Buckle Up...Be Safe! (continued)

Different Types of Car Restraints

Infant Safety Seats

• newborns and infants up to 17-22 pounds
• babies must ride rear-facing in the back seat until at least one year of age and over 20 pounds

"Convertible" Safety Seats

• birth to 40 pounds or 40 inches in height
• baby faces rear until one year old or 20 pounds

Forward-Facing Combination Seats

• for children over one year of age
• face forward only
• can be converted to a belt positioning booster seat after child reaches 40 pounds

Safety Booster Seats

• for children over 40 pounds and under the ages of six, or weighing less than 60 pounds.
• use with vehicle's lap and shoulder belt
• use a high-back booster seat if your car's seat back is lower than your child's ears
• you can use a backless booster seat if your car's seat back is higher than your child's ears

Shoulder/Lap Belts

• use regular safety belts for children over 6 years or 60 pounds. Lap belts should fit snugly across thighs and hips, not across a child’s stomach. Shoulder belts should never cross a child’s face or neck.

Considerations When Buying Used Car Seats

• Buy only seats which meet current federal safety standards. Call the Auto Safety Hotline, (800) 424-9393, for a list of car seats which have been recalled.

• Make sure the seat is in good working order or is repairable. (Many manufacturers and local stores sell parts.) Request the manufacturer’s instructions from the prior owner so you can use the seat correctly.

• Never buy a car seat which has been involved in an accident or whose history is unknown. Stress fractures to the plastic may not be visible. Always ask the seller if the car seat has been involved in an accident or collision.

BANANAS • 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland, CA 94618 • 658-

© 1983 BANANAS, Inc., Oakland, CA. Revised 2002.