Car Seat Safety


ยป Tennessee Highway Safety Office


Infants

Weight: Birth to 1 year at least 20-22 pounds

Type of Seat: Infant only or rear-facing convertible

Seat Position: Rear-facing only

Always Make Sure: Children to one year and at least 20 pounds in rear-facing seats. Harness straps at or below shoulder level

Warning: All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat



Toddlers

Weight: Over 1 year, and over 20 pounds and up to 40 pounds

Type of Seat: Convertible/Forward-facing

Seat Position: Forward-facing

Always Make Sure: Harness straps should be at or above shoulders. Most seats require top slots for forward-facing

Warning: All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat




Young Children

Weight: Over 40 pounds, Ages 3 to 8, unless 4'9"

Type of Seat: Belt positioning booster seat

Seat Position: Forward-facing

Always Make Sure: Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt. Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries

Warning: All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat






Child Safety Tips

  • Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!

  • Make sure your child learns his or her address and phone number at an early age. A second phone number of a friend or relative is also helpful.

  • Teach your child how to call 911 in case of an emergency.

  • Do not leave a child unattended while shopping, visiting with neighbors or friends, or running errands. Under no circumstances should you leave a child alone in a vehicle.

  • When home alone, children should never open the door for strangers.

  • On the telephone, your child should never let anyone know they are home alone. Discuss responses such as: "Mom/Dad is busy right now."

  • A child should never leave school or daycare with anyone except a parent or guardian. You and your child should have a password in case you send someone else to pick them up.

  • When shopping or in a crowd, children should be taught who to go to if separated from you. (Cashier, clerk, security officer, etc.) The child should never leave the store looking for you.

  • Make sure your child knows to scream and run if approached in an alarming way by anyone.

  • Your child should know to make you aware anytime he or she feels uncomfortable with anyone.

  • Get to know the Internet and the sites your child visits. Teach your child to never give out personal information online. Your child should NEVER arrange a meeting with anyone he or she meets online.

  • Make sure your child always checks with you before going anywhere with anyone. Have them inform you of where they are going, whom they are going with and when they will be home.

  • Keep a record of your child's personal and medical information on hand in case of an emergency. Always include a recent photograph.

  • Remember to teach children that police officers are their friends, and that we are there to help them.