We have discussed the importance of seatbelts (See our blog "Seatbelts" for more information), but it is very important to remember that seatbelts should be worn by ALL occupants of a vehicle. Making sure your child is in the proper car seat can save their life.
Below outlines 4 stages car seats under Colorado law:
Children under the age of 1 should always be in a rear-facing seat in the back seat. Until they reach the top height or weight limits that are listed on the car seat, they should remain in their rear-facing seat.
There are 3 types of rear-facing car seats:
- Infant-only seat (rear-facing only). This seat is designed for newborns and infants. This car seat is small, portable, and rear-facing.
- Convertible seat. When the child grows, this type of seat has the ability to convert from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat. Due to the fact that it fits children of various sizes, it allows for a child to stay in a rear-facing position longer.
- All-in-one seat. This seat can also change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, as well as into a booster seat as the child grows.
In a crash, rear-facing seats help decrease the risk of injuries because the head, neck and spine are protected by distributing the force of a crash over the entire body.
Need help installing your car seat or just unsure if you did it right? Colorado has Inspection Stations. If you are unable to arrange a car seat check at a local station, contact Angel Griffin at (720) 376-1391 or email her at [email protected] to set up a virtual appointment.
For more information on rear-facing car seats visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#age-size-rec or https://www.codot.gov/safety/carseats/faq
