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Car accidents are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — meaning car seat safety can literally be the difference between life and death.
Good news: Using seat belts (as well as age- and size-appropriate car seats) reduces serious injuries and fatalities by up to 80 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But with 46% of car seats and booster seats misused, according to NHTSA data — it is important to not only choose the right option for your child, but also to keep up to date with the latest safety recommendations.
An easy step you can take to ensure the safety of the car seat is to simply read the label. According to Graco, a manufacturing company that makes car seats, each car seat has an expiration date of about seven to 10 years, to keep up with regulatory changes and improved technology, in addition to general wear and tear. The label will also tell you if it is a good fit for your child’s age, weight, and height.
While all 50 states and Washington DC have their own child restraint laws, the American Academy of Pediatrics has its own car safety recommendations for children of all ages. Read on for everything parents need to know about car and booster seat safety. As well as our top picks for the best car seats and booster seats on the market.
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