March 28, 2008, Newsletter Issue #110: Car Seats

Tip of the Week

Your car seat needs will change as your baby grows! Once a child reaches approximately 40 pounds, parents trade in baby car seats for booster seats. Booster seats are designed to accommodate a child between 40 and 80 pounds and less than 4 foot, 9 inches tall.

Using a booster seat reduces the risk of injury that occurs when a adult sized lap or a lap/shoulder belt is the small child's only restraint. Generally speaking, seatbelts in vehicles are designed to fit adults, not children, so booster seats provide extra safety for a child. Booster seats actually heighten the child's smaller body, so an adult seat belt will fit securely. There are essentially three types of booster seats: The backless type that simply rest on the vehicle's seat, using the lap/shoulder belt to support a child's body. The booster seat with a full back and seat combination that guides the shoulder belt across the child's chest, along with the seat to boost their body up.The high-backed booster with a five-point harness, similar in style to a large car seat, that utilizes the lap portion of the seatbelt to keep the seat securely in the car.

*Do the intensive research necessary by reading reviews on different types and brands before buying, as new safety information evolves daily.

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