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Cape & Islands Child Passenger Safety Program

 $5 for unsafe car seats! - click here

    
   

WHY A CAR SEAT ? 
Massachusetts State law requires all occupants of a vehicle regardless of age to use a seat belt or a restraint device. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recommends minimum requirements in the construction and use of child car seats.

The use of a child car seat allows for the optimum safety of your child while in a car. As of April 2008, Massachusetts children up to 7 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall will have to be in booster seats when riding in automobiles, upping the age requirement two years and switching the size threshold from weight to height. Until a child is at least 4 feet 9 inches, they do not properly fit the restraint devices installed in cars for use by adults. Child car seats of different types and styles were made to help provide the proper safety needed in a car crash.

Note: By law a police officer can stop your vehicle if a child 12 or under is not properly restrained, with a fine of up to $25.00 for every violation involving belts and seats.

The following will help you figure out which child restraint to use, based on age, weight and height. For more child passenger safety information, go to www.mass.gov/eops Also Safe Kids Worldwide at www.safekids.org
   
   

Types Of Car seats

Rear-Facing Infant Carrier Seats:

• Newborn to approximately 6 months of age
• Weight under 20 pounds
• Height under 26 inches

Rear-Facing Convertible Seats:

• 6 months to 1+ years of age
• Weight under 30 pounds
• Top of head at least 1 inch below top of seat

Forward-Facing Convertible Seats:

• Over 1 year of age
• Weight under 40 pounds (and over 20)
• Top of shoulders should always be below harness slots on seat
• Child’s head is level with or below the top of the child seat

Booster Seat with Adult Lap & Shoulder Seat Belt:

• Approximately 4 to 8 years of age
• weight over 40 pounds
• Height under 4’9
*Always read Child Car Seat Manufacturers instructions on sizing and limitations of seats. Any child under 4 feet 9 inches must be in a child car seat or booster. Any child 4 feet 9 inches or more can use just the car seat belt. *These are general guidelines, child car seat limits change from seat to seat as well as manufacturers. Look at your seat for it’s limits set by the manufacture

www.mass.gov/childsafetyseats
    
   

 
HOW TO INSTALL A CHILD CAR SEAT

It’s very important that your child’s car seat is installed properly.

 The easiest way to make sure it is installed properly is properly read the instructions that come with the child car seat and the owner’s manual for your car. If you have problems contact a technician for help with your installation.

We will inspect for:

• Proper sizing of seat and restraints

• Product Recalls

• Defects and expirations

• Proper installation of the seat

Any issues will be resolved and you will leave with a safe and properly installed seat.

Harnesses need to be very snug at all times. One to two fingers should just fit between the harness and the child’s collar bone. The Harness clip should be positioned across the center of the child’s chest at armpit level.

During winter months, try to limit clothing while in the car and in the car seat. The least amount of material between the car seat, the child and the harnesses the better. In cold temps, a blanket over the child and restraints is the preferred way to keep warm. Remember unlike adults, young children can not take jackets and sweaters off once in their seats.

Special Thanks to

      Created by Officer Shannon C. Haley from The Brewster Police Department.