Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats
Contents
1. 2 May use this car seat with a side air bag in a back seat 3 My child fits in the harness but weighs 43 pounds Can keep using this car seat 4 Should use LATCH or the seat belt 5 Dol have to use the tether 6 My child climbs out of the car seat What should do Page 9 9 S e J C rmm EL oO O 2 2 D TI 2 Q gt T Q 2 m Ce Q o D Q r N A Progress Check Identify Forward Facing Car Seat Errors and Consequences 1 Examine each photograph to determine if the forward facing car seat is fitted properly 2 If not fitted properly identify the errors and consequences to the child Error Consequences Error Consequences Error Consequences Page 9 10 Progress Check Identify Forward Facing Car Seat Errors and Consequences continued Error Consequences Error Consequences Page 9 11 lt O UO Cc ITI To 2 Q 5 D TI 2 D oe o TI o 2 To 2 A _ o D Ri r T Practice Activity Identify Misuse with Car Seats Identify misuse with several car seats 1 In small groups carefully examine the information about the child s age height and weight Also check car seat labels that have been set up in the classroom Take notes on what you discover regarding car seat misuse for each scenario Use the sample checklists provided below to record your ans2. above the child s shoulders Refer to the car seat manufacturer instructions MV The harness straps placed over the shoulders and buckled at the crotch IV The retainer clip at armpit level Page 9 3 Practice Activity Adjust a Harness and Locate the Belt Path In small groups adjust a harness for height and weight limits A child doll and card with age weight and height will be assigned to your group ie Working with a forward facing car seat and doll move the harness to a different harness slot Adjust the harness to loosen and tighten Adjust the car seat harness so it fits the doll Identify the location of the harness adjustments Identify the forward facing seat belt path lower anchor attachment belt path and tether strap on the car seat 5 Adjust the car seat to either the upright or forward facing recline position if allowed by the manufacturer 6 Answer the following questions Questions 1 Is the harness adjustment in the front or on the back of the car seat 2 Is it easy to read labels and instruction manual locate and identify harness adjustment lock offs etc 3 Where are the lower anchors and tether stored when not in use 5 STEPS FOR FORWARD FACING CAR SEAT USE The following is an application of 5 steps to forward facing car seat use 1 3 Selection Choose the Right Car Seat As with all car seats select the one that is right for the child s height weight develo
3. can stabilize a car seat and limit head movement the family Unused seat belts may e NEVER place noodles or towels behind or under a be within reach of a forward facing car seat unless allowed by the child when a car seat is manufacturer installed with lower connectors Technicians General methods to obtain a tight installation include should educate the 1 Place the car seat on the selected vehicle seat in the caregiver to evaluate proper direction ensuring that the angle adjustment is in the risk of entanglement the correct position for the child from unused seat belts Secure unused seat belts as directed by the vehicle manufacturer 2 Place the seat belt or lower anchor webbing through the car seat belt path as directed by the manufacturer eo J Cc i EL 2 2 42 TI 2 Q E TI Q 2 Q Q o eg Q r n 3 Buckle and lock the seat belt or secure lower anchors Encourage caregivers to 4 Place your hand in the car seat and use leverage to use the tether with a compress the car seat into the vehicle seat cushion while forward facing car seat tightening the seat belt or lower anchors whenever possible whether installing with 5 Tighten to ensure the seat does not move more than the seat belt or lower 1 inch when testing at the belt path anchors 6 Identify the vehicle tether anchor Attach and tighten the Show caregivers how to tether strap place
4. lower anchors 7 Test again for a tight installation through a forward facing belt path Explain the importance of storing the LATCH attachments Page 9 5 VIDEO Install a Forward Facing Car Seat HOW TO TEST THE INSTALLATION Record steps you observe to install a forward facing car seat e To test the installation with a harness using a seat belt grip the car seat at or near the belt path and pull on the car seat e There should be no more than 1 inch of side to side or forward o movement at the belt Taa path e Tighten the harness straps snugly You a should NOT be able to Oe pinch excess webbing at the shoulders once the harness is buckled and 4 tightened What do you need to take into account when using the lower anchors to secure the car seat Page 9 6 Common Forward Facing Installation Errors Caregivers make the following common forward facing installation errors e A seat belt or lower anchor attachment that is too loose or not locked e A rear facing only car seat that is forward facing e Seat belt or lower anchor attachments routed incorrectly through the wrong belt path e Recline angle not adjusted appropriately for forward facing direction e Using two seat belts or using a seat belt and lower anchor attachments together unless allowed by the car seat and the vehicle manufacturers e Incorrect use of lower anchors and tether not installing lower anchor attachments to the correct designa
