Safer Child Products

In the last couple of weeks, school violence and safety has been on everyone’s minds.  It is hard to imagine that someone could do something so awful as what occurred at the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT.  Why kill innocent children?  It is enough to make a parent sick, and make you not want to let your children out of your sight!  However, this is not realistic and not healthy for you as a parent, or for your children.  Our school keeps all doors locked, except for the front door to the vestibule outside the main office.  We have been assured that in our district, lock down drills are practiced and emergency plans and procedures are in place.  For my own piece of mind, I have to believe that our school does everything they can on a daily basis to protect my children and all the children in the school.  If you are concerned that your school does not have a policy, or think that your school or parent group can use some resources, check out http://safeschools.org/  

However, it is still a scary time, for both parents and children alike.  Remember that children can sense your fear.  I know that I tend to get short with my kids when I am stressed. I am trying to keep that in check and continue our normal routine.  In our house we have limited the access to the news coverage and have decided to make snowflakes as our contribution to the new school.  Have you seen that? This is a great way to get school aged children involved in doing something positive for the students at Sandy Hook Elementary. Here is the link to how you can help, whether snowflakes, or fundraising. http://www.ctpta.org/SANDY-HOOK-FUND.html

 

In addition, here are some excellent resources to help you talk with and support your children cope with tragedy such as school violence. http://nasponline.org/resources/handouts/revisedPDFs/talkingviolence.pdf

http://www.lucydanielscenter.org/page/talking-with-children-about-school-violence

 

Wishing you all a happy and safe New Year.

Safer Child Products

I remember when we had our first child 12 years ago, we couldn’t wait to decorate the nursery purchase the crib bedding.  Although we knew we could not use the blanket in the crib, the bumpers were part of the décor. Of course they also helped prevent the baby from getting stuck between the slats of the crib, or bumping their heads.  Today, parents are urged not to use bumpers or any soft/ loose items in the crib.  Not even sleep positioners.  Sleep positioners have been a very popular item, whether your child has reflux, or just to hold them in position in the crib. 

Last week I saw articles all over, reporting on the renewed FDA and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warnings. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/officials-warn-against-baby-sleep-positioners/?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss  “As of Wednesday, the agency is explicitly advising parents to stop using sleep positioners, and it has asked manufacturers of the devices to submit clinical data showing that the benefits of their products outweigh the risk of serious harm. In addition to avoiding the devices, experts say, parents should keep things like pillows, comforters, quilts and bumpers away from their infants and their cribs. Soft bedding can increase the likelihood of a baby suffocating.”  The American Academy of Pediatrics stated their support of the FDA the CPSC warnings back in 2010.  http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/CPSC-FDA-Warning-on-Infant-Sleep-Positioners.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token

Just because as adults we use pillows when we sleep, does not mean that babies should have pillows.  Babies are wiggly and will change their position. Heed these warnings and find other ways, outside the crib to decorate.

Let’s keep all our children safe.

Safer Child Products

In our house we very rarely drink Soda and I buy herbal or decaffeinated tea, because I don’t like how caffeine makes me feel. Coffee is not something any of us drink. Though we do have the occasional Gatorade, or Powerade type drink, I’ve worried more about the sugar content than caffeine.  Energy drinks do have caffeine, and too much of it can be dangerous for our children.  Did you know there are recommended limits on how much caffeine a child should have based on their weight?

“Based on average body weights, the maximum daily caffeine intake for children between four and 12 years is:
45 milligrams for children aged four to six.
62.5 milligrams for children aged seven to nine.
85 milligrams for children aged 10 to 12. 

Emergency rooms across the country have seen a dramatic spike in caffeine overdoses, up from 1,128 in 2005 to 16,055 in 2008 and 13,114 in 2009, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.”

According to an article in the New York Times, Business Day sections on October 22, 2012, “Under current F.D.A. rules, companies are not required to disclose caffeine levels in their beverages and can choose to market them as drinks or as dietary supplements. Those regulatory categories have differing labeling and ingredient rules.”

