States around the country insist on the use of car seats - but even more dangerous to a child's life than not having a car seat is having one not installed properly.
One of the many joys I had while staying with my daughter for the birth of her daughter was the day we were able to bring Abigail home. Months earlier, my daughter and son-in-law had purchased a car seat and installed it in the back of the car, rear facing, as safety suggests, but there was a problem: the seat was not secure.
We had a meeting of the minds and finally accomplished our task: to secure the seat according to manufacturers directions. I’m still a little worried about it though…. as any new grandmother would be!
Much to my surprise, I found that in many communities around the country, car seat checks are offered free of charge – sometimes at fairs. In addition, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech will make sure your seat is installed properly at a location near you! To find an inspection station, visit http://www.seatcheck.org or call toll-free at 866-732-8243! Your child’s safety is worth the visit.
Car Seat regulations vary greatly from state to state, and some are getting stricter - however, the American Academy of Pediatrics argue most states are not keeping up with the safety needs of children. (AAP guidelines suggest children be in a car seat until the age of 8). Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, Vermont and Wyoming have the strictest policies, demanding that children up to 8 years of age or 80 pounds be secured in a Car Safety Seat. Montana is the most lenient and only requires children to be in a car seat until the age of two! Canadian law seems to require anyone under 18kg (40 lbs) be secured in a car seat.
What ever the age of your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) has a full bulletin of car seat recommendations, styles available and approximate cost. Check it out!
