The EPD has released a statement regarding car seat installation and safety.
The statement started with an request to ensure a child passenger is in the proper car seat for their height and weight.
- Infants should be in a step 1 infant car seat from 4-35 lbs. and 30-32 in.
- Infants of 5-50 lbs. and 34-50 in. should be in step 1 rear-facing car seats.
- Children of 22-65 lbs. and 49-54 in. can be seated in a forward-facing seat or a combination of a forward-facing seat and a booster seat.
- A booster seat is recommended for 40-110 lbs. and 49-54 in. tall children so they can reach the seatbelt easier.
- Children should remain in the booster seat until they outgrow the size limits, or until the adult seatbelt is reachable.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46% of children’s car seats are installed incorrectly. Parents and caregivers should learn how to properly install car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts to ensure their child’s safety.
A properly fitting seat belt should be as follows:
- The shoulder belt lies snugly across the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face.
- The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
