The ABCs on Child Safety Seats

Nationwide, more young children die each year as passengers in vehicle crashes than from any disease or other kinds of unintentional injuries combined! In Texas in 2001, 50% of the children under 12 years old who were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes were reported as unrestrained. (DPS, 2004)

Children in rear-facing safety seats should not be placed in the front seat of cars equipped with passenger-side air bags. The impact of a deploying air bag striking a rear-facing child safety seat could result in serious or fatal injury to the child.

Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat!

Because of their high center of gravity and delicate bone structures, infants and toddlers are extremely susceptible to injury in vehicle crashes when not restrained.

Child safety seats are effective when installed and used correctly.

Check compatibility of a vehicle and child safety seat before making a purchase.

Best Practice

Use the following guidelines to determine the safest way for children to travel:

• Infants should be in a rear-facing child safety seat until at least 1 year AND at least 20 pounds. It is recommended that children remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the maker of the safety seat.
• Toddlers over 1 year old and between 20 and 40 pounds can be in a forward-facing child safety seat. Higher harness weight seats are now available.
• Children over 40 pounds and under 4'9" tall can be in a booster seat.
• Children over 4'9" tall usually fit safely in lap/shoulder belts.

Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat!

Pointers for Happy Children in Safety Seats

• Start early – Bring your baby home from the hospital in a child safety seat and never put your baby in a vehicle without one. Children who always ride in a safety seat will not question the practice and will always ride safely.
• Be consistent – There are no excuses, always buckle your child. Never confuse your child by not using the child safety seat. Allowing your child to get out of the safety seat when he/she cries or is fussy only teaches the child to control you.
• Use words – As your infant becomes a toddler and starts using language, explain in simple words that your family rule is that everyone buckles up.
• Model good behavior – Children copy parents all the time. By buckling up every time you get in the car, you set the example you want them to follow.
• Boredom monster – The boredom monster may strike at any time. To keep your child busy, have a bag of soft travel toys, books, and activities used only in the car.
• Be firm – Nearly every child will try at some point to get out of the safety seat. Don’t panic! Stop the car at a safe location. Talk to your child in a firm, serious voice and then re-buckle the child safety seat.
• Clue in grandparents – Safety seat products have changed, laws have changed, and knowledge has changed. Grandparents need to know the importance of using safety seats, have rules for grandchildren in their vehicles, and know how to properly install and use child safety seats.
• Be comforting – Talk about what you see. Play games, hum, sing, or listen to a favorite tape. On long trips, stop every hour or so to change positions, diapers, or feed the child. These activities will make your child more comfortable and happy.
  • Infants – in back seat and facing back:
    • Someone sitting close talking or singing
    • Soft puzzles
    • Soft rattles
    • Pacifier and/or teethers
    • Soft toys
  • Toddlers – in back seat and facing forward
    • Colorforms
    • Soft books
    • Soft photo books
    • Soft stuffed dolls
    • Travel bag filled with assorted toys
• Remember: toys need to be soft, have no sharp edges, and safely secured when not in use.