Child Safety Seats 

Child Passenger Safety: How Safe is Your Child?

Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Could yours be one of them?

Before you hit the road, learn the rules for safe travel for both yourself and

your children. Learn what type of child passenger safety seat is right for

your child. Learn what kind of seat to purchase, the shelf life of a seat, and

how to install it correctly. Some of the basic rules are:

Infants:

Ride rear-facing and semi-reclined until age 1 and 20 lbs.

NEVER place a rear-facing infant near an airbag

Place baby's harness through the slots at or below the shoulders

Tighten the harness to 1 finger-width of space at the collarbone

Place chest clip at armpit level (if manufacturer provides one)

Lock the seat belt so the seat moves no more than 1" side to side

Toddlers:

Ride forward-facing and upright from age 1 to 40 lbs.

Place the harness through the top slots, unless otherwise noted

Tighten the harness to 1 finger-width of space at the collarbone

Place chest clip at armpit level

Lock the seat belt so the seat moves no more than 1" side to side or front to back

Children:

Use a belt positioning booster seat from 40 to 80 lbs.

Use the belt positioning booster seat with a lap/shoulder belt

**It is recommended that all children 12 and under ride only in the back seat

   of a vehicle.

If you would like assistance on selecting the proper car seat for your child or need help in making sure the one you already have is installed correctly, please call 983-1236. The Santa Rosa Co. Sheriff's Office has certified technicians who can advise you on proper installation and usage.