Car Seats
California Law (Effective 01/01/2012): Children must ride rear-facing in an infant car until they reach a minimum of 1 years old and weigh at least 20 lbs.
Weight limits on rear-facing infant seats vary from model to model; some go up to 35 lbs. Convertible car seats get their name because you can "convert" them from rear-to-forward-facing. Convertible car seats tend to have higher rear-facing weight plateaus, but they do not have the carrying handle commonly seen on infant-only car seats. When your child reaches the rear-facing weight limit on a convertible seat---refer to the manufacturer's instructions for this number---you can move it to the forward-facing position.
Children under the age of 8 who are 4' 9" or taller may be secured by a safety belt in the back seat.
Children who are 8 years and over shall be properly secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system or safety belt.
Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Also, seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. California punishes offenders of its child restraint law equally. It does not matter if you violate a rear-facing provision or one governing older children. Your first offense can carry a fine of $100, while your second and all subsequent violations carry a $250 fine.
For information about keeping your kids safe in the car visit Parents Central or California Highway Patrol.
Weight limits on rear-facing infant seats vary from model to model; some go up to 35 lbs. Convertible car seats get their name because you can "convert" them from rear-to-forward-facing. Convertible car seats tend to have higher rear-facing weight plateaus, but they do not have the carrying handle commonly seen on infant-only car seats. When your child reaches the rear-facing weight limit on a convertible seat---refer to the manufacturer's instructions for this number---you can move it to the forward-facing position.
Children under the age of 8 who are 4' 9" or taller may be secured by a safety belt in the back seat.
Children who are 8 years and over shall be properly secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system or safety belt.
Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Also, seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. California punishes offenders of its child restraint law equally. It does not matter if you violate a rear-facing provision or one governing older children. Your first offense can carry a fine of $100, while your second and all subsequent violations carry a $250 fine.
For information about keeping your kids safe in the car visit Parents Central or California Highway Patrol.
CAR SEAT DESCRIPTIONS:
Convertible Seat (Rear & Forward Facing)
A CONVERTIBLE SEAT can be used up until a child reaches 65 pounds or 47" tall. It can be used a rear facing and forward facing seat.
Price: $120-$280
Weight: Rear Facing- 5-35 lbs, Forward facing- 20-65 lbs
Use: Birth-8 years
Price: $120-$280
Weight: Rear Facing- 5-35 lbs, Forward facing- 20-65 lbs
Use: Birth-8 years
Rear-Facing Seat
A REAR-FACING CAR SEAT is the best seat for your young child to use. It has a harness and in a crash, cradles and moves with your child to reduce the stress to the child’s fragile neck and spinal cord.
Price: $75-$130
Weight: 5-30 lbs
Use: Birth-1 year old
Price: $75-$130
Weight: 5-30 lbs
Use: Birth-1 year old
Forward-Facing Seat
A FORWARD-FACING CAR SEAT has a harness and tether that limits your child’s forward movement during a crash.
Price: $140-$180
Weight: 30-100 lbs
Use: 2-7 Years
Price: $140-$180
Weight: 30-100 lbs
Use: 2-7 Years
Booster Seat
A BOOSTER SEAT positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child’s body.
Price: $20-$70
Weight: 40-110 lbs
Use: 4-10 Years
Price: $20-$70
Weight: 40-110 lbs
Use: 4-10 Years
Recommendations for Use:
Birth - 12 months
Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.
1 - 3 years
Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
4 - 7 years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
8 - 12 years
Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.
Birth - 12 months
Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.
1 - 3 years
Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
4 - 7 years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
8 - 12 years
Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.
Topics of Discussion