Bakersfield Car Seat Safety

California's car seat law requires that children use a child safety restraint system until they are either 6 years old or 60 pounds.

It's also important that your car safety seat be installed properly to insure that your child is fully protected. Sadly, an estimated 90% of child restraints are used incorrectly.

Call the manufacturer to check recalls or check online at www.NHTSA.DOT.gov.

Booster Seat Safety - The 5-Step Test

Lap and shoulder belts protect average size adults, but children need additional protection. Booster seats give children the lift they need so that lap and shoulder belts can do their job. Children should stay in a booster seat until the adult lap belt stays on the upper thighs, away from their stomach, and the shoulder belt comes across the chest without rubbing their neck. Passengers should never ride with the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends using a booster seat until the child is 8 years old, 80 pounds, and 4' 9" tall. If your child is NOT riding in a booster, try this 5-Step Test:

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Does the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Is the lap belt below the tummy, touching the thighs?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
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 ride safely in the car.

Secure your child in a rear-facing seat:

Make sure that:

• Harness straps are at or below the shoulder level
• Harness straps are snug
• The retainer clip is at the armpit level
• The harness straps are threaded correctly
  
  Placing the seat in your car:
  
  Make sure that:
• The car seat is ALWAYS in the back seat
• The car seat is NEVER in the front seat with an airbag!
• You keep your baby rear facing until at least AGE 1 & 20 POUNDS
• Once your baby reaches 20 pounds you can use a rear facing convertible seat which goes to 30-35 pounds
  
  Getting a proper fit:
  
  Make sure that:
• You read the instruction manual that came with your seat
• You read your car owners manual
• The car seat should be reclined at a 45 degree angle
• The car seat should not move more than 1 inch at the belt path
  
  Miscellaneous tips:
• Dress the baby in one outfit and DO NOT bundle in a blanket; the straps need to fit through the legs.
• NEVER place padding or blankets under or behind the baby
• Always buckle the baby in the seat
• NEVER hold your baby in your lap when riding in the car
  
  Contact your local California Highway Patrol office for fitting station appointments.