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Best Practice in Child Safety Restraints
Infants and Small Children:
Children are the safest rear facing in an appropriate seat and
should remain rear facing until they reach the upper limit of the
seat or until the top of their hear extends more than ¾ of an inch
above the top of the safety seat. They should ride in the back seat
with seat secured correctly. NEVER, NEVER place a rear-facing seat
in front of an air bag. Children who have always ridden rear facing
do not know any difference. They are concerned with their legs being
folded up as they usually pull them up on the seat when they sit.
Children who have out grown a rear-facing seat:
These children should ride in a 5-point harness seat until they
reach the upper limit of the seat or the top of their head is ¾ of
an inch above the back of the top of the safety seat. They are safer
in the back seat. If they must ride in front of an air bag, position
vehicle seat in the position in the as far back from the air bag as
possible or turn the air bag off. Some of the high back booster
seats also so have 5-point harness systems with higher weight
limits. Even racecar drivers use a 5-point (or more point) restraint
systems.
Children who have out grown forward facing 5-point harness seats:
A booster seat is the next step. Booster seat should always be
used with a lap AND shoulder strap. A no back booster set is just as
safe as a high back booster AS LONG as the top of the child’s head
does no extend more than ¾ inch above the back of the vehicle’s seat
or head rest. They should also ride in the back seat. If they must
ride in front of an air bag, position the vehicle seat in the
position in the as far back from the air bag as possible or turn the
air bag off.
Children who have out grown booster seats:
These children should remain in the back seat. If they must ride
in front of an air bag, position the vehicle seat in the position in
the as far back from the air bag. LEAVE THE AIR BAG TURNED ON.
They should sit all they back against the seat, with the
shoulder strap crossing between the neck and shoulder and the lap
belt as low as possible, touching the thigh. Their legs should
remain in front of them.
Other guidelines:
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No one, including the dog, should ride in a
sideways setting seat.
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No one should ride in a vehicle seat with
the back reclined more than the 2nd position. (Check your
owner’s manual for any exceptions.)
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Special seats and restraints are available
for those with special needs. Contact 740-435-2522 for more
information.
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No one should lie on the seat without
special restraints.
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Only one seat should be attached to any
latching point.
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Seat belts are for one person only and
should not be fastened to a different point to provide restraint
for a second person.
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Rear-facing infant seat
cannot be used as a
forwarding-facing seat.
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New information is always coming and being
updated. What we did last year may no longer be current. Always
check for the latest information.
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