Today’s vehicles and car seats have technology to better protect in a crash than ever before. The best action you can take as a grandparent is to learn about child passenger safety and use the correct car seat or booster seat for your grandchildren.
Keep grandchildren safe in the car
- Use the car seat or booster seat that best fits your grandchild based on their age, weight and height.
- Children in car seats or booster seats need to be in the back seat.
- There is not one “best” car seat. All must pass the same strict crash tests.
- Choose a seat that is easy for you to install and use correctly.
- Used car seats could have hidden safety problems, so they are not recommended.
- Check for recalls on car and booster seats.
- Do not use car and booster seats that are past their expiration date.
- Buckle all kids younger than 13 years old in the back seat.
Teach grandchildren to ride safely
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled. Be a good role model, and buckle your seat belt every time you ride.
- If your grandchild tries to wiggle out of the car seat, stop the car in a safe place and check the harness straps.
- Tell your grandchild that the vehicle will not move until they stay buckled.
- Bring along toys, books or music to keep kids busy during the ride.
Car seat installation
- Always read and follow the car seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual carefully when installing and adjusting a car seat.
- Call the car seat or booster seat manufacturer if you are not sure or have questions about the seat.
- To find a local car seat installation site or seat- check event near you, visit safekidswi.org and select Car Seat Checks and Events.