Back in May of 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics even took a stand, saying that kids should not drink energy drinks and generally do not need sports drinks, they should stick to water. “Energy drinks contain substances not found in sports drinks that act as stimulants, such as caffeine, guarana and taurine. Caffeine – by far the most popular stimulant – has been linked to a number of harmful health effects in children, including effects on the developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems. Energy drinks are never appropriate for children or adolescents, said Dr. Schneider and Dr. Benjamin. In general, caffeine-containing beverages, including soda, should be avoided.” They also found that “In many cases, it’s hard to tell how much caffeine is in a product by looking at the label,” Dr. Schneider said. “Some cans or bottles of energy drinks can have more than 500 mg of caffeine, which is the equivalent of 14 cans of soda.” In addition to the health affects relating to your heart and blood pressure, Energy Drinks can be linked to Obesity, Sleep Disorders, Calcium Deficiency and Dental problems.  Be aware that if your child is Medicated for ADD, Depression or even Pain, there can be serious interactions.

Let’s keep all our children safe!

Safer Child Products

My friend just told me the other day that her baby is not up to date with her immunizations.  I was very concerned about this.  I know that people have different opinions about giving their babies shots, or how many at a time should they give.  There are still very serious diseases out there that immunizations can prevent.  My daughter’s school is collecting change to support our local Rotary Club fight Polio. I was not aware that Polio was still around, but according to the NIH, Polio still exists in a few countries in Africa and Asia. Talk to your child’s health care provider to address your concerns about immunizations and how you can best protect your child, and the community around you. http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/vaccine.html

Safer Child Products

Recently, we were at my sister’s house and the kids wanted to play on the trampoline.  It makes me very nervous when too many kids are on the trampoline at the same time.  I am always concerned that someone is not only going to get stepped on, but jumped/ landed on.  I know my nephews like to play “popcorn” where someone lays down in the middle and the other kids jump and try to make him pop up.  I don’t see the joy or adventure in this, but maybe because I am not a 13 y/o boy.

However, I found an article on Trampoline safety in the October 4^th issue of Pediatrics, Volume 130, Number 4. It addresses something I hadn’t even thought about, injuries relating to falling off the trampoline, or injuring the spine when attempting flips. 

According to Pediatrics, but not surprisingly, when there are several people jumping on the trampoline at the same time, “the smallest participants were up to 14 times more likely to sustain injury relative to their heavier playmates.” Not only are strains and strains common trampoline related injuries, but bone fractures and dislocations are a frequent problem as well. The injury rate for children under age 5 is greater than in ages 6 – 17, but even with the older children, the injury rate is significant.

In conclusion, the AAP recommends against recreational trampoline use.  If you choose to allow trampoline activity, be sure that it is placed on the ground, on a flat, cleared area.  Check your trampoline to ensure that the padding and netting is in good condition. Because of the frequency and severity of cervical spine injuries on trampolines, discourage or disallow flips and somersaults on the trampoline. The AAP also recommends active supervision by an adult with one jumper at a time.

Let’s keep our children safe.

Safer Child Products

Our 3 y/o Niece has severe food allergies.  One minute she is playing like any other little girl, then the next thing you know, she breaks out in hives from head to toe and gets very swollen.  Yes, sometimes it is that fast and with unknown trigger. Her allergic reaction even includes diarrhea and can lead to difficulty breathing.  It is so scary to see her like that.  Last week she started preschool and I worry about her being around food from other students.   A letter was sent home asking families not to send in Peanut Butter or certain other types of food.  Sure enough, the next day, someone brought in an Almond Butter Sandwich and my niece had a reaction.

She is not alone.  According to the Food Allergy and Anaphalaxis Network (FAAN) about 6 million children have food allergies, boys typically more often than girls.

For more statistics on food allergy sufferers, visit http://www.foodallergy.org/page/facts-and-stats, and please heed the requests sent home from school.  A child’s life could be at stake.

Safer Child Products

There have been episodes over the years that my daughter can’t fall asleep because her legs hurt or she has woken up in the night complaining to leg pain.  She tends to feel it most behind her knees and backs of her thighs, but surprisingly gets it more in one leg than the other.  With no other symptoms, I attributed it to “growing pains.” I thought that maybe she is growing faster than her ligaments can keep up, but there is no evidence of that being the cause.  In fact, I have read different explanations for such pain, which is said to occur in the muscles of 3-5 y/o and 8-12 y/o but in most cases it is nothing alarming. Some people say it is overuse of muscles, or a vitamin deficiency (of calcium, potassium or magnesium).  I’ve even heard flat feet!

