Rules for Child Safety Seat Transitioning

Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster seats? Child safety seat rules are among the top of the list of parent's concerns. Often, parents don't know when to transition their infant from rear-facing to forward-facing or when to graduate their child from a child safety seat to a booster seat.

We asked Susan A. Helms, R.N., M.A.L.S., director of Safe Kids Mid-South, what are the guidelines that parents and caregivers need to follow.

"There are four stages of child passenger safety as children grow, from infant seats to the time they are ready for an adult safety belt alone. Always follow the child safety seat manufacturer's instructions for the exact weight and height limits. Check your vehicle owner's manual, too. Here are the rules and how they apply:

REAR-FACING SEATS go in the back seat. Infants should ride rear-facing from birth to as long as possible according to the upper weight and height limits of the child safety seat, but should never ride forward-facing before reaching their first birthday and 20 pounds.

FORWARD-FACING SEATS go in the back seat. Children should ride forward-facing in a five-point harness until reaching the upper limits of the harness, which is usually 40- 65 pounds, and when they are approximately 4 years old. Allow toddlers plenty of time to grow and gain weight and height before moving them to a booster seat.

BOOSTER SEATS go in the back seat. Children from approximately age 4 to at least age 9, unless 4 feet 9 inches tall, should ride in a Booster Seat.

ADULT SAFETY SEAT BELTS are for children age 9 and older or for those children who taller than 4 feet 9 inches. All children age 12 and younger should ride in the back seat.

Child safety seats save lives when they are installed properly. Unfortunately, at least nine out of 10 children in a child safety seat are not buckled in properly. Learn to correctly use the child safety seat by reviewing the instructions from the child safety seat manufacturer as well as the vehicle owner's manual. If you need assistance, a child passenger safety technician can help.

Safe Kids Mid-South schedules on-going child safety seat check ups at Safe Kids-sponsored events. Dates and times are posted on this BLOG or you can schedule a personal appointment by calling (901) 287-6730."