2007

For Valentines Week….Keep your children Safe in a Car Seat
DO IT BECAUSE YOU LOVE THEM

For maximum child passenger safety, parents and caregivers simply need to remember and follow the 4 Steps for Kids:
 

1)    For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat.  At a minimum,keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds;

2)    When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds);

3)    Once children outgrow their forward-facing seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly.  Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall);

4)    When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the chest). 

Some parents or caregivers may regard booster seats as a hassle to use or a pain to convince their children to use. But protecting the ones we love means getting past the temporary complaints and perceived hassles because the lives of children really are at risk. Do it because you love them. Do it because it could save their lives.  Make it the law of your car.

This year at Valentine’s, during Child Passenger Safety Week (Feb. 11-17), remind all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to raise their children right. If they’re under 4’9”, put them in a booster seat.