LITTLE ROCK — To help parents choose the correct restraint for each stage of their child’s development, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following guidelines in its 4 Steps For Kids campaign.
4 STEPS FOR KIDS Step 1. Rear-facing infant seats
from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds. (Some experts, including the American Association of Pediatricians, recommend that a child stay rear-facing as long as possible. See accompanying story.)
Step 2. Forward-facing toddler seats
from age 1 and at least 20 pounds to about age 4 and at least 40 pounds.
Step 3. Booster seats
from about age 4 and 40 pounds to at least age 8, unless 4 feet 9 inches or taller.
Step 4. Lap and shoulder safety belts
at age 8 or older or taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
The traff ic safety agency also recommends all children 12 and younger ride in the back seat.
Family, Pages 38 on 09/22/2010