Occupants of all ages should be properly restrained in a moving vehicle. Because children are smaller than adults, regular seat belts do not protect them well until they are bigger. Children need to ride in a car seat or booster seat that is installed correctly and used the right way. 

According to Safe Kids Worldwide®:

• Car crashes are one of the leading causes of preventable death and injuries to children ages 1-13 years in the United States.
• Correctly using car seats can lower the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.
• More than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly.

Types of Car Seats

Rear-Facing Car Seat
Babies and very young children should ride in a rear-facing car seat. This type of car seat has a 5-point harness and protects the child’s head, neck, and spine by moving with them in a crash. Rear-facing is the safest way for a young child to ride.

Forward-Facing Car Seat
A child can move to a forward-facing car seat once they outgrow their rear-facing car seat. Forward-facing car seats also have a 5-point harness and a tether that keeps the child from moving forward too much in a crash. For the best protection, keep your child in a forward-facing car seat until they reach the seat’s height and weight limits.

Booster Seat
When a child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, they usually need a booster seat. A booster seat helps the lap and shoulder belt fit properly. Booster seats should never be used with a lap-only seat belt. Use the seat belt guide that comes with the booster seat to make sure the seat belt sits across the child’s shoulder and chest. Keep your child in a booster seat until they are big enough for the seat belt to fit correctly on its own.

Seat Belt
Many children are ready to use only a seat belt when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall. A proper seat belt fit means:

• The lap belt lies across the upper thighs/low hips, not the stomach.
• The shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face.

Review this video about the seat belt fit test to learn more. Safety experts recommend children ride in the back seat until at least age 13. The back seat is the safest place for kids.

Minnesota Law

Minnesota’s updated Child Passenger Safety Law went into effect August 1, 2024. It follows the best practice recommendations to keep children safe in cars. The law says kids must stay in their car seat or booster seat as long as possible—until they reach either the seat’s height limit or weight limit, whichever comes first. Visit Buckle Up Minnesota to learn more.

Car Seat Checks

Carver County Public Health has certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) who can help you install your car seat. Please call (952) 361-1329 to request an appointment, or find a certified CPST near you. You can also visit an upcoming car seat inspection event.

Need a Car Seat for Your Child

Carver County Public Health provides free car seats to families who meet certain income guidelines. Children and pregnant women who are enrolled in Medical Assistance may also be able to get a free car seat through their health insurance provider. Call us at (952) 361-1329 to learn more.

More Resources

• Buckle Up Minnesota
• Check for Recalls
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Safe Kids Worldwide®
• The Ultimate Car Seat Guide