The Nemours Foundation (kidshealth.org) suggests trying to massage the area, stretching, heating pad or ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve the pain. They also suggest calling your child’s doctor if the pain continues in the morning, or if there is “swelling or redness in one particular area or joint.” Take your child to be seen by their health care provider if the pain is associated with fever, limping, rash or loss of appetite. Mayoclinic.com gives the same advice. 

So be patient with your little ones.  If they are complaining of leg pain and that they can’t fall asleep, it is probably not a delay tactic.  Then again……

Safer Child Products

In our house, we are getting ready to go back to school.  It doesn’t matter if your child is in preschool or middle school, they still need snacks, usually packed for school.  We have tried every snack bar imaginable; If one of my kids will eat it, the other wont.  Otherwise, after re-stocking, they decide they’re tired of it.  I don’t want something too sugary and it has to be filling.  Oftentimes I find myself at a loss as to what to pack.  I am afraid to send anything with nuts to school because there are so many kids with food allergies, but that cuts out a huge category.  I was thinking of sending hummus with pretzels or veggies to dip. I could send cheese and crackers, but the cheese will get warm if I can’t keep it with an ice pack. 

Our School is really pushing for a healthier lifestyle, by participating in the G.Y.M.M. program, (encouraging children to be active and log their time everyday), to building a vegetable garden and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Now there have been changes to our lunch program, cutting down on protein (meat or meat alternative) serving size while increasing the serving size of fruits and vegetables. 

At Dr. Allen’s office, I came across a few brochures on healthy snacking, really emphasizing fruits and vegetables.  They are put out by www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. They liked my idea of hummus with veggies.  Other suggestions were to freeze grapes, melon balls and berries for a quick cool treat.  Baby carrots, bananas and grape tomatoes are small and portable, great for snack time.  Dried fruits can be good too. I like trail mix/ snack mix with dried fruit such as raisins, craisins, pineapple, apricots, mixed with nuts but not to send to school.  In this brochure they suggest making your own snack mix with dried fruit, nuts and whole grain cereal. I keep hearing that you should eat as many colors as you can, as colorful fruits and veggies are “great sources of vitamins and minerals that can help protect your health, such as fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and Vitamin C.”

By keeping fresh fruit on the counter and keeping fresh veggies sliced and within reach, our children will go for these first and will develop healthy habits early.

For more snack ideas, how to get kids involved and quick, healthy recipes, go to www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org .  You can also check out Today I Ate A Rainbow with a great story and kit for young children. http://www.todayiatearainbow.com/.

Safer Child Products

The other day, we were out at a friend’s backyard party.  I had forgotten to apply bug repellent before we left the house.  One woman in our group was using some non-topical bug repellent.  I’m not sure if it was battery operated, but it looked like it was.  Whether it was her repeller, or just sheer luck, I did not come out covered in bites, nor did my children.

However, we all have had those days when we are itchy and bumpy from what we assume are mosquito bites.  When should we be concerned?  Most of the time bug bites are no more than a minor nuisance and we should try to avoid scratching them.  Use some type of anti-itch cream or an over the counter anti-histamine if those do not help.  As long as your red/ puffiness does not extend over a large area, such as a full arm or leg, it’s probably fine.  It’s just a minor irritation.

There is a rare occasion when someone will have a more serious or life threatening reaction.  According to Dr. Leslie Barakat,“parents should seek medical care.....

• if the sting or bite is inside or near the mouth, if the child has a known history of severe reaction to a stinging or biting insect. 

• If they are having a severe reaction, such as swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing or speaking, chest tightness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, or dizziness or fainting, parents should call 911 immediately and administer an Epinephrine pen if they have been prescribed one by their pediatrician.

• Parents should also seek medical attention for any insect bite or sting if the site looks infected, meaning that there is increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or pus occurring several hours or longer after the sting or bites.”

