Injury Prevention
Car Seat Safety
According to Team Educators for Child Safety (TECHS) in Pennsylvania, 9 out of 10 car seats are improperly installed. Learn how to install your child’s car seat properly. Attend a TECHS car seat safety inspection or schedule a personal appointment by calling 412-881-9221. Learn more at www.patechs.com.
Car Seat Safety Chart
Choose the appropriate car seat for your child with the guidelines below.
Birth to 1 year
Up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long
Recommendation:
- Use a rear-facing infant seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.
- Set the shoulder straps below the child’s shoulder level.
- Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.
1 to 4 years
20 to 40 pounds, 26 to 40 inches tall
Recommendation:
- Use a forward-facing seat or a convertible seat in the forward-facing position.
- Position the straps at or above shoulder level.
- Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.
4 to 8 years
40 to 80 pounds, 40 to 57 inches tall
Recommendation:
- Use a belt-positioning booster seat or a high-back, belt-positioning booster seat that uses the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt.
- Don’t use a shield-type booster seat.
- Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.
