Ensuring the safety of children by understanding the appropriate car seats for different age groups and sizes is crucial to protecting young passengers.
On Thursday, the Little York Fire Department stopped by KPRC 2 to educate the community on this important topic.
Little York FD’s Community Risk Reduction Coordinator Gemalie Perez emphasized that the selection of car seats should be based on a child’s age, weight, and height, following the latest safety guidelines.
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For infants and toddlers, rear-facing car seats are recommended. These seats provide optimal support for a young child’s head, neck, and spine. Typically, children should remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.
“All the car seats are based on their height and their weight,” Perez said. “So what you would do is look at your car seat manufacturer pamphlet and go in there, and see when do they recommend you switch them based upon their height and their weight.”
Once children outgrow rear-facing seats, forward-facing car seats with a harness are the next step. These seats are designed to keep the child secure while providing additional protection during a collision. The harness should fit snugly, with the chest clip positioned at armpit level.
For older children who have surpassed the forward-facing car seat stage, booster seats are advised. These seats ensure that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly over the child’s shoulder and lap. Booster seats are generally used until the child is tall enough for the seat belt to lie correctly without assistance, usually around 4 feet 9 inches in height.
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The Little York Fire Department also stresses the importance of proper installation. Car seats must be securely fastened to the vehicle, and the straps should be adjusted to fit the child without slack. They recommend consulting the car seat manual and vehicle owner’s manual for specific installation instructions.