Car Seat Safety

The Alton Police Department is a NHTSA Certified Chilid Safety Seat Inspection Station. Contact the Traffic Division to scedule a time to have a child safety seat inspected for proper fit and installation.

General Child Seat Use Information:

Age/Weight	Seat Type/Position	Usage Tips
Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs.	Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing. Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.	* Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. * Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. * Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. * Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). * Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs.	Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants). Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.	* Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. * Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. * Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. * Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). * Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs.	Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness. Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.	* Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. * Harness straps/slots at or above child's shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats). * Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4'9" (57") tall.	Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.	* Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. * Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. * Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)