All parents want to keep their children safe when in the car—a car seat is there to protect little ones.
When tucking your child into their car seat, it’s imperative to ensure that they are in the right seat, facing the right way, and secure for the entire journey.
There are many car seat choices on the market! With age, your child will progress from rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat, to a booster seat, to only a seat belt.
Here is a breakdown of the basics:
Rear-Facing Car Seat
Birth – 3 Years
Until your child reaches the top height, or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer, your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat in the backseat of the car. Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible as this is the best way to keep them safe. Once your child outgrows this seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat.
Forward-Facing Car Seat
1-7 Years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allows about your car seat’s manufacturer. The seat should still remain in the back seat of the car.
Booster Seat
4-12 Years
The booster seat should still remain in the back seat of the car! Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. The booster seat adds height and weight to mimic a full bodied child for the best protection when the seat belt is added.
Seat Belt
Always
For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember that your child should always ride in the back seat of the car as this is where it’s safest.
For the utmost protection for you and your child, contact Agers Insurance Services for all of your auto insurance needs in Oakley, California! Our policy coverage enables you to have a smooth ride over every bump in the road!