For more tips on how to handle bug  bites and stings, go to http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/insect_bite.html

Safer Child Products

We all have stress in our lives to some extent, whether it is from Job expectations, traffic, family members or something else.  What is most important is how we handle it.  Young children, even before they can talk, have a good sense, and understanding of emotions.  They can sense when you are angry by the tone of your voice and by the way you hold them. 

Sometimes our sweet little angels can act like little terrors and work our last nerve.  The important  thing is to try and remain calm and speak to them in a calm, respectful way and be clear about your expectations.  It is ok for you to take your own “timeout” to cool off before you explode and either shake your child or yell at them. That is not a good situation.  Infants can sustain severe brain damage and even die from being shaken.  Older children can be very frightened and emotionally scarred from repeated screaming and demeaning comments.  Psychology@suite 101 has some great tips on how to express your anger in a calm, healthy way.  A few of the suggestions include:

·  Use "I feel" instead of "You are" or "You did".

·  Refuse to criticize or blame.

·  Talk with the person about how to prevent future occurrences.

·  Exercise or write to release angry feelings.

·  Let it go. Don't hold a grudge.

Read more at Suite101: Anger Management Tips - How to Express Anger: Healthy Ways to Express Hostility or Negative Feelings | Suite101.com http://suite101.com/article/angry-people-a15904#ixzz22mzH2rtE

It is equally important to teach our children how to express their anger appropriately.  According to Parenting Expert, Michele Borba, Ed.D.it is important to help our kids to Identify the Warning Signs, Recognize Potential Anger Triggers, Develop a Feeling Vocabulary, Teach Healthy Anger Management Skills and  to use Time Out when Inappropriate Anger Persists. You may want to read this excellent article for the specifics in each category. http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/5-strategies-to-help-kids-express-anger-2217391.html

Safer Child Products

I was speaking with a friend of mine who has a toddler and she was commenting on how her little one gets into EVERYTHING!! At that age children need to be very closely supervised.  Not only do they move fast, but they are very curious.  If they can’t see or can’t reach, they will reach up and feel the surface to see what’s there.  They will pull on anything hanging down, i.e.: a cord or a tablecloth.  What worries me most this time of year is the potential for burns via candles or hot pots.  As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, we are more likely to be cooking soups, stews and ciders.  Be sure to keep pot handles turned in, so they are not hanging over the edge of the stove.  Cook on back burners whenever possible.  If you have a flat top cooking surface, consider getting a plastic guard for the front of your stove, like the one shown in One Step Ahead http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=29&cmSource=Search

Safer Child Products

This summer, my 8 ½ y/o finally learned to ride a bike without training wheels!  This was a big celebration in our house.  I knew that confidence was half the battle with her. I suppose the other half was just practice.  Around the same time, her 4 ½ year old cousin learned to ride as well.  Sometimes it bothers her that younger kids are able to do more than she can, but it is so individual. 

What’s been nice, is that we live in a fairly quiet subdivision and there are lots of kids, so they always have someone to play or ride with and I am now comfortable letting them go out around the neighborhood alone during the day, as long as I know where they are going and who they are with (never solo).

When they were much younger, I had my kids ride their tricycles back and forth on our back deck!  Whatever the age, be sure your child is wearing a properly fitting helmet (http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/easystepsweb/). Shop around for a helmet that not only fits, but that your child likes.  If they don’t like how it looks, or how it feels, they will not wear it. To check to see whether your state mandates bicyclists to wear helmets, go to http://www.helmets.org/mandator.htm .

Closed shoes are also important; Flip flops can slide off or get caught and even open sandals can allow their feet or toes to get scraped up.

Although more and more bicycle paths are popping up in our area, I would not feel comfortable taking my kids out riding on the main street with so many cars.  We often forget that children cannot do all the things that adults can do, and often do not react as quickly as adults do. One example that NHTSA points out is that children “do not automatically use sound to determine traffic location. Children automatically use their vision to identify traffic and do not typically think to use sounds as a strategy to determine where traffic is coming from.”

Check your child’s bike before they go out riding to be sure the tires are filled up enough and that the brakes and chain are working properly and free of rust.

Let’s get out and get active and still keep our children safe!

