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Children between the ages of birth and 8 years of age should be in a car seat when traveling in any automobile. It is important to guard your child’s life with these devices every time they are in your car or anyone else’s. Proper installation of an age-appropriate car seat can mean the difference between a simple journey and a tragedy.

In 1997, a study was made of youth automobile deaths which concluded that 95% of all car seats that failed in accidents had not been installed correctly. That signals a need to pay close attention while installing the car seat into any automobile every single time it is used to transport children.

Read the tips below for proper installation.

Read the seat belt section of your car owner’s manual Read the car seat manual completely. Put the car seat in the back, using the center seat Follow the car manufacturer’s instructions for installation Push down on the car seat with your knee as you buckle and tighten the seat belt Pull on the car seat and try to push it back and forth sideways and if it is stable, you did it right. If you find slack in the belt or the seat wiggles more than one inch, tighten the belt Check any car that uses the car seat to be sure the seat belt tightens only when there is a sudden stop. If this is the case, you may need an additional locking clip or some type of tether strap to be sure the seat cannot loosen during normal travel or toddler movement.

*If you place the car seat in a car that was made before 1996, you will definitely need a regular locking clip to be sure the lap part of the belt is secure.

*Shorten a lap belt that has lap and shoulder belts separate to the latch plate with a heavy-duty locking clip.

According to legislation passed in 2009, children up to the age of 8 or 4’9” (whichever comes first) must be secured in car seats.

Under the age of 2 may be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the front seat if the air bag is turned off and if the rear seats are taken by others

Ages 4 and up may ride in the front seat if properly secured in a car seat, but only if all rear seats are taken by children younger than 4

Ages 4-8 may use a car seat booster

No matter what type of car is used, it is vital that the car seat is properly installed every single time the unit is used.

For more information about car seat installation, call 1-800-745-SAFE or your car seat manufacturer. Remember, our children are our future, and it is our responsibility to keep them safe.