In order to install a car seat correctly read both the car seat manual and the child restraint section of your vehicle’s owner manual. The car seat should move no more than 1” side to side or front to back where the seat belt or the LATCH belt runs through the car seat. If you are unsure of the fit, schedule an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician at the Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency by calling 530-406-4410 or by emailing traffic.safety@yolocounty.gov .
What do I do with a car seat that is no longer being used?
The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency has a car seat recycling program.
What is the best car seat for my child?
The best car seat for your child is a car seat that fits your child (check for height and weight limits), fits the car, and the one that you can install properly every time. Not all car seats are compatible with all cars.
Some stores will allow you to test the car seat in your car prior to purchasing. Ask a sales associate if this is allowable in order to assure the car seat fits in your car.
When can I turn my baby forward-facing?
California passed a new law that goes into effect in January 2017. All children under the age of 2 and less than 40 lbs must sit rear-facing in the car. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children sit rear-facing to the maximum height and weight limits of the seat. Check the labels on your car seat or the car seat’s manual to determine the maximums for height and weight. Rear-facing cradles the head and neck in a crash and is five times safer than forward facing.
Where is the safest place for my child in the car?
California state law requires children under the age of 8 to be in a car seat in the back seat of the car.
It is recommended that children sit in the backseat until age 12.
The center is the safest seating position for your child; however children in booster seats and children wearing a seat belt must be seated with a lap and shoulder belt).
If you have more than one child or the car seat does not install safely in the center position neither outboard position is safer than the other. Also, take into account that rear facing seats require more room and cannot touch the back of the front seat so if the driver cannot drive comfortably or safely with their seat pushed forward put the car seat on the opposite side of the driver.
Which method is safer, a seat belt installation or a LATCH instillation?
Neither method is safer than the other. Try both types of installation with your car seat to see which installation gets you the best fit. DO NOT use both. Also, LATCH installation usually has a weight limit of 65lbs combining the weight of the seat and the weight of the child. Refer to your car seat manual for more information on your car seat’s LATCH weight limits.