Choosing the right type of car seats can help reduce risk of death in infants, children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car seats reduce the risk of death in infants and children by up to 71 percent. Still, for many parents it can be confusing to know which type of car seat to use at which age. Often car seats are not installed correctly, minimizing their effectiveness in protecting children in the event of an accident.

"The number of children who have been killed or injured in motor vehicle accidents has decreased thanks to a wider use of car seats and seat belts. There have been several changes to improve safety and it can be confusing for parents," said Bridget Boyd, MD, pediatrician at Loyola University Health System and assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

A study by the CDC found that 72 percent of car and booster seats were used incorrectly, increasing the risk of a child being severely injured in a crash.

"If your child is shorter than 57 inches, a seat belt will lay across the child's neck and belly. In the event of an accident, this puts pressure on sensitive areas with the potential for serious injuries including spinal cord and abdominal injuries or even death," said Boyd. "No matter how short the trip, if your child is in the car, he or she should be in a child safety seat."

She offers the following tips to help parents keep their kids safe while traveling in the car.

Make sure you have the correct kind of car seat for your child's age, height and weight.
a.Birth to age 2 should be buckled in the back seat in a rear-facing car seat. Car seats have different height and weight limits so check the owner's manual or read the labels to be familiar with those limits.

b.Children age 2-5 should be buckled in the back seat in a forward-facing seat with a harness, often known as a "convertible car seat". Children should remain in these seats while traveling until at least 5 years old or have outgrown the upper weight and height limit for the seat.

c.Children who have outgrown the forward-facing with harness seat should remain in the back seat in a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thigh, not stomach, and the shoulder bet lies across the chest, not the neck.

d.Most seat belts are made to properly fit a person who is over 57 inches or 4 feet 9 inches. Though your child may no longer need a booster seat it is safest to keep him or her in buckled in the back seat and he or she should never sit in the front if younger than 13 years.

Make sure the car seat is installed and used correctly.
a.Read the car seat instructions and your vehicle owner's manual thoroughly before attempting to install the seat into the car.

b.Never put a car seat in the front seat of a car.

c.Have a professional ensure the seat is installed correctly. Most police stations will check and install the car seat for free or visit www.seatcheck.org to find a safety seat inspection site close to you.

d.After placing a child in a car seat, make sure the harness is level with the shoulders and the straps are secure and tight.

If possible, avoid buying a used car seat.
a.Car seats are expensive, but they can save your child's life. A previously owned car seat should be used only if you are certain it has never been in an accident and has all parts including instructions.

b.Seats that are six or more years old should not be used.

Set an example.
a.Always wear your seat belt. Studies show that 40 percent of drivers without seat belts had unrestrained children passengers as well.

b.Never drink and drive. More than two-thirds of fatally injured children were killed while riding with a drunk driver.

"Car seats and seat belts really could mean the difference between life and death for kids and parents," said Boyd. "Many of us remember running to the car yelling, 'first' to nab the front seat, but it's safest to not even let the front seat be an option for kids, even if they are older. Being a good role model and talk about safety with your kids. It can make a world of difference."