Traffic Division
Child Safety Seats
    
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 pounds. |
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.
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