Keeping your kid strapped to their car seat correctly can help to prevent serious injury or fatality in case of an accident. Furthermore, the state of Florida has legislation that requires the use of child restraint systems for kids who are under five years of age when traveling in a motor vehicle. Older children (more than six years old) are required to use a lap or shoulder belt. Failing to observe these safety regulations can lead to heavy fines.
Nevertheless, statistics by the Orlando Fire Department have revealed that one out of every three children rides in an incorrect safety seat for their age. As a parent, you may be wondering what kind of child safety seat is appropriate for your kid. In this post, we are going to share with you some useful pointers on how to select and properly install a car seat.
Choosing the Right Type of Car Seat for Your Child
Selecting the right car seat for your child is vital to ensure they are safe when traveling with you on the highways. Here is a breakdown of the type of car seats recommended for kids of different ages according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Birth to 12 Months
For babies and toddlers who are 12 months and below, a rear-facing car seat is the only type of seat that should be used. You can either go with a seat that only faces the rear, a convertible seat that can be set up to face the rear, or a 3-in-1.
- Ages 1-3
For kids in this age bracket, the seat should face the rear as often as possible when traveling. It would also be best to check your car seat instructions to determine whether your child is tall enough to use a front-facing seat.
- Ages 4-7
Your child can use a front-facing seat until they reach a weight and height where they are capable of using a booster seat.
- Ages 8-12
Your kid can use a booster seat and the car’s seat belt in the back seat.
Correctly Installing a Child Safety Seat
Finding the right child car seat is only half the battle won. In order to guarantee the safety of your child when traveling with them, it is crucial to ensure that the seat is installed correctly. Fortunately, this is a very simple and fast process that will only take you no more than 30 minutes. If you are in need of this service, get in touch with one of the three Orlando Fire Stations and book an appointment. The technicians will inspect your car seat and install it for you.
Contact the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Orlando
Have you and/or your child been injured in a car accident? If so, you need the guidance of a professional and competent car accident attorney to navigate the aftermath and ensure you are compensated for your injury. Get in touch with us today to speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys and get the assistance you need today.
Click here for a list of car safety tools and apps for parents.