Safer Child Products

With this extreme heat, we need to be careful to keep ourselves and our young children hydrated.  Dehydration is common when exerting yourself in such hot conditions. 

What is dehydration? Dehydration is when your body loses more fluid than it is taking in.  Acording to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561

“Common causes of dehydration include intense diarrhea, vomiting, fever or excessive sweating. Not drinking enough water during hot weather or exercise also may cause dehydration. Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk.”

Children are small and tend to lose fluids more quickly than adults.  Also, infants cannot regulate their body temperature, so you may want to keep them indoors out of the heat.  If you find yourself and your children outside playing, here are some suggestions to keep yourselves cool and hydrated.

1.     Stay in the shade whenever possible. 

2.     Try to keep outdoor activity to early mornings and evenings when it may be less hot.

3.     Take frequent breaks for water or freezer pops/ ice cream

4.     Get wet in the pool/ lake/ sprinkler to cool off and lower your body temperature

5.     Wear light, loose fitting clothing

For more information and safety tips regarding the effects of extreme heat, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/heat.htm

Safer Child Products

My children have outgrown the “put everything in my mouth” stage, and are very into Legos and beads and toys with small parts!  However we have plenty of friends and family with small children.  When we are preparing to have them over, we go through the house looking for small pieces and removing them from reach.

It reminded me of when we first baby proofed our home and thought I’d share some insights for those of you who might first be getting to that stage.

You may wonder “When do I need to start baby proofing my home?”  As your baby begins to get mobile, working his way across the room, it’s a good time to get down on your hands and knees and see what your baby sees.

First, consider putting gates at the top and bottom of stairwells, because before you know it you will turn around and the baby will be down the hall.  With an open stairwell, the baby might fall down and get badly hurt.  You will find that stairs are very appealing to little ones on the move, and they might spend quite a bit of time trying to climb the stairs.  In time, this is a skill that you can teach them, but again, once they start up, they are likely to fall down, or to get stuck not knowing how to get down.

 Next, think about the electrical outlets. Children tend to stick things in holes, and explore anything sticking out.  You can get individual outlet plug covers, or get a new “face” for your outlet that has the holes either twisted or slid off center.  These still provide easy access for an adult to use the outlet when necessary, but does not leave the baby vulnerable.

 
Consider keeping extra outlet plug covers with you so when you travel or go to someone’s house which is not baby proofed, you can stick the outlet covers in the plugs in the room where the baby is spending time.

Drawer Latches: Baby will try to pull themselves up on tables, chairs, cabinet doors, anything they can reach.  They may also sit and open/close over and over again.  Decide which cabinets and drawers do not have potentially dangerous things in them and keep them unlocked.  Drawers that have sharp utensils, or breakable dishes in a low cabinet may need to get locked.  There are many different child safety locks on the market.  Some work with magnets, others on springs and some just need to be pushed down with some force to clear the doorframe.  Along with door latches, don’t forget to move all cleaning supplies/detergents up to a high shelf/ or locked cabinet.

 

Some other things to consider, is bolting down air vent covers, so children do not get cut or throw things down into the vent. Also, bolting tall or heavy furniture to the walls prevents furniture, books, TVs etc. from being pulled down onto a child who is just trying to stand up, or explore.

 Be aware of what type of household plants you have, as some may be poisonous and you may not want a plant that frequently drops leaves or “needles” easily accessible to a young child.

Toilet Locks can be helpful so that children do not play in the toilet, and watch out for drawstrings on window blinds which can choke a child.

You can also purchase a clear shatterproof guard for the spindles on the banister, whether they are too wide or are just in a 2^nd story foyer.  This prevents children from climbing on the spindles and from losing things through them.  If the space is too wide between spindles, it is possible for a child to get his head caught in between.

Bifold doors can easily pinch a child’s fingers.  Getting a simple slide lock goes over the top of the door and tightens to prevent door from opening.

For these and other baby proofing items check out http://www.kidsafeinc.com/?gclid=CKaZ846jsKYCFYHc4AodGifKnw

Safer Child Products

Did you know that Child Car Seats have Expiration dates?  The life span for a child Car Seat is about 6 years from the date of Manufacture, not the date you take it out of the box! I’ve heard more, I’ve heard less.

