BELTS - Basics
When is a Child Ready for an Adult Safety
Until age eight, most children have not developed
strong hipbones, and their legs and body are too short to allow
the safety belt to fit properly. Safety belts are designed
for small adults.
The lap portion of the safety belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs.
The shoulder portion of the safety belt should rest over the center of the shoulder
and across the chest.
To be able
to fit in a safety belt, a child must pass this 5-step test:
- Be tall enough to sit without slouching,
- Keep his/her back against the vehicle seat back,
- Keep his/her knees completely bent over the edge of the seat
- Keep his/her feet flat on the floor, and
- Be able to stay comfortably seated this way
for the entire trip.
Never put the shoulder portion of the safety belt under the child's arm
or behind the child's back. This can cause severe internal injuries
in a crash. If the safety belt does not fit properly the child should
use a belt-positioning booster seat.
Always check safety belt fit on the child in every vehicle. A
belt-positioning booster seat may be needed in some vehicles and
not in others.
NOTE: ALWAYS read and follow the child
safety seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual. Don't
rush your child into a safety belt to soon! Make sure the safety
belt fits properly before taking your child out of his booster
seat. REMEMBER: The Back Seat is
Best – up to age 13.
What About Aftermarket Belt-Positioning Products?
Devices advertised to improve safety belt fit for older children and adults are presently
not covered by government safety standards. These products are not recommended.
They may help to improve the comfort of the shoulder portion of
the safety belt but at the same time they may cause the lap portion of
the safety belt to be placed over the soft tissues of the body possibly
resulting in serious injury. Belt-positioning booster seats
are the best solution for children who are too small for the adult safety belt.
Vehicle Installation Tips
Find a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
in your area
Air Bag Safety Information
NHTSA Ease of Use
Ratings for Child Safety Seats
Frequently Asked Questions