Child Seat Safety

Child restraint use is up, but improper use of these safety devices continues to be high. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nearly 73 percent of all child restraints are improperly used, needlessly exposing children to an increased risk of death or injury, and we don’t want that here on Truck Test Digest.

With the popularity of pickup trucks and SUVs, the use of child seats is up in these types of vehicles, just like in automobiles. Still the proper installation of child seats are still an issue.

Securing a child safety seat should be a lot easier with the LATCH system, which was required in U.S.

passenger vehicles and most child safety seats manufactured after September 1, 2002. LATCH (which stands for the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system) is a specialized way for your child's safety seat to attach in your vehicle without using the car's seatbelt system. The LATCH system is designed to simplify child seat installation and consequently reduce the number of child injuries and deaths that occur from improperly secured child safety seats.

Vehicle manufacturers are required to install top tether anchors behind the backseat of all models (except convertibles). These anchors must be in three seating positions. (Some convertibles also have tether anchors as a safety feature.) Manufacturers also must install lower vehicle anchor points near where the vehicle's backseat cushion and seat back meet. These lower anchor points must be in at least two seating positions.

If the vehicle does not have the LATCH system, you will need to use the vehicle’s seatbelts to secure the seats. Check with the manufacturer regarding the proper installation.

Keep in mind that seat belts are not designed for children. Young children are too small for seat belts and too large for toddler seats. Instead, use a booster seat that will raise your child up so that the seat belt fits right—and can better protect your child. The shoulder belt should cross the child's chest and rest snugly on the shoulder, and the lap belt should rest low across the pelvis or hip area—never across the stomach area. Your child's ears shouldn't be higher than the vehicle's seat back cushion or the back of a high-back booster seat.

General Child Seat Use Information Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!
	AGE / WEIGHT	SEAT TYPE / SEAT POSITION	USAGE TIPS
INFANTS	Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds.	Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing. *Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system.*	· Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. · Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. · Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. · Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). · Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
INFANTS	Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs.	Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants). *Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system.*	· Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. · Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. · Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. · Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). · Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS / TODDLER	1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs.	Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness. *Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system.*	· Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. · Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats). · Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
YOUNG CHILDREN	4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9" (57") tall.	Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, base only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. *NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.*	· Booster base used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. · Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. · Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.