“Why do they expire?” you ask. I used to wonder the same thing.

After a number of years, technology changes and improves, so we as consumers are encouraged to get newer seats with newer technology, because presumably the newer technology is safer. This is not the only reason though.  The strain and stress on the plastic “shell” can start to wear on the seat over time.  The extreme temperatures that we find in the car can weaken and ultimately crack the plastic, and the Styrofoam “padding” can start to disintegrate.   

“So where can I find the expiration date?”  The expiration date for your Child Car seat should be found in one of several places.  Your best bet is always to check the owner’s manual that came with your child car seat.  The other places you can check is: (1) The sticker on the side of your Child Car Seat or (2) Embedded in the hard plastic on the back of the child car seat. It should say “DO NOT USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT AFTER….” It will list a month and a year.  If you cannot find it in either of these places, call the manufacturer to find out.

Safer Child Products

Last October, in an ongoing effort to prevent SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made a statement that Pediatricians should Discourage the use of Crib Bumpers, stating that babies can suffocate against them, or get strangled in them. The AAP states that there is no evidence proving that bumpers prevent injury. Crib bumpers are equated with other soft bedding and toys and just don’t belong in the crib.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-18/news/ct-met-crib-bumper-warning-20111018_1_bumper-pads-pillows-or-medical-issues-crib-and-tie

For other tips on sleep safety see http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/29/1/28.2.full

Safer Child Products

I just read an article from USA Today about new recommendations for parents when using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) to install their child car seats. What was intended to make child car seat installation easier has its own set of problems.  Not all LATCH Bars (Lower Anchors) are easy to access between the seats, and the pulling and tightening of the strap is not easy at every angle.  However, the latest recommendation is not to use the LATCH bars (Lower Anchors) if the child and car seat combined weigh more than 65 pounds. It’s not common knowledge that the Lower Anchors have a weight limit between 40 and 48 pounds. 

However, whether you are using Lower Anchors, or Seatbelt, you should always use the top tether on a forward facing seat, to reduce forward head movement in a crash.  By securing the top of the child car seat with a top tether, you are helping to prevent head injuries.

Some might be inclined to use both the Lower Anchors and Seat Belts together, but this is not recommended because it puts too much force on the car seat.

This whole thing gets more confusing by the day! It’s really a shame that the industry is not standardized.  Every vehicle is different and every car seat is different and each manufacturer has different rules and recommendations.  There is a manual specifically dedicated to LATCH for Child Passenger Safety Technicians to reference.  My advice is to read the manual that comes with the car seat and reference your vehicle owner’s manual with any questions relating to which seating position is allowed for a rear facing seat, LATCH, airbags and more.  Keep both these manuals handy and when in doubt contact a fitting station or a Child Passenger Safety Technician near you.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/basics/story/2012-06-06/child-safety-seat-latch/55452346/1

http://www.safekids.org/in-your-area/find-a-inspection-station/?state=&event_type_category=inspection-station

Safer Child Products

All vehicles and Child Car Seats made after 2002 are required to be equipped with the LATCH system, (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).  To locate the LATCH anchors between the vehicle seat back and bottom, look for a small circle with a diagram of a child in a seat.   There should be a diagram just above each LATCH anchor point.  If you are still unsure, check your vehicle’s owners manual. 

When you secure the LATCH clips, make sure that the opening or jaw of the clip is facing downward.  If the strap attached to the LATCH clips routes through the child car seat, be sure that the belt is in the correct path for the direction of your seat.  The seatbelt, or LATCH belt, should always use the path that is closest to the vehicle’s seat back. Many seats will have a label where to route the belt rear facing and where to route it forward facing.  

Even though the Child Car Seat may have a weight limit of 55, 65 or even 80 lbs, the LATCH anchors have a weight limit as well and may only be rated to 40 or 48 lbs.  Check your vehicle owner’s manual.  If this is the case, you will need to switch from the LATCH system to securing the Child Car Seat with the vehicle seatbelt instead.

http://www.macombcountymi.gov/publichealth/HPDC/PDF/LATCH%20and%20tether%20fact%20sheet.pdf