What is one piece of equipment you buy for your child and hope to never test its limits or have to worry about how functional it is? Car seats!
Car seats come in all shapes and sizes and are ever-changing. There are many important things to remember about them:
Always check the weight limit for your child’s car seat and make sure they are not exceeding it. When getting close to the weight limit, have a plan to size up!
Your child should ideally be rear-facing in the car for as long as possible. Rear-facing is the safest position for a child while riding in a car. Once it becomes uncomfortable or infeasible for them to sit rear-facing (generally because their legs/feet are bumping against the back seat), it is OK to face forward.
Harnesses should be tight overlying the shoulders so that they cannot be pinched together.
Car seats should be securely fastened in the back seat of the car so they do not move more than an inch in any direction.
Once children outgrow their infant seats, five-point harnesses are still recommended in toddler seats until they are ready for a booster seat. Many companies make car seats that transition from toddler seats to booster seats.
A child can safely be in a booster seat once they meet all of these criteria:
- 4 years old
- 40 pounds
- Is over the toddler seat’s height and weight limit
- Able to sit still the entire car ride
A child should remain in a booster seat until they meet all of these criteria:
- 6 years old (per Iowa law, some states are later)
- 4’9” tall
- Can have the seat belt on in the back seat and have their back flat against the seat, their knees extend over the edge of the seat, and their feet are flat on the floor
Ideally, children should remain in the back seat of the car until they are at least 13 years old.
Local EMS and fire departments will offer car seat installations and checks on a regular basis. Please do not be afraid to use these resources!
Eldridge EMS – third Saturday of each month
Davenport Fire Dept – fourth Saturday of each month
Further Resources
