Do you know which car seat is right for your child? Little York Fire Department explains what to check

To ensure the safety of children, it is important to find out about the appropriate child seats for different age groups and sizes.

On Thursday, the Little York Fire Department stopped by KPRC 2 to educate the community on this important issue.

Gemalie Perez, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for the Little York Fire Department, stressed that when selecting car seats, the child’s age, weight and height should be taken into account according to the latest safety guidelines.

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Rear-facing car seats are recommended for infants and toddlers. These seats provide optimal support for a toddler’s head, neck and spine. Typically, children should remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.

“All car seats are designed based on the child’s height and weight,” Perez said. “So you should look at the car seat manufacturer’s brochure and see when they recommend changing car seats based on height and weight.”

When children have outgrown rear-facing seats, forward-facing harnessed car seats are the next step. These seats are designed to keep the child secure while providing additional protection in the event of an impact. The harness should fit snugly and the chest strap should be at armpit level.

For older children who are already using forward-facing car seats, booster seats are recommended. These seats ensure that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly over the child’s shoulder and lap. Booster seats are generally used until the child is tall enough to sit properly in the seat belt without assistance (usually around 4′ 5″).

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The Little York Fire Department also stresses the importance of proper installation. Child seats must be securely attached to the vehicle and the straps must be adjusted to fit the child without sagging. They recommend consulting the child seat and vehicle owner’s manual for accurate installation instructions.