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Car Seat Recommendations for Children

Published: Jun 16, 2017 in Personal Injury

Car seat selection is critical to ensure the safety of your child. Not only must the car seat fit in your vehicle, but you must also make certain to select it based on your child’s age and size. Carefully following car seat recommendations can prevent unnecessary injuries and even death, so protect your child by adhering to best practices.

Our Jersey City car accident lawyers at Bhatt Law Group can help if you and your child experience pain and suffering because of an automobile accident caused by another’s negligence. We can offer the guidance and counsel necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve, so contact us at (201) 798-8000 for a free consultation.

Illinois Car Seat Recommendations

You should select a car seat based on your child’s age and size as well as the kind of vehicle in which you will transport your child. You should always refer to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions to determine weight and height limits as well as to make sure that you know how to properly install it.

If your child is less than 2 years old, then select a rear-facing car seat. Some of these models are infant-only and can only be used rear-facing while others are convertible seats that permit a higher weight and height limit for use over a longer period of time. Your child should only be placed in a forward-facing car seat once they outgrow a rear-facing car seat. This transition generally occurs between the ages of 2 and 3. Make certain to secure your child in a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether.

You should begin to use a booster seat in lieu of a forward-facing car seat once your child outgrows the car seat, which is typically between ages 4 and 7. They can ride in the booster seat until you can properly fit a seat belt with the lap portion positioned snuggly across the thighs and the shoulder portion positioned snugly across the shoulder and chest. The shift from a booster seat to a seat belt typically occurs between ages 8 and 12.

Remember to keep your child in the back seat whether they are riding in a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, or a booster seat. The back seat is safer in the event of an accident. In fact, the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration recommends that children ride in the back seat until about age 12 even if they are already using a seat belt rather than a booster seat.

Bhatt Law Group Can Help You

Car seat safety is imperative to protect your child while riding in the car. Still, Bhatt Law Group understands that accidents can happen through no fault of your own. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, then call us at (201) 798-8000 to schedule an appointment. You can rest assured that we will handle your case with care.