Introduction
As a parent or caregiver, ensuring the safety of your child while they are riding in a car is of utmost importance. New York State has established strict regulations regarding child safety seats and restraints to prevent accidents and protect children from injury. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of child safety seats required by New York State, the age guidelines, and the proper installation and use of these seats.
Child Safety Seats
New York State requires that children under the age of eight must be restrained in an appropriate child safety restraint system. An appropriate child restraint system includes a child safety seat, harness, vest, or a booster seat. The vehicle's safety belt alone is not a child restraint system.
###婴儿座椅
Infant seats are designed for children weighing 22 pounds or less and are less than 25 inches tall. These seats must always face the rear of the motor vehicle and cannot be positioned facing forward or placed in the front seat.
可转换的儿童安全座椅
Convertible child safety seats are designed for infants or toddlers that weigh less than 40 pounds. For toddlers older than two years, the seat can face forward if they meet weight and height requirements. Always follow the manufacturer's directives when using these seats.
加强型座椅
Booster seats are designed for children aged 4 to 8 years old, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds, and are under 4 feet, 9 inches in height. These seats provide the necessary lift for the lap and shoulder belt to fit properly, reducing the risk of injury in a crash by 59% compared to using safety belts alone.
Age Guidelines
New York State requires that children ride in an age-appropriate restraint system until they turn 8 years old. This includes children in infant seats, convertible child safety seats, and booster seats.
年龄划分考虑因素
When choosing a booster seat, it is important to consider the child's height, weight, and proportion. Most kids need to ride in a booster seat from about age four until ages 10 to 12 years.
Proper Installation and Use
安装指南
To fit properly in your vehicle, a booster seat must: Always be used with a lap and shoulder belt, Position the lap and shoulder belt correctly on your child's body, Not hang over the edge of the vehicle seat, Not rock or tilt due to contoured or uneven vehicle seats, Fit against the vehicle seat back, and Not get in the way or make it difficult for other passengers to use their safety belts.
使用技巧
Always follow the manufacturer's directions for the booster seat and your vehicle owner's manual when using the booster seat with your child. Always use a lap and shoulder belt and make sure the belts fit properly. Check the seat belt fit when your child sits in the booster with his back against the back of the seat, and the lap belt should lie flat across the top of the thighs, not on the belly, and the shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and contact the body.
在后座使用
It is recommended to use a booster seat in the back seat, where your child is best protected from a side-impact crash. If your vehicle has only a lap belt in the center back seat, never use a booster seat with only a lap belt.
##Ensuring your child is properly restrained in a car seat is essential for their safety. By following the regulations set forth by New York State and following the manufacturer's instructions, you can help protect your child from injury on the road. If you need additional help or have any questions, contact your local law enforcement agency or visit a Child Safety Seat Check Up event or Child Safety Seat Fitting Station near you.
