September is Baby Safety Month

JPMA Safety House

CAR SEATS & BOOSTER SEATS

An important responsibility begins with selecting a child car seat and

using it properly from the moment you bring baby home to every car ride

after that. All 50 states have laws that require the use of a child car

seat. All child car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet a

safety standard set by the Federal government in 1981.

鈥?nbsp; ALWAYS follow all manufacturers鈥?instructions for both the vehicle and the car seat/booster seat.

鈥?nbsp; Be sure the car seat/booster seat is appropriate for a child鈥檚 weight and height.

鈥?nbsp; The back seat is the safest place to ride.

鈥?nbsp; Infants must ride rear facing or in a car bed.

鈥?nbsp; Always anchor the car seat/booster seat to the car

using the seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster seat

manufacturer.

鈥?nbsp; NEVER use a car seat/booster seat in a seating location with an airbag.

鈥?nbsp; Always check that the car seat/booster seat is

securely installed. A locking clip may be necessary. Read the vehicle

owner鈥檚 manual for information on other belt accessories that may be

required.

鈥?nbsp; Do not use a car seat/booster seat that is more than six years old.

鈥?nbsp; Do not use a car seat/booster seat that has ever been involved in a crash.

鈥?nbsp; Do not use a car seat/booster seat missing the

manufacturer鈥檚 label showing the name of the manufacturer, model number

and date of manufacture.

鈥?nbsp; Booster seats are recommended for children over 30

lbs., but consider height and maturity level as well. Some children are

mature enough to handle a booster seat, while others are too immature

to keep the shoulder belt properly positioned.

鈥?nbsp; Set a good example and make sure the entire family buckles up.

鈥?nbsp; NEVER buy a used car seat or booster seat.