How to Choose the Right Car Seat for your Child

Car crash injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. It’s no wonder then, that in all 50 states it’s illegal for a child under the age of seven to ride in a car without the proper use of a car seat. While the chances of getting into an auto accident can be high depending on where you live (watch out for Provo, Utah), proper use of a car seat can reduce the chances your child incurs fatal injuries.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

A rear-facing seat is ideal for newborns and children under the age of two, and should be purchased prior to giving birth so the baby can have a safe, legal ride back from the Provo hospital (it’d be kind of a bummer to have to call an auto accident lawyer shortly after giving birth). Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible, until she weighs 22 to 35 pounds.

Forward-Facing Car Seats

Once your child grows out of a rear-facing seat, she can switch to a forward-facing seat. Forward-facing seats require the use of a five-point harness, and should be secured to the car using an anchor and tether. These seats are recommended for children between the ages of two and four. 

Booster Seats

Booster seats are for children over the age of four who weigh at least 40 pounds. Booster seats are used with the car’s lap and shoulder seat belts. Use a booster seat until your child has grown enough to wear the seat belt properly, usually around the age of eight or nine, or when the child has grown to around four feet and nine inches tall.

Whether you’re a lawyer driving in Provo or a nurse in Salt Lake City, enforce car safety measures with your children. An auto accident lawyer sees far too many child injury cases due to the improper use of car seats. Prevent auto accident injuries to your child by using the proper car seat.

Natalie Benoy is a legal writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry.