A car seat in the rear seat of your car is the safest way to keep your child safe while traveling. The following are some basic guidelines on the use of child safety seats:
Children under 1 year old and less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system.
Children ages 1 to 6 years old and 20 to 40 pounds MUST be secured in a child restraint system (either a child safety seat or booster seat, NOT an adult seat belt).
Children ages 6 to 11 must be in a booster seat (40 to 80 pounds) or seat belt (over 80 pounds and tall enough that the safety belt fits properly), regardless of their seating position within a vehicle.
Rear seat occupants up to age 18 must be secured by a safety belt.
The Newton Police Department has one National Child Passenger Safety Technician that can help you install your child's car seat correctly. Call the Newton Police Department at (641) 791-0850 to make an appointment.
For additional information on car seats please check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website at www.nhtsa.gov.