Car Seat Safety

Motor Vehicle Crashes are the leading cause of death and disability for people age 1-44. Children are at increased risk in the event of a crash due to their small size. One way to help protect children is the proper use of a child safety seat. However, purchasing and installing a seat can be a confusing process. The information below will assist caregivers with the process.

Newborns
In North Carolina an infant must remain rear facing from birth until one year of age and 20 lbs.
* The recommendation by safety advocates is to remain rear facing as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends considering rear facing until age 2 years.

For newborns there are two options: an infant carrier and a convertible seat

Infant Carrier can only be used rear facing	Convertible seat used rear facing and forward facing

                                     

To view a clip on choosing and installing a rear facing car set click here
You can also view the clip in Spanish, just click here

Seats can also be installed using the LATCH system, click here to view a video and click here to view video in Spanish

Toddlers
Toddlers can be forward facing starting at a minimum of 1 year and 20 lbs and will utilize the harness system according to the weight limits of the seat.

Toddlers can use the  convertable seat installed in the forward facing position	Toddlers can use a forward facing combination seat that converts to a booster later

                                            
To view a clip on choosing and installing a toddler seat click here. Seats can also be installed using the LATCH system click here to view the video.
To view a clip on choosing and installing a toddler seat in Spanish click here. To view the LATCH system video in Spanish, click here.

Boosters
Boosters can be used starting at the weight limit of the seat purchased and should be used until 8 years and 80lbs, which is the North Carolina Law and average size of when an adult seat belt fit properly.
                                                

Low back boosters can be used if the vehicle the child rides in has head protection	High back boosters can be used in any vehicle

Click here to view a video on properly installing a booster seat. To view in Spanish, click here

Following a booster all motor vehicle passengers should be restrained with an adult seat belt lap and shoulder belt. Children should remain in the rear seats until age 12.

General notes on child passenger safety seats

• All child seats are tested to the same crash standards.

• The correct seat is the one that fits your child and is used properly every ride.

• Each seat has different height and weight limits, these recommendations should be followed along with the other manufacturers instructions for both the seat and the vehicle.

• Seats should be checked for recalls at www.recalls.gov, sending in your registration card will also allow the manufacturer to notify you of a recall.

Help with Instillation
Over 95% of car seats are installed incorrectly. IF you are unsure, please take your seat to your local checking station to be checked by certified technicians. To find those locations visit: www.safekidscharmeck.org or call 704-336-7233 in Mecklenburg County. Union County residents can call 704-226-2002 and Cleveland County residents can call 704-484-6816. If you are a resident elsewhere you can visit www.seatcheck.org for nationwide locations.

Car Seat Education Classes
Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville offer car seat education classes taught by certified technicians. Please call the babyline, (704) 355-BABY (2229),  for times and dates and to register. Child Passenger Safety informational brochures can be obtained at the Levine Children's Hospital Resource Center.

Car Seats and Crashes
If you are involved in a major crash, your child safety seats will need to be replaced, usually your insurance company will include this in the cost estimate if you let them know you had a seat. If you are in a minor crash, that meets ALL of the below criteria you can re-use your seat.

• A visual inspection of the child safety seat, including inspection under any easily movable seat padding, does not reveal any cracks or deformation that might have been caused by the crash
• The vehicle in which the child safety seat was installed was capable of being driven from the scene of the crash
•  The vehicle door nearest the child safety seat was undamaged
• There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants
• The air bags (if any) did not deploy
• You feel that the seat is still safe.

Child safety seats for special needs or medical necessity
Some families may need a special car seat due to low birth weight, a medical condition, or surgery. Your healthcare providers can help you identify a seat for your need. You can also view information provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Indiana Medical school of medicine.

Other resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Safe Kids
Seatbelt USA 
Special Needs Seat Information

** Information compiled for Levine Children's Hospital by Carolinas Center for Injury Prevention