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Why is it important to use car seats and seat belts properly?
Safety belts and car seats can be lifesavers, but they
may not protect your child in an accident if they are used
incorrectly. In fact, four out of five car seats are used
incorrectly, drastically reducing their ability to protect
your child in the event of an accident.
What is a Safe Kids Car Seat Check and how can I attend?
Safe Kids frequently holds car seat checks throughout Gainesville
and the surrounding communities. Parents can bring their
children and their car seats to the event to have them properly
installed by certified car seat technicians. You can call
Safe Kids at (352) 265-0543 to schedule a Car Seat Check.
What are the age/weight guidelines for the various types
of car seats?
- Infants less than one year old and less than 20 pounds
should be in rear-facing car seats.
- Children over one year old and between 20 and 40 pounds
can be in forward-facing car seats.
- Children between 40 and 80 pounds (usually 4 to 8 years
old) should be in booster seats.
- Usually children over 80 pounds and 8 years old can fit
correctly in lap/shoulder belts.
 How
should a rear-facing car seat be used?
Recline seat at a 45-degree angle and put the car seat
handle down. Route harness straps in lower slots at or below
shoulder level. Keep harness straps snug and fasten clip
at armpit level.
How should a forward-facing car seat be used?
Place seat in upright position and route harness straps
in upper slots at or below shoulder level. Keep harness
straps snug and fasten harness clip at armpit level.
How should a lap/shoulder belt be used?
To fit correctly, children must be tall enough to sit with
knees bent without slouching. Lap and shoulder belts should
fit low over hips and upper thighs and snug over the
shoulders. Never let children put belts under their arms
or behind their backs.
Why should a booster seat be used?
A booster seat makes lap and shoulder belts fit correctly
over children who are too small to sit in a regular seatbelt.
What type of booster seat is appropriate for my child?
Use a high-back booster seat if the car's seat is lower
than your child's ears to provide extra support for your
child's head and neck. Both types of booster seats should
be used with both lap and shoulder belts.
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