5. mature enough for a booster seat e With forward facing only car seats the weight limits can vary Some have higher harness weight limits than other forward facing car seats e itis important to research and remain aware of currently available car seats with higher weight harnesses LARGE MEDICAL SEATS AND VESTS Large medical seats vests and harnesses may help children with behavioral issues weak muscles excess weight or other situations when a conventional car seat cannot be used e Large medical seats are designed for occupants who require supplemental positioning support from a car seat beyond that offered by a conventional restraint Typically large medical seats will fit occupants weighing up to 102 to 135 pounds a few go higher e There are different vests available in different sizes for use as restraints In order to use a vest a child must have good head control Some products are made just for school bus use e Itis important for families to work with an occupational therapist OT or physical therapist PT to evaluate a child s positioning needs and determine which restraint provides the best positioning options for the child e Heavy duty tethers are sometimes required e Always follow the manufacturer instructions INTEGRATED SEATS e Some vehicles have seats restraints built into the vehicle Check the vehicle owner s manual for instructions and weight limits e Many integrated seats face forw
6. MODULE National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program 9 Children in Forward Facing Car Seats l OBJECTIVES e Describe when children should travel forward facing e Identify types of forward facing car seats e Apply 5 steps for forward facing car seat use e Explain best practices about forward facing car seats to caregivers e Identify forward facing car seat errors and consequences WHEN CHILDREN SHOULD TRAVEL FORWARD FACING Children should e Remain in a rear facing car seat until reaching the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer e Ride in a forward facing car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer usually until they are between ages 4 to 7 e It is dangerous to exceed height or weight limits There are five types of forward facing car seats convertible combination forward facing only large medical seats or vests and integrated seats NOTE There are always car seats that do not fit into these categories For example there are car seats that rear face forward face and then become booster seats FORWARD FACING CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT e Manufacturer instructions for many car seats recommend they be in the upright position when used forward facing e Some manufacturers meet testing standards with their seat in a forward facing semi reclined position as well as fully upright Consider this position if
7. ard Some can be used as a booster seat They CANNOT be moved e Some have a 5 point harness e Integrated seats as with other car seats may need to be replaced after a vehicle collision if webbing is frayed or Integrated seat parts are missing or broken Check the vehicle owner s manual for instructions e Caregivers should call the service department of the vehicle dealership and ask to be given information in the repair section of the service manual about replacing car seat parts HARNESS FIT Tighten harness straps snugly A snug harness lies flat and passes the pinch test Bulky clothing can interfere with proper TIPS FOR DISCUSSING harness fit HARNESS FIT e Some car seats have unusual belt paths or routing instructions e Bulky jackets can be put on backwards over child s arms Harness slot and torso after the harness is secured reinforcement and eo J Cc rmm EL CO 2 2 42 TI 2 Q gt TI Q 2 Q Q o eg Q r e e Avoid bulky clothing or padding behind the child s head back or under buttocks structures that look like reinforcement may not e Place blankets over and around the child after the harness is snug be visible Children should sit with The only way to know for certain is to read the V Their back and bottom flat against the car seat back manufacturer V The harness placed through proper slots usually at or instructions
8. ctly Harness snug enough i a faa i la a ZI ee Car Seat Installation Installed in seating position with active front or side air bag Best seating position being used Correct forward or rear facing position Correct recline angle used Seat belt routed correctly Seat belt locked Lower attachments used correctly Tether installed and used correctly Installation tight enough EEE INA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Page 9 8 eee Explain Best Practices About Forward Facing Car Seats There are key questions to answer related to forward facing car seats Explain and demonstrate best practices to caregivers Key Questions V What are the age weight and height of the child MV What does the car seat owner s manual or label say about the minimum and maximum weights and heights for the child using this car seat V What type of forward facing car seat is this V Is the car seat facing the right way in the vehicle M Considering everyone who rides in this vehicle is the car seat in the best seating position V Is the car seat secured by a seat belt or with lower anchor attachments V Is the car seat installed tightly V Is the tether used if present able Best Practices Answer the following questions to prepare for conversations you will have with caregivers to educate them about forward facing car seats 1 My child is two years old and weighs 39 pounds Which car seat should buy
9. pmental levels AND that a caregiver can use correctly Direction Face the Car Seat the Right Way A child should be kept in a forward facing car seat with a harness until reaching the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer This is generally between the ages of 4 to 7 Location Install the Car Seat in an Appropriate Location in the Vehicle e As with rear facing car seats while there may be many seating positions in a vehicle not all may be suitable for installing a car seat e As long as the car seat fits the rear center seating position may be safer because it is furthest from impact and intrusion from any direction However some rear center positions are not usable and many families transport more than one child e Weight limits on lower anchors and tether anchors can affect the seating position choice Each vehicle manufacturer sets these weight limits Check the vehicle owner s manual or most current LATCH Manual if available for individual vehicle limits 4 Installation Secure the Car Seat to the Vehicle in the Right Way e Consider seating positions with seat belts that can be locked locking latchplate switchable or automatic TIPS FOR DISCUSSING locking retractors or approved lower anchor positions for Eze AAN eR car seat use SEATS e A tether increases safety by limiting forward movement Always discuss the transportation needs of and rotation of the car seat Using the tether strap
