9-4EDGAR (1-866-943-3427), or fill out the form at the top right of this webpage for a free legal evaluation. It’s quick and simple, and we’ll tell you whether we think you have a case. If your child was injured by a defective car seat, you’ve been through so much already. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you need and deserve.
