National Child Passenger Safety Week saw state officials in one state reminding parents and caregivers about the importance of correct use of car seats to the safety of children while in the vehicle.

According to the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46 percent of car seats are used incorrectly.

The most common issues are children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age or size and car seats being installed improperly. Both mistakes leave children at greater risk in the event of a crash. Tom Latek "46% of car seats are misused. Child passenger safety week aims to raise awareness about the problem" kentuckytoday.com (Sept. 15, 2024).

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According to Time magazine, the bucket-style, rear-facing car seat is the type commonly used for newborns and infants. Usually, babies will outgrow these types of seats within a year, but it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that they be used as long as possible, until they reach the height and weight guidelines. Generally speaking, these bucket-style seats should be exchanged for a convertible car seat when an infant reaches a weight of 22-35 pounds and a height of 26-35 inches.

For convertible options, a five-point harness system is recommended, and should be used for as long as the child is within the height or weight limit listed on the car seat.

After this point, a child should use an appropriately-sized booster seat. The vehicle's seat belt system is properly fastened when the user is able to sit back against the vehicle with their knees bending naturally over the seat edge, the lap belt fits snugly across the thighs and lower hips, rather than the abdomen, and the shoulder belt is snugly crossing the center of the chest and the collarbone between the neck and the top of the shoulder. These are good indicators both as to whether the booster seat is appropriate for the child, as well as when the child can move to sitting in the vehicle without one. Maya Dollarhide "When to Switch Your Car Seat To Keep Your Child Safe" time.com (Apr. 04, 2024).

Here are links to additional information about children and car safety: