Car seats perform the vital function of keeping your children safe while driving. While all parents understand the importance of car seats, it is easy to become confused with the variety of seat types and various installation requirements. The car seat your child needs will depend upon his or her age, weight and size. The following is a look at some car seat guidelines intended to assist you in selecting the safest seat for your child.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following tips, among others, on car seats:

From Birth to Age Two

All children under the age of two should ride in a rear-facing car seat in the backseat of your car. In the event you are involved in a car accident, your child is least likely to be injured if rear-facing in the back seat. There are several different types of rear-facing car seats:

• Infant car seats (bucket seats): The most common starter car seat for infants is the infant only seat often referred to as a bucket seat. The seat doubles as a carrier so your infant can stay in it while you are taking them in or out of the vehicle. These car seats offer a five point harness system to safely secure the infant. You should carefully inspect the height and weight limits on the seat you purchase as they can vary by manufacturer.
• Convertible car seats: Once your child reaches the maximum allowable weight or height on the infant only seat, he or she can be moved to a convertible car seat. This seat also has a five point harness but unlike the bucket seat, it is not portable. The seat can be installed rear-facing or forward facing, so it will grow with your child. Like infant seat, convertible car seat manufacturers set different height and weight requirements, so check your seat carefully so you will know if your child has outgrown it.
• 3-in-1 car seats: These car seats are convertible seats that additionally become booster seats for when your child reaches the appropriate size and age. These seats can be bulky, so ensure your vehicle will allow for a tight install.

Two to Five Years Old

When your child reaches about the age of two, you can face them forward in a convertible or 3-in-1 seat. They must ride in the backseat and remain in a car seat until they reach the age of five or exceed weight and height limits on their seat.

Five Years and Up

Children five years and up who have exceeded the limits of their convertible car seat should use an appropriate booster seat to ensure their safety in the event of an accident.

Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!

We hope that your well researched and carefully installed car seat selection keeps your child safe for years to come. If you or your family is involved in a car accident, contact the Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, for dedicated assistance with your potential case. Our firm offers over 39 years of experience representing individuals who have been injured in automobile accidents. We strive to provide exceptional representation to each client and represent personal injury victims throughout the State of Georgia and in the Southeast. Prompt action is vital to the success of your automobile accident case. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance as your time to file an automobile accident claim after your accident is limited. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Source:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/ChildSafety/Guidance (PDF Document)