Injury Prevention

Child Passenger Safety Information - Toddlers

For children more than 1 year-old and weigh more than 20 lbs., up to 40 lbs.

• Use a forward-facing child safety seat (convertible or forward-facing only), with harnesses.
  Note: Most experts agree that children are generally safer facing the rear of the vehicle. If your convertible child safety seat has adequate rear-facing weight and height limits, you may choose to keep him/her facing the rear
• Place the forward-facing child safety seat in an upright position, according to manufacturer instructions
• Route the harness straps according to the manufacturer instructions, generally at or slightly above shoulder level, using reinforced slots for forward-facing children.
  Note: When used forward-facing, harnesses must be routed through slots that are reinforced for that purpose. The only reinforced slots in most convertible child safety seats are the top set. Check the manufacturer instructions to determine if other slots are appropriate for forward-facing use
• Adjust the harnesses so they are snug and flat against the child's body and position the harness clip at armpit level. An adult should not be able to fit more than one finger comfortably between the child's collar bone and the harness
• Be careful about thick clothing or padding between the child and the child safety seat or harnesses. Such material could compress in a crash, introducing slack and affecting the child safety seat's protection
• Read both the child safety seat instructions and the vehicle's owner’s manual for correct use and installation of your child safety seat

Courtesy of Safe Kids – www.usa.safekids.org

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