Child safety seats are literally a matter of life and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71 to 82 percent for children when compared with seat belt use alone. AAA Hudson Valley is committed to the safety of both drivers and passengers of all ages, which is why we offer a range of child safety seat services to our members.  

Child Safety Seat Information 

The CDC indicates that children should ride in cars in some type of child safety seat, whether that is a car seat or a booster seat, until at least age 9 or until a seat belt fits properly. Children under age two should ride in rear-facing car seats or until they outgrow their rear-facing seats. When they are big enough, children should use a forward-facing car seat until at least age five, at which point they may move to a booster seat. Recommended ages are only guidelines, as the safety of an individual child will depend on their height, weight, and physical development.  

Types of Child Safety Seats 

The most common types of child safety seats are infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats. Infant car seats are appropriate for newborns and babies who cannot yet support their own heads and must be installed facing the back of the car. Convertible car seats can typically be installed either facing the front or back and are suitable for kids who have outgrown their infant seats, which usually happens around one year of age. Once a child outgrows the height or weight limits for their convertible car seat, a booster should be used to ensure the proper fit of the seatbelt until they are tall enough to use a seatbelt without the booster.  

How to Find the Right Child Safety Seat 

Finding the right car safety seat is largely contingent on a family’s individual needs, including the size of the children, the size of the family vehicle, and the family’s budget. All car safety seats on the market have been tested and meet the standards set by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some child safety seats are lighter and more portable for travel, while heavier seats may provide more cushioning and comfort for a child on long car rides. The NHTSA website also features a car seat finder tool that can help you choose the right type of seat for your child.  

Families will also want to consider their vehicles when purchasing a child safety seat. For instance, a family that has three young kids will need to choose car seats that are narrow enough to all fit in the backseat, where all child safety seats must be installed.  

Child Safety Seat Installation Tips 

Every child safety seat comes with a manual that outlines its car seat safety guidelines and explains how to properly and safely install the seat. Many car seat manufacturers also have videos available online to demonstrate proper installation. For child safety seats that will stay in a car for a long period of time, it is a good idea to have a professional install or check the installation of the seat. AAA Hudson Valley offers free inspections performed by National Child Passenger Safety (CPS) certified technicians who can help install car seats correctly and show you how to do it right every time.  

In addition, AAA recommends:  

  • Read the vehicle owner’s manual for instructions on how to install a car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system as well as check height and weight limits. 
  • To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible. As long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements, this is the safest option for travel. 
  • Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12. 
     

How to Install a Child Safety Seat 

Follow the instructions outlined in the child safety seat’s manual each time the seat needs to be installed, whether in a family car, a rental car, or a rideshare or taxi. Although there are similarities between types of seats, each seat will have its own features and quirks, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Getting your car seat installation checked by a certified technician is also a good idea.  

Child Seat Loaner Program 

Although they are critical for keeping children safe, child safety seats can be big, bulky, and sometimes quite expensive. For families that will only need a car seat for a short time, such as when a young family member is coming to visit, AAA offers members a complimentary child seat loaner program. Each AAA loaner car seat is inspected by certified child passenger safety technicians, who can also help install the seat when you pick it up. Loans can last up to 30 days and require a refundable deposit.  

Child Safety Seat Resources 

Many child safety seat resources are available online to help consumers find car seat information. Options include:  

child safety seat instructions and guidelines