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The Basics of Car Seats

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children. The proper use of car seats helps to keep kids safe. When selecting a car seat, it is important to keep in mind that different types are appropriate for different ages. The type of car seat required depends on several factors including age, size, and type of vehicle.

Infants

Infants should be placed in infant-only or rear-facing convertible seats only. All infants should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are at least a year old and weight at least 20 pounds. This is to ensure that the baby’s head and neck are supported correctly, even while in the car.

Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

Toddlers and pre-schoolers can use convertible, combination, and rear-facing seats. If a child is at least a year old and also weighs a minimum of 20 pounds, the child can ride in a forward-facing seat. It is best for children to ride in rear-facing seats as long as possible.

School-Aged Children

School-aged children generally need a booster seat. Despite it being “un-cool”, children should use a booster seat until they are 4’9”. This is recommended because, until then, the seatbelts in the car are not capable of fitting them correctly. Booster seats are for children that have outgrown forward-facing seats but who have not yet grown enough to fit the adult seat belts correctly.

Seatbelts should always be used by everyone in the vehicle. In addition to a seatbelt, a child under the age of 13 should sit in the back seat. This is because of the potential risks posed by the airbags.

If your child has been injured due to a defective baby seat, contact the Madison defective product lawyers of Habush, Habush, & Rottier at 1-800-822-1690 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.