Why should I keep my child in a rearfacing car seat?

A. Because it is safer. Children between theages of 1 and 2 years are 5 times saferriding rear facing than forward facing.

My child’s legs bend against the backof the vehicle seat, is this okay?

A. Yes. Leg injuries or spine injuries (usuallymore serious than leg injuries) rarelyhappen in rear facing car seatscompared to forward facing seats.

When can my child be turned to faceforward in the car seat?

A. A “convertible” car seat, with a weightlimit of 30-45 pounds, can beused to keep your child rear facing until2 years and older. When your childreaches the upper weight or height limitof the rear facing “convertible” carsafety seat, you can use the car seatforward facing. Always check the carseat manufacturer’s instructions for themaximum height and weight in both rearand forward facing positions.

For more information about child passenger safety, visit our website at www.ockeepkidssafe.org/cps500-CPS-E E/10

California Chapter 4

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Remember…• Rear facing is safer.• Keep your child in a rear facing car seat for as long as your child

fits the upper weight or height limit of your car seat.• Always read your car seat and vehicle manuals for specific

directions.

TheRightSeatFits the child.Fits the vehicle.Is used correctly on every trip.

Rear Facing as Long as Possible

What does a booster seat do?

A. A booster seat keeps your child safer bymaking sure the vehicle lap and shoulderbelts fit correctly on your child’s body.

When do you start using a booster seat?

A. Keep your child in a 5-point harnesscar seat until he/shereaches the upper weightor height limit of the seat.When your child outgrowsthe 5-point harness carseat, then use a boosterseat.

Your child must also beable to sit upright so the lap and shoulderbelts fit correctly.

What’s the difference between a lowbackor backless booster seat and a highbackbooster seat?

A. A lowback or backless booster is a carseat that uses the vehicle seat as its back.A highback booster seat must always beused in cars without headrests. A highbackbooster seat may provide better protectionin side impact crashes and for childrenwho may fall asleep or not sit uprightduring the trip.

My child doesn’t want to sit in a boosterseat.

A. Your child is safer in the booster seat. Asthe parent you are responsible for his/hersafety. Your child can see out the windowbetter in a booster seat.

When can my child use adult-size seatbelts?

A. When:

• Your child’s back is straight against thevehicle seat, with knees bent at the seatedge.

• The shoulder belt lies flat across thechest, not touching the neck.

• The lap belt is low and snug across theupper thighs, not the stomach.

Most children need to be in a booster seatuntil 4’9” and age 8-12 years.

For more information about child passenger safety, visit our website at www.ockeepkidssafe.org/cps500-CPS-E E/10

California Chapter 4

TheRightSeat

Fits the child.Fits the vehicle.Is used correctly on every trip.

Use a Booster Seat as Long as Possible1 4

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Remember…• Never put the shoulder belt behind the back or under

arm.• Always use the lap and shoulder seat belts with the

booster seat and never use only the lap belt.