Infants

• From birth to one year AND 20 to 22 pounds, children should be in
  rear facing infant or convertible seats.
• Harness straps should be pulled up to shoulder level or just below.
• Do not put a child in a side passenger seat equipped with air bags.

Toddlers

• Children over 20 pounds and one year, but under 40 pounds can face forward in a convertible or forward-facing car seat.
• The harness straps should be at or above shoulder level.
• Never use pillows, books or towels to boost a child. They can shift in a moving car.
• Never allow a toddler to buckle himself in unless you check to be sure the seat is securely fastened.

Preschoolers

• Children between 40 and 80 pounds should be in a booster seat (belt-positioned), using both a lap and a shoulder belt.
• Be sure that the lap belt fits low and snugly to prevent injury to the abdomen in the event of an accident.
• Children should be in a booster seat until they are 80 pounds and 57 inches tall -- this can mean as old as 8 to 10 years! An adult lap belt used on a smaller child rides up on the abdomen while the shoulder belt can cut across the neck. During a crash, this can cause critical injuries.

Be sure to read the child safety seat's instruction manual and review all information in the vehicle owner's manual concerning correct seat installation.

To correctly install a child safety seat, place your knee into the seat and lean forward while tightening the belt.

Once the safety seat is installed, check it by firmly pulling the base of the seat from side to side and forward. The seat should not move more than one inch in any direction.

General Principles

• Car seats save lives, but only if they are used properly.
• Never put a child under 12 years old in the front seat.
• Safety devices should be used even on short trips; 75 percent of accidents occur within 25 miles of home.
• Never put more than one child in one seat belt or car seat.
• Always read the instructions and owner’s manual carefully before installing the device.
• Parents can have child safety seats inspected by a certified technician. To find the name of your state’s child passenger safety coordinator, call 1-888-327-4236.
• Other resources: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/
  
  Auto Safety Hotline 1-888-327-4236
  
  
• For more information, contact the Minnesota SAFE KIDS Coalition.
  Additional Pages
  www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us
  Minnesota SAFE KIDS Coalition

Car Seat Rentals

If you know someone traveling to the area and they need a car seat or booster, Children's Hospitals and Clinics has a short term Infant Loan-A-Seat Program. Car seats and boosters can be rented for up to 4 weeks. Call 612-813-6816 for more information.