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Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 overall cause of death for children 14 and under. A properly fitting car seat is one of the most important ways to keep your child safe from injury. Our car seat glossary defines the various terms to help you make the right purchase.
2 Point and 3 Point Seat BeltsA two point seat belt is a simple lap belt. A three point seat belt has a lap belt as well as a belt that crosses the shoulder and attaches to a buckle next to the hip. 3 Point and 5 Point Child Restraint HarnessA three point harness has three attachment points, two at the shoulder and one between the legs. A five point harness has five attachment points, two at the shoulder, two at the hips, and one between the legs. Base of Child SeatThe base of the child seat is the lower portion that rests on the seat of the car. Many infant seats have a detachable base which can be installed in the car allowing the child seat to be taken in and out easily without having to install it anew each time. Booster SeatThis type of seat is intended for the transition period after the child has outgrown a convertible or forward-facing seat (the child weighs more than 40 pounds) but is not yet ready for a regular seat belt. Children no longer need a booster when: their legs bend at the knees at the edge of the seat, they are mature enough to remain seated with their backs flat against the back of the seat, the lap belt sits high on the thighs or low on the hips and is not against the stomach, the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest (not the arms or neck). A child usually outgrows a booster at the age of 8 years or is 4' 9" tall. Combination Forward-Facing/Booster SeatThis seat is used as a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for children weighing 20-40 pounds and then used without the harness as a booster for children weighing up to 80 pounds or as specified on the seat. Convertible Child Safety SeatA convertible child safety seat can be used in more than one direction; rear-facing for infants weighing less than 20 pounds and forward-facing for toddlers weighing 20-40 pounds. Forward-Facing Child RestraintThis seat is designed to be used in the forward facing position only, for children weighing from 20-40 pounds. A convertible or front-facing seat with a 5-point harness is the safest option for children from 30-40 pounds who are not too tall for the car seat. Infant Car SeatAn infant car seat is used for babies weighing less than 20 pounds in a semi-reclined, rear-facing position. Integrated Child SeatThis is a forward facing restraint or booster built into a vehicle seat. Some have a full harness and hold children weighing more than 20 pounds, others are belt-positioning boosters for use with the adult shoulder and lap belts. Rear-Facing Infant Car SeatThis car seat is designed to be used in the rear facing position only for infants up to 20 pounds. Never place a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat with a front passenger air bag. Stroller SystemThis is a combination car seat and stroller. The seat is removed from the stroller frame and wheels and used as a car safety seat when traveling. When removed from the car and reinserted into the stroller frame it converts into a regular stroller. T-ShieldThe t-shield is a triangular or "t" shaped pad that is attached to the shoulder harness straps that fits over the child's stomach and hips and buckles between the legs. |
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