Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Safety seats for children

A child in a properly used car safety seat is better protected than an adult who uses a lap belt, shoulder belt, and air bag combined. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 70 to 90 percent of child restraints (safety seats) are not used correctly. Thousands of children are injured each year as a result of improper installation of infant and child safety seats. Key factors, such as car compatibility, type of car seat used, position, and installation, determine the safety of child restraints.

Is your car compatible for the safety seat you are using or want to buy? Do not judge by appearances. Read the instruction manual for the safety seat as well as the owner's manual for your car. Some rear car seats are too deep and safety belts are too close together for a secure installation of a safety seat. Many cars need special devices (tether strap, locking clip, attaching belt, or auxiliary belt) for a tight fit.

New regulations for age-related safety seats exist. All infant-only car seats must face the rear of the car and be in a semi-reclined position until the baby is one year old or at least 20 pounds. These seats have a 3-point harness. A strap comes down over each of the baby's shoulders and these buckle together at the crotch.

A forward facing seat, including convertible seats, must have 5 points of harness protection (at each shoulder, each hip, and between the legs). Some convertible seats fit full-term newborns well.

Infants who are premature, have low birth weight, have certain genetic disorders, or have episodes of not breathing may need a special car safety bed or infant seat.

The safest place in most cars is the center of the back seat. The position must have compatible seat belts for the safety seat. Do not put safety seats in the front seat with an automatic air bag system. Air bags, when they inflate, can kill or badly injure a child who is secured in a car seat. Installation must be secure so the safety seat does not budge an inch. If the seat moves, call the national Safe-Ride Helpline at (800) 745-SAFE for instructions on how to use safety seats and belts correctly.

Do not skimp on buying a safety seat. Never use a second hand one that has been in a collision (including fender benders). Do not buy one that is more than 5 years old. Many hospitals and health plans have car seat lending programs if you are unable to purchase a seat for your child.

Call the National Auto Safety Hotline at (800) 424-9393 for information on recalls. Protect your child, use secure safety seats.

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