Driving for Life - Driving with Small Children

• Kids 12-years-old and under always ride in the back seat. If possible, put them in the center seat -- it's the safest in the event of a crash.
  
• You use a seat that is appropriate for the child's size, weight and age.
  
• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infant-only car seats should be used for babies only until they are one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs. The Canadian Safety Council (www.safety-council.org) recommends using these seats until a child is 22 lbs. (10 kg.).
  
• Booster seats are for older children -- typically those over age four that weigh more than 40 pounds. (18 kg).
  
• A child may graduate to a vehicle's regular restraint system when he or she is big enough for the belts to fit properly. (According to the NHTSA and the Canadian Safety Council, this would be when the child is 4 ft. 9 in.[1.45 m] or 80 lbs. [36 kg, or eight years of age.)
  
• Note: Some states have very specific laws regarding when children no longer need to use a child seat. At a minimum, always act in accordance with those laws.
  
• Make sure the safety seat is properly installed. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guide and re-check your installation regularly. Local authorities often host car-seat inspections at firehouses and police stations. Taking advantage of them is always a good idea.
  
• Don't buy a used car seat. Ever.
  
• Never, ever carry a child in your lap while you ride in a car or allow a child to ride unrestrained in a car.