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What is the best car seat for my child?

When can I turn my baby forward facing in her car seat?

Can I use the LATCH anchors and the seat belt to secure my car seat?

How long does my child need to ride in a booster seat?

What is the best car seat for my child?
All brands of car seats on the market in the United States have to meet the same safety standards. The things that you should look for when choosing a seat are:

1)  the seat that fits your child- take your child to the store with you and put them in the seat that you are      considering buying
2)   the seat that fits your vehicle- after choosing a seat that fits your child well in the store, ask to take the seat out to your car (sometimes the store will ask to hold your drivers license) and try installing it in you vehicle.
3)   the one that you will use correctly each time- try all adjustments on the seat, try installing it in your car.
4)   the one that you can afford- all car seats meet the same safety standards regardless of cost.

When can I turn my baby forward facing in her car seat?
It is recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics that children stay rear facing for as long as possible. Most car seats rear-face to 30-35lbs. This means that of you have a 25lb 2 year old you should keep them rear facing. The earliest that you may turn your baby forward facing is 20 AND 1 year old. There are significant safety benefits to keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible. For more infoarmtion aobout the benefits of rear-facing visit www.cpssafety.com.

Can I use the LATCH anchors and the seat belt to secure my car seat?
NO, car seat manufacturers only crash test car seat with either LATCH or the seat belt not both. Using both the seat belt and LATCH could cause the seat not to protect your child properly in a crash.

How long does my child need to ride in a booster seat?
It is recommended that you child be able to pass the 5-step test before being allowed to ride in an adult lap and shoulder belt.

The 5-Step Test

1.  Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat?

2.  Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat?

3.  Does the seat belt cross the center of the shoulder?

4.  Is the lap belt as low on the hips as possible, touching the thighs?

5.  Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

 If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to fit correctly in the seat belt.