« Back

Infants under age 1 AND under 20 lbs

• use an infant seat or a convertible seat
• the seat always faces the rear of the vehicle ¹
• car seat (or infant seat base) moves less than 1" when you tug at the belt path
• the chest clip is at arm pit level
• use the harness slots at or below the shoulders
• harness is snug at all times, even on infant seats used as carriers in stores and restaurants

Children between 20 and 30 lbs

• recommend using a convertible car seat facing the rear of the vehicle ¹
• car seat moves less than 1" when you tug at the belt path
• the chest clip is at arm pit level
• use the harness slots at or below the shoulders
• harness is snug at all times

Children over age 1 AND over 30 lbs

• use a forward-facing car seat
• car seat is upright
• use until 40 lbs. (read car seat manual or labels on side of seat for harness weight limit) OR until shoulders reach the top harness slots OR until the tops of the ears reach the top of the car seat
• car seat moves less than 1" when you tug at the belt path
• use the forward-facing belt path behind the child's back
• the chest clip is at arm pit level
• use the harness slots at or above the shoulders (some car seats require top slots to be used when forward-facing)
• harness is snug at all times

Children over 40 lbs

• use a car seat with a higher weight limit harness (manufacturers: Britax, Cosco/Safety 1st, Graco, SafeGuard, Sunshine Kids)
• use a belt positioning booster seat with a lap/shoulder seat belt until the 5-step test is passed (a high-back booster is recommended for side impact protection) ²
  
  

  5-Step Test

  1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
  2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
  3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
  4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
  5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

According to our surveys, Clark County has a misuse rate of over 98%. These tips don't replace a visit to one of our free events—come let us show you how to install your own car seat and make sure your child is riding safely!

¹ The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 lb to decrease the risk of cervical spine injury in the event of a crash. Infants who weigh 20 lb before 1 year of age should ride rear facing in a convertible seat or infant seat approved for higher weights until at least 1 year of age. If a car safety seat accommodates children rear facing to higher weights, for optimal protection, the child should remain rear facing until reaching the maximum weight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back."

² Nevada law states that children must ride in appropriate child restraints until 6 years of age and 60 lbs.; however, children won't fit the vehicle seat belt correctly to not suffer injury in a crash until the above 5-step test is passed, which happens around ages 9-11. Booster seats are the safest way to make sure your child is restrained when he has outgrown his car seat but is too small for the vehicle seat belt alone.

« Back