Car Seats May Save Your Child in a California Car Accident

By Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie on February 10, 2010

In California, all children under six year of age and under 60 pounds must be in an appropriate child safety seat while riding in a passenger vehicle.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death of children under 14. Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie care about your child’s safety, so we’ve provided this guide to car seats.

Rear facing car seats: for infants from birth until one year and at least 20 pounds

Infants who are less than one year old and infants who are over one year, but weigh less than 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Experts suggest keeping your child rear-facing until he reaches the height or weight limit of the seat.

Forward facing car seats: Toddlers over 20 pounds and up to at least 4 years old

A child that has outgrown his rear-facing seat, should ride in a forward-facing car seat until he reaches the upper height or weight limit of the seat.

Booster seat: Children over four years old and over 40 pounds

Although it is not required in California, children are safest in a booster seat until they are 4’9” tall and at least 80 pounds. A child can safely ride using the car’s seat belt without a booster when the car seat belt fits across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest.

Always read the manual that came with your seat to make sure it is properly installed.