Most times, we travel with our kids to different places like shopping malls, or even holidays. Given the playful nature of kids, it is vital to strap them to their seats not only to limit their movement but also to reduce the gravity of their injuries in case of an accident. 

Some states like Florida emphasize the importance of child safety by creating laws that govern their safety when traveling by car. For instance, the state requires children under the age of five years to be restrained to their seats while traveling by car. On the other hand, children older than six years are required to use a shoulder or lap belt. Failure to adhere to these safety measures can result in heavy fines. 

Despite the importance of child safety, some parents fail to observe child safety measures during their car travels. A study by the Orlando Fire Department showed that out of every three children, one rides in an incorrect safety seat for their age. So, which is the most ideal seat for your kid? Well, below are some tips to help you discern which seat is appropriate for your kid and how best to install them. 

The ideal seat for your child

It is important to ensure that your child is safely strapped when on your road travels. The type of safety seat that suits your kid depends on how old they are. Here is a breakdown of the type of seats recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Infants below 12 Months 

Rear-facing car seats are used to safeguard kids who are less than one year old. These seats support the head, neck, and spine of the baby, and can also absorb shock in case of an accident. You can choose between a 3-in-1 rear seat, convertible seats, or those that only face the rear. 

Ages 1-3

Check your car seat instructions to determine whether your child is tall enough to ride in a front-facing seat. Otherwise, kids in this age bracket should sit in a rare facing seat during their car travels. 

Age 4-7

Kids in this age bracket can start using the front-facing car seats. Nonetheless, they should be upgraded to booster seats when they attain the height and weight needed for these seats. 

Age 8-12

At this age bracket, your child is mature enough to use booster seats. They can also be allowed to seat on the back seats with the belts strapped on to secure them. 

How to correctly install a child safety set 

While finding a suitable car seat for your child is vital, this is only the first step in ensuring their safety. The other step, which is just as important, involves installing the car seats correctly. Luckily, the process is easy to follow and takes no more than 30 minutes. 

Contact the best personal injury attorneys in Orlando

In case you and /or your kid gets injuries in a car accident,  you should seek advice from an experienced car accident attorney. The attorney will examine the details of your case and the extent of your injuries to ensure you get fair compensation.