Car Seat Safety

Parent are always questioning how their child should be placed in vehicles. In 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children remain rear facing until the age of two, or they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. According to the AAP, "A rear facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body" Dr. Durbin said. A booster will make sure the vehicle's lap-and-shoulder belt fit properly. The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not near the neck or face. The lap belt should fit low and snug on the hips and upper thighs, not across the belly. Most children will need a booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years old. Children should ride in the rear seats of a vehicle until they are 13 years old.

The Village of Bellevue Fire Department offers FREE car seat education and evaluation even if you are a non-resident. Please call (920) 884-1077 ext. 311 to make an appointment with Division Chief Brad Johnson.