10. ted lower anchor bars or attaching the connectors upside down e Not using the appropriate tether anchor or using it when it should not be used e Locking clip installed incorrectly e Installing a car seat with lower anchors in a seating position that is not a designated LATCH position e Installing a seat with LATCH when the child weighs more than the vehicle and or car seat LATCH weight limits 5 Harnessing Place the Child Correctly in the Car Seat There are four steps for correctly harnessing a child in a car seat S eo J Cc i EL 2 2 42 TI 2 Q gt TI Q 2 Q Q o eg Q r e 1 Place the child all the way back in the car seat 2 Put the harness straps over the shoulders and buckle at the crotch The harness holds the child back against the car seat so he or she does not slide out in a crash The crotch strap keeps the child from moving forward 3 Tighten the harness straps snugly You should NOT be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulders once the harness is buckled 4 Secure and place the harness retainer clip at armpit level Common Forward Facing Harnessing Errors Caregivers make the following common forward facing harnessing errors e Harness not used child just sitting in the car seat e Harness straps are too loose e Retainer clip not at armpit level e Harness routed through the wrong slots NOTE Harness may look as though it is properly rou
11. ted through the pad but it may not be routed correctly through the shell e Harness is twisted or incorrectly routed e Harness not placed on the child correctly e Harness is frayed or damaged e Metal adjuster not flush with a slot or out of position e Crotch strap is adjusted too long or not through slot closest to the child Practice Activity Select and Install Forward Facing Car Seats Select and install car seats by a child s age height and weight A child card with age weight height will be assigned 1 Your group becomes the caregivers of a child with a specific age height and weight 2 Select the correct car seat for the child adjust the harness straps and angle and determine the belt path Work together to install your car seat Document retractor and latchplate types and how your vehicle seat belt locks If you identify any errors document them in the second and third charts Seat to Install How Does the Vehicle Seat Belt Lock Instructor Initials Forward Retractor facing convertible Latchplate How does it lock Combination Retractor seat with Latchplate harness j How does it lock Your choice Retractor Latchplate How does it lock Car Seat Harnessing Harness slots used are best for child s age and size Parts present and in good condition Straps around frame shell and through slots correctly Straps and harness fit correctly Retainer clip positioned corre
12. the child has special needs or if seat belts cannot be made tight when the car seat is upright e Some harness systems are approved for use to 40 pounds but the marketplace is changing and now includes more seats with higher weight limit harnesses e A 5 point harness provides more protection for a child than a booster seat with a lap and shoulder seat belt e Read the owner s manual to ensure correct Forward facing convertible car seat use of the belt path and harness slots FORWARD FACING COMBINATION CAR SEAT The forward facing combination car seat is used with a harness until a certain height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer is reached The harness must then be removed or stored e Make sure the mid point of the back of head or top of ears are NOT above the top of the shell or as directed by the car seat manufacturer Forward facing e The backs of all combination seats are reinforced Any combination car seat harness slot can be used as long as it is at or above the child s shoulders e This car seat does not have air bag warning labels because combination car seats are forward facing only and most have a lower weight limit of 20 pounds e Once the harness is removed this seat can then be used as a belt positioning booster seat FORWARD FACING ONLY CAR SEATS Forward facing only car seats are sometimes used for children with special health needs or for heavier children who are not behaviorally
13. wers for at least one of the scenarios Car Seat Selection Car Seat Used O Rear facing only O Convertible O Forward facing with harness O High back booster O Backless booster Car seat type best for age size Y N NA Car seat manufacturer Car seat model name Model Mfg date a Under recall Y N NA Car Seat Use Type of hamess best for age and size LY IN NAL Parts present and good condition vnm Straps around frame shell and through slots corecty v nfm Straps and hames fit corecty vnm Retainer cip positioned coreey vinim Hames adjustment mechanism locked vnm Hamesssngenoun SSS NN Correct front facing position Y N NA Correct recline angle used Y N NA Page 9 12 Progress Check and Summary 1 How do you determine which harness slots to use for a forward facing child 2 What is the correct way to secure a child in a forward facing car seat 3 How do you find the correct belt path S eo J C rmm EL cO O 2 2 D TI 2 Q gt T Q 2 m Ce Q o D Q r N 4 How tightly should a forward facing car seat be installed 5 What is the benefit of using a tether Page 9 13 Page 9 14
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