• The best safety seat is one that:

• 1) is suitable for your child's age and size,
  
  2) can be correctly and securely installed in your vehicle, and
  
  3) fits your budget. Choose one that you will use each and every time your child rides in the vehicle

• Carefully read the safety seat manufacturer's instructions and the vehicle's owner's manual for instructions and warnings. Determine if any modifications are necessary. (i.e., Determine if a tether strap or locking clip is necessary.)
  
  
• It is important to keep the child safety seat clean. Machine washing the straps and covers will cause premature deterioration of webbing and fabric. The use of bleach will compromise the effectiveness of the harness straps. It is best to follow the instructions of the child safety seat manufacturer regarding care of seat. You may need to call their 800 numbers for specific details.
  
  
• Be sure all harness straps are properly threaded and are not twisted at any point.
  
  
• Infants must be transported in a rear-facing position in an infant or convertible seat until age 1. They must never be transported in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle, if the airbag cannot be de-activated. An inflating airbag will cause serious injuries.
  
  
• Check for hot metal buckles on your child's safety seat during warm weather months. The vehicle's interior gets much hotter than the outside temperature. Cases of children getting burned on hot buckles have been reported. When not in use, cover the child safety seat with a light-colored fabric, to reflect the heat. Always check the buckle and seat with your hands before placing a child in it.
  
  
• Make sure all straps and belts are properly secured. Loose or sloppy belts or harness straps contribute to injury in a crash.
  
  
• A lap belt should be fitted low and snugly across the child's hips—not across the stomach. If the rear seat is equipped with a shoulder belt, the belt should not come across the child's face or the front of their neck. If it does, use a high back belt positioning booster seat. It will direct the shoulder belt lower, so the belt will not come across their face or in front of their neck. Never place the shoulder belt under the child 's arm or behind their back.
  
  
• No more than one person should be placed in a safety belt system—regardless of age.
  
  
• On long trips, young children very often get fussy when they have to sit in the seat for long periods of time. A good rule of thumb is to stop every hour for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow children to stretch. You may also consider a goody bag filled with soft books, stickers, toys, a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or snacks to help entertain a weary child. Sometimes it also helps to have a parent or other adult ride in the back seat with the child to help entertain him or her. Be very firm on the use of the child safety seat. Refuse to drive if the child is not properly secured.
  
  
• Most motor vehicle collisions and injuries occur at low speeds and close to home.
  
  
• Set a good example. Buckle up yourself! An unrestrained adult can be thrown into other passengers and cause serious or even fatal injuries. Your children need you alive and well. Protect them by protecting yourself.

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