Child Safety Seat 101

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Your child safety seat is more than likely installed and being used incorrectly. That’s according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ABC Columbia has safety details before hitting the road. Police say 80%-90% of child restraints are put in or used incorrectly. So, age and weight are crucial factors for a perfect fit. For infants, birth to one year of age, you need a rear facing seat installed using the latch/anchor system. For a child one to six years of age, 20-40 pounds, officers say a front facing seat is required. Finally, for the growing child, a booster seat. it can be used for a child ages one to six, 40-80 pounds. It lifts the child up in the correct position so you can use the manufactured seat belt. If the instruction manual and directions on the side of the safety seat, find a child safety seat technician to steer you in the right direction. You may contact your local law enforcement headquarters or SafeKids Midlands at safekidsmidlands.org, (803) 434-2955, or Buckle Buddies at bucklebuddiessc.org, 1-888-RU-SC-BUDDY.