This Unit will teach you about three common types of the car seats in the U.S. You will be required by law to use a car or booster seat for any children under the age of 8 while you are in the U.S. So it is important that you know this information. The learning goals of this Unit are:
1.Recognizing the different types of car and booster seats
2.Understanding what type of car or booster seat each age group needs to use
3.Properly installing car and booster seats
Topic 1- Rear Facing Car Seats
It is estimated that 4 out of 5 car seats installed incorrectly. You will need to make sure that you always use and install the car seats for any children you drive.
All car seats must be installed in the back seat of the car. Always ask your host parents how to properly install their car seats as each model is different. There are also several different styles of rear facing car seats and you will need to make sure you understand how to use the car seat your Host Family uses. You can also refer to the instructions included with the car seat for additional help.
When placing a child in the rear facing car seat, you will need to make sure that the buckles are properly secured. Always listen for a snap of each buckle so you know it is locked in place. Tug on each buckle after you have locked it to ensure that it is ensured. Always make sure the harness fits snugly against the child. A snug fit means that you cannot pinch any of the material in the harness over the harness only after the child has been safety buckled in.
Topic 2- Forward Facing Car Street
Once a child is at least one year old and weighs at least 20 pounds , he can be placed in a forward facing car seat. Like the rear facing car seat, a forward facing car seat can be installed using either the latch system or seatbelts, depending on what type of car you will be driving. There are many different kinds of forward facing car seats so you will need to make sure your host parents show you how to properly use theirs.
Toddlers may not want to sit in their car seat and you will be responsible for ensuring every child is buckled in at all times. If a child squirms or is able to release the harness while you are driving, you will need to pull over and secure the car seat again.
Topic 3- Booster Seats
Booster seats are for children about 4-8 years old. Children who weigh 40-80 pounds should use a booster seat. Once a child weighs at least 80 pounds and is at least 4’9’’, he will be able to use a seatbelt instead. Booster seats raise a child up so the seatbelt fits them properly. Booster seats may only be used in the backseat of a car with a lap-shoulder seatbelt. Unlike the forward facing and rear facing car seats, the booster seat does not use the latch system, only the seatbelt. Thread the seatbelt through the grooves on the base of the booster seat. The seatbelt should lay flat across the child’s chest and rest just below the lips, touching the thigh.
Some children may be able to buckle their own seatbelt when they are ole enough to use a booster seat. Always make sure you check the seatbelt to ensure it was installed correctly.
Topic 4- Seatbelts
Everyone in the car will need to be securely buckled in either in a car seat or, once old enough, a seatbelt. In many states in the U.S.,it is illegal to drive a car or have passengers in the car who are mot wearing a seatbelt.
Children who no longer need a booster seat to wear a seatbelt and sit in the backseat until they are 13 years old. Only children 13 and older may sit in the front seat. Set the example for children by wearing your seatbelt at all times. Wearing a seatbelts is not negotiable and you may not begin driving until everyone in the car is safety buckled in.
