Car Seat Safety

Every person riding in a car or truck needs his or her own seat belt, even your baby!  New Jersey law says that all children under eight years or age or 80 pounds must use a child safety seat to prevent injury or death in an accident.

Here is some important information to know before you hit the road with your baby:

• Secure the baby every time he or she rides in the car. Keep harness straps snug and flat with the chest clip at armpit level.
• Most car crashes happen near home.  Even an accident at a low speed can cause severe injuries.
• The back seat is generally the safest place for kids of any age.
• Infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats as long as possible: at least until they are 12 months old and at least 20 pounds.
• Never place a rear-facing child in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
• Kids over one year old who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should ride in a forward-facing child safety seats.
• Kids over 40 pounds must use booster seats or other certified safety seats or restraints until the lap and shoulder belts fit correctly (around eight years old and 80 pounds).
• Once safety belts fit children correctly (usually around age eight), the lap and shoulder belts should be used.
• Send in the child safety seat registration card to be notified in case your child safety seat is recalled.
• Use the correct child safety seat belt path and attaching system.
• Correctly install the child safety seat in the vehicle
• Get a tight fit - an installed child safety seat should not move more than one inch from side to side or toward the front of the vehicle
• Take the time to be sure your child is riding safely. Check your vehicle owner's manual to see how to lock your child safety seat in place. Some vehicle seating positions require special installation techniques.
• Replace any child safety seat that has been involved in a crash