Is your child's safety seat really safe?

Katherine Atkinson, occupational therapist

Midwest HealthStrategies

Q: Why are child safety seats so important?

A.  Approximately 90 percent of all child safety seats are installed improperly. However, when installed properly child restraints are 71 percent effective in reducing deaths for infants and 54 percent for one to four years old. Belt-positioning boosters used with safety belts are 59 percent more effective than safety belts alone in reducing injuries for children four to eight years old. Car seats and safety belts are designed to spread the force of a crash over the strongest parts of the body and to keep drivers and passengers inside the vehicle.

Q. What does Indiana law say about children passengers?

A: As of July 1, 2005 Indiana law requires that children from birth to the age of 8

must ride in child restraints. Children from ages eight to 16 must use child restraints or seat belts. This law applies to all seating positions and vehicles including trucks and SUV’s. All children should ride in the rear seat until age 13. Booster seats are the most common type of child restraint for children who have outgrown their child safety seats with harness straps. Your children will find that by using the booster seat, not only will they remain safe, but they will also be able to see out the car windows better. This makes the trip more enjoyable. There are other child safety seats with harnesses and safety vests that fit children who weigh more than 40 pounds. These are helpful for children who will not stay seated in a booster seat.

Q. How do I know which safety seat is right for my child?

A.    There is not one best car seat. Much like children, car seats come in all shapes and sizes. There are many different types of safety seats. Infant Only Seats are designed for infants up to 20 pounds and 26 inches. Convertible Seats fit children up to 40 pounds and 40 inches. Boosters are for children over 40 pounds who have outgrown convertible car seat. Choose a car seat that is the right size and weight for your child,

fits your vehicles seats and safety belts, meets or exceeds federal standards, and meets your budget. Be sure to choose a car seat that is not too old. The life of a car seat is generally six years. Most car seats are stamped with an expiration date. You should not use a car seat after its been in a crash, so any seat that you don’t know the history of is unsafe. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for details about your seat.

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