How to Transport Children in Cars Safely

Transport Your Child Safely

USA Today recently published an article discussing a recent study by  the non-profit group Safe Kids USA that shows that most parents aren’t using child seats correctly. Only 30% are using the tether straps that keep the tops of child seats — and children’s heads — secured in crashes, and many are not using the safest seats for their children’s ages.

In light of this report USA Today published a follow-up article showing How to Transport Children Safely.  The article discusses the appropriate stages of child car safety from rear facing car seats to booster chairs for younger children, and when each is appropriate.  According to the guidelines:

• Children should ride in the back, facing the rear in safety seats until they are 2 or until they exceed the weight limits of the safety seat.
• Children above the age of two should ride in the back in forward facing safety seats until they exceed the weight limits.
• Children who have exceeded the height and weight limits of safety seats should ride in a booster seat until the lap and shoulder belts fit property, usually between 8 and 12.
• Seat belts fit correctly when the child can remain with his or her back against the seat and the knees bend naturally over the edge of the seat.  The lap belt should fit comfortably across the hips and the shoulder belt across the mid chest.
• Children under 13 are 40% safer in the back seat, whether or not they have airbags.  Never put a rear facing child safety seat near an active air bag.

These are must read articles for parents who transport children in cars and who might be unsure how their children should be secured or whether or not their child is ready to move to the next safety level.