When to Change From a Car Seat to a Booster Seat
Be careful not to switch from a car seat to a booster seat or seat belt too soon. Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. The harness keeps your child secure during normal driving as well as in a crash. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
Washington State law says that children younger than 13 should sit in the back seat. The back seat is the safest place for all children to ride.
Questions?
Visit The Safety Restraint Coalition or call the Safety Restraint Coalition 1-800-BUCK-L-UP (1-800-282-5587)
Begin to Teach Your Child Street Safety
Stay close to your child and hold his or her hand when you are near moving or parked cars. At this age, children:
- Move fast and can run into the street without warning.
- Don't know safety rules and need grown-ups to look out for them.
- Are small and hard for drivers to see, especially when they're backing up.
- Can't judge how fast a car is moving or how close or far away it is.
Keep your child away from traffic. Fenced yards, parks, or playgrounds are good places to ride and play. Set a good example. When walking, talk to your child about street safety. Show your child how to cross the street safely but remember that your child is still too young to do this by himself.
Begin to Teach Your Child About Being Safe
The best way to keep your young child safe is to make sure he or she is always with you or another adult you trust. At age three, your child is not able to tell the difference between who is a stranger and who is a friend. Make sure your child knows that she should always check with you before going anywhere with anyone. Read the booklet "Personal Safety for Children: A Guide for Parents (PDF)."
Know First Aid and Child CPR
Emergency skills give you practical ways to help a child who is injured or choking. Learn these skills before you need them! To find out about first aid or child CPR classes, call your local fire department, health department, American Red Cross chapter, or hospital. Visit the American Heart Association to find a class. Make sure your child care provider also has this training.