What Age and Weight Must a Child Be to Sit in the Front Seat of a Car? And Other Car Seat Safety Tips
Keeping kids safe in the car is a top priority for parents and caregivers. Understanding the rules for when children can sit in the front seat and how to use car seats properly is essential. In this blog, we’ll cover when it’s safe for children to sit in the front seat, Colorado’s car seat laws, and important car seat safety tips for every age group. Our personal injury attorneys can help you in times of your need.
At What Age Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat?
In Colorado, the law recommends that children stay in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old. The back seat is the safest place for children because airbags in the front seat can be dangerous for younger passengers. Even if a child uses a car seat or booster seat, the force of an airbag deploying in a crash can cause serious injury.
Why Is the Back Seat Safer?
The back seat is further away from the impact of a crash, which makes it safer for children. Airbags in the front seat are designed for adults and can cause serious injuries to kids, even in a minor accident. Keeping your child in the back seat significantly reduces the risk of injury.
Colorado Car Seat Laws
To ensure your child is properly protected, it’s important to follow Colorado’s car seat laws. These laws are based on the child’s age, weight, and height to make sure they are using the right type of car seat for their size:
- Infants (Under 1 Year Old and Less Than 20 Pounds):
- Must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
- The car seat should be installed in the back seat and reclined at the correct angle to support the baby’s head and neck.
- Toddlers (1 to 3 Years Old and Over 20 Pounds):
- Should continue to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow it.
- Once they have outgrown their rear-facing seat, switch to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
- Preschoolers (4 to 7 Years Old):
- Should ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they outgrow it.
- After outgrowing the forward-facing seat, they should transition to a booster seat.
- School-Age Children (8 to 12 Years Old):
- Should use a booster seat until they are big enough for the vehicle’s seat belt to fit properly.
- They can move to a seat belt when they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and the seat belt fits correctly across the shoulder and lap.
How to Ensure the Seat Belt Fits Properly
For a seat belt to protect your child in a crash, it must fit properly:
- Lap Belt: The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
- Shoulder Belt: The shoulder belt should go across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
If the seat belt doesn’t fit correctly, your child should continue using a booster seat.
Additional Car Seat Safety Tips
- Install the Car Seat Correctly: Read the car seat manual and follow the instructions carefully. A correctly installed car seat is much safer in a crash. You can also visit a local car seat inspection station to have a certified technician check your installation.
- Replace Car Seats After a Crash: If you’ve been in a crash, even a minor one, you should replace the car seat. The impact can cause damage that you might not be able to see.
- Check for Recalls: Make sure your car seat has not been recalled. You can register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications.
- Keep the Car Seat Clean: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to ensure the safety features of the car seat aren’t damaged by harsh cleaning agents.
- Dress Your Child Appropriately: Bulky coats can interfere with the harness of the car seat. Use a blanket over the harness to keep your child warm in cold weather instead.
- Never Leave Children Alone in the Car: It can get dangerously hot or cold inside a car very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel extreme outside. Always take your child with you.
Why Is Car Seat Safety Important?
Car seat safety is crucial because car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for children. Using the right car seat and following safety guidelines greatly reduces the risk of serious injury. It’s important to choose the right car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height, and to use it correctly every time you travel.
Need Help After a Car Accident? Contact Jordan Law
If you or your child has been injured in a car accident, it’s important to get legal help right away. At Jordan Law, we specialize in personal injury cases and can help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help protect your family.
