Car Seat Safety

Rebecca Katzman, MD_editedBy Rebecca Katzman, MD

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of death and injury for children. Properly using car seats can protect children and keep them safe. Choosing, installing, and using a car seat correctly can be daunting. Here are a few basic tips.

Be in the right place in the right direction: All children under 13 should be in the back seat, and if possible in the middle.

Rear facing seats for infants and young children should be used as long as possible, until the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of the particular car seat. Many rear facing car seats will accommodate children up to 35 pounds and 35 inches and convertible seats may have even higher limits to remain rear facing. It is okay if a child’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat. Leg injuries are very rare when children are rear-facing.

Once that maximum height or weight is reached, young children (1 to 3 years old) may be front facing in a car seat with a harness and tether. Usually between ages 4 and 7 children outgrow the harness and tether car seat and can switch to a booster seat. Children should remain in a booster seat until a seatbelt fits properly, with the lap belt snug across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest, but not the neck or face. For smaller children this may mean booster seats until age 12 or even later.

Check for the right fit: Do a “pinch test” to make sure the straps and harness are snug. After buckling the child into the car seat, pinch the harness at the shoulder. Your fingers should slide off the webbing and the fabric should not bunch. With a five-point harness, the chest clip should be in the center of the chest, at the level of the armpits.

Install correctly following the manufacturer’s instructions.

A few good references are the American Academy of Pediatrics and Safe Kids Worldwide.
We have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in our community! Three of our hospital nurses are certified and others are currently doing the training. The hospital is sponsoring a car seat safety check this Saturday August 29 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Orofino Clinic. If you have questions or concerns, stop by with your vehicle, your car seat, and your child and the certified staff will check the fit and installation.