| Each year thousands of young children are killed or | | | | first ride home from the hospital. Never place a child in |
| injured in car crashes. You can help keep this from | | | | a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a |
| happening to your child by using car safety seats and | | | | vehicle that has a passenger air bag. All children |
| seat belts correctly on every single trip you take. | | | | younger than 13 years are safest in the back seat. Be |
| Here are some helpful tips. | | | | a good role model-always wear your seat belt. This |
| Which car safety seat is the best? No one seat is the | | | | will help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up. |
| "best" or "safest." The best seat is the one that fits | | | | Remember that each car safety seat is different. |
| your child's size, is correctly installed, and is used | | | | Read and keep the instructions that came with your |
| properly every time you drive. When shopping for a | | | | seat handy, and follow them at all times. |
| car safety seat, keep the following in mind: Don't | | | | Read your car owner's manual for information about |
| decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean | | | | installing your car safety seat. If you need help installing |
| the seat is safer or easier to use. All car safety seats | | | | your car safety seat, contact a certified Child |
| available for sale in the United States must meet | | | | Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. To locate a child |
| government safety standards. Read the safety | | | | safety seat inspection station and set up an |
| standard the car seat that you purchase. When you | | | | appointment, call toll-free at 866/SEAT CHECK (866 |
| find a seat you like, try it out. Put your child in it and | | | | 732-8243). |
| adjust the harnesses and buckles. Make sure it fits | | | | Rear-facing seats |
| properly and securely in your car. Keep in mind that | | | | All infants should ride rear-facing until they have |
| pictures or displays of car safety seats may not show | | | | reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 |
| them being used the right way. | | | | pounds. That means that if your baby reaches 20 |
| Important safety rules | | | | pounds before her first birthday, she should remain |
| Always use a car safety seat. Start with your baby's | | | | rear-facing at least until she turns 1 year old. |