Safer Child Products

Belt Positioning Booster Seats (BPB) are probably the most Misunderstood and Least Used of all Child Restraints.  We are working with our local legislators to help improve Booster Seat Laws.  We would love to see all states adopt the same laws when it comes to Child Passenger Safety, but so far, that is not the case.  Some States require children to use a BPB only until age 6 or 60 pounds, whereas others require it until age 8 or 80 pounds. We are basing our recommendations on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ advice. To ensure proper fit of the vehicle seat belt, the AAP now states that children should use the BPB up to age 8, but ALSO until they reach 4’9” tall. They advise that children under age 13 should sit in the rear vehicle seat whenever possible.  Did you know that law enforcement can fine you for not using a car seat or booster seat for your child?  In many cases, they are allowed to stop your car solely to check if you are using an appropriate child restraint. Don’t forget that even when your child outgrows his/her booster seat, they are required by law to use a seatbelt.  Set a good example and buckle up every time you ride! Here is a link to a chart to help you figure out what the child restraint laws are in your state http://www.elitecarseats.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=car_seat_laws .  However, keep in mind that the AAP recommendations are for best practice on how to keep children safer in cars.

Safer Child Products

Should Delaware’s Child Restraint Laws be updated?  You’ve read our November 15^th blog about the laws in our surrounding states.  We are thinking of working with our local legislators when they are back in session in January.  We want to increase awareness that children up to 4’9” are safer when not using a seat belt alone. Tell us what you think.

Safer Child Products

Do you know what the child restraint laws are in your state?  Every state has slightly different laws and the laws do not necessarily reflect "best practice".

In the state of Delaware, children are required to be in a child car seat or booster seat up to age 8 or 65 lbs, whichever comes first, whereas in our neighboring state of Maryland the law says All children under age 8 or 4'9"  must be in a "child restraint" unless they are 65lbs or more. 

New Jersey Law requires "Children under 8 years of age who weigh less than 80 pounds to ride properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle."

What these laws don't tell you is that the vehicle seat belt may not properly fit until a child is 4'9".  Even so, most belt positioning booster seats are rated to 80 or 100 pounds.  A belt positioning booster seat must only be used with the Lap/Shoulder belt combination, never with a lap belt alone.

The back seat is the safest place to sit, until at least age 13, because a child's body is not strong enough to withstand the impact of an airbag in a crash.  If you have no other option but the front seat be sure to turn off the passenger airbag. 

 http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/big-kids/on-the-way/booster-seat-and-seat-belts.html