Excerpt taken from the Texas Department of Public Safety website:
Proper Child Restraint Recommendations |
Conditions |
Infants |
Toddlers |
Other Children |
Weight and Age |
Birth to at least 1 year old AND
at least 20 pounds |
Birth to at least 1 year old More than 20 pounds and less than 35 pounds |
More than 1 year old, more than 20 pounds, up to approximately 40 pounds |
More than 40 pounds, ages 4-8 unless 4'9" tall |
Type of Seat |
Infant only or rear-facing convertible |
Rear-facing convertible designed for heavier infants |
Convertible or forward-facing seat with harness |
Belt-positioning booster (high-back or no-back) |
Seat Position |
Rear-facing only |
Forward-facing |
Forward-facing |
Always Make Sure |
Harness straps are at, or below, shoulder level. |
Harness straps should be at or above shoulder level-check manual. |
Belt-positioning booster seats are used with lap\shoulder belt combination only. |
Remember |
Do not place infants in the front seat of vehicles with active air bags. |
5-point harnesses provide the best protection |
Make sure the lap belt portion fits low and tight to avoid abdominal injuries. |
Children 12 and under are safest when properly restrained in the rear seat. Keep children rear-facing as long as possible. Always refer to the child safety seat instructions and vehicle manufacturer's instructions for weight and height limits, proper use and installation. |
Want more information? Go to the links that WaWant more information? Go to the links that follow or click on my name below to reach me on my office email.
Car seat guide information link: American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
New booster seat law clarification: Texas DPS website
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr060209.pdf
Take Care,
Cindy, RN