Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for American children, ranking ahead of all other types of unintentional injuries, and claiming more lives than any childhood disease.
If left unrestrained, infants and children are thrown around the vehicle like flying missiles. In a 30-mph crash, children may be thrown forward with a force equal to 30 times their own weight, (i.e., 10 lb. infant x 30 mph = 300 lbs of force.) That's like falling from a three-story building!
What types of child safety seats are available?
INFANT-ONLY SEATS are designed for babies weighing up to 22 pounds (generally 9-12 months of age). Infant safety seats should be installed to face the rear of the vehicle only, and are secured by the vehicle safety belt or LATCH system. Infants under 1 year of age must ride in a rear-facing position.
CONVERTIBLE SEATS are designed for use by infants and toddlers. They can be used in a rear-facing position for infants up to 20 lbs or in the forward-facing position for toddlers up to 40 lbs (about 4 years of age). Convertible seats are available in three basic styles: 5-point harness, T-shield and tray shield. Typically, those with a harness system fit small infants best.
BELT POSITIONING BOOSTER SEATS are intended for older children. The seat is used as a transition from a toddler/convertible seat to the adult safety belt. These booster seats offer the best upper body protection for children weighing from about 40 to 80 pounds.
INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEATS are intended for toddlers. They are built into the seat of the vehicle. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for instruction and recommended use of the integrated seat.