How to Fit Your Child Properly in a Car Seat
by Justina Valgento DPT
Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapist
It is important that all children are safe and secure in a car during short and long distances. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a proper fitting child safety seat reduces the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants (age 0 month to 1 year) and 54% for toddlers (ages 1 to 4 years old). In addition, the CDC noted that proper fitting booster seats reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% in children aged 4 to 8 years old.
To make sure your child is fitted properly in their car with the proper car seat, please consider a consultation with a Child Passenger Safety Technician. These technicians are certified through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and renewed every 2 years. They can aid children with special needs and will work with your physical therapist to determine the safest car seat with respect to your child’s needs.
To find a technician near you as well as local events and car seat resources, please click the below links:
