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Baby Car Seats

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK

If you're transporting children in your vehicle, you need to know the law and how to best protect those children. 

OKLAHOMA CHILD SAFETY PASSENGER LAW
Child in car seat

  • 0-2 years: Must be in a rear-facing car seat until at least two (2) years of age, or until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the car seat.

  • 2-4 years: Must be in a car seat with a harness until at least four (4) years of age.

  • 4-8 years: Must be in a car seat or booster seat until at least eight (8) years of age unless the child is taller than 4'9".

  • 8 years or taller than 4'9": Must be in a properly worn seat belt.
     

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children ages 12 and under ride in the back seat of a vehicle. The safest position for a safety seat, if it can be properly secured, is the center of the back seat.

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A child is ready for an adult safety belt with no booster when:
 

  • He can sit against the back of the seat and bend his knees over the edge.

  • The lap belt makes good contact low over his hips.

  • The shoulder belt makes good contact across his chest and collarbone.

THE SAFETY CHECK

Bridge over Arkansas River in Tulsa

Visit http://safekidstulsa.com/events/  for a current list of car seat checkup events in the Tulsa Area.
 

Top 5 Things to Check on your Car Seat
 

  • Right Seat. This is an easy one. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it's appropriate for your child's age, weight and height. Your car seat has an expiration date. Just double-check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe.

  • Right Place. Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.

  • Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.

  • Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

  • Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual).  The chest clip should be placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child's shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you're good to go. 

 

Please read the vehicle and car seat instruction manuals to help you with this checklist. If you are having even the slightest trouble, questions or concerns, don't worry about a thing. Certified child passenger safety technicians are waiting to help or even double-check your work. Contact Safe Kids Tulsa Area 918-494-7233

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