Child Car Seats | Essential Baby Gear

An important responsibility involves selecting child car seats and using them properly for every car ride. All 50 states have laws that require the use of child car seats for your baby. All children's car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet a safety standard set by the federal government in 1981. Here are a few tips for proper use and installation of car seats.

Always follow all the manufacturer's instructions for both the vehicle and the car seats.

Be sure the car seat is appropriate for your child's weight and height.

Car seats should be used in the back seat if it can be properly secured. The back seat is the safest place to ride.

Infants must ride rear-facing or in a car bed.

Always anchor the car seat to the car using the adult seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat's manufacturer.

Never use car seats in a seating location with an airbag!

Always check that the car seat is securely installed. A locking clip may be necessary.

Read the vehicle owner's manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required.

Do not use car seats that are more than six years old, one that has ever been involved in a crash or one that is missing the manufacturer's label with the name of the manufacturer, the model number and the date of manufacture.

Set a good example and make sure the entire family buckles up!

Never buy used car seats.

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