Disclosure: If you have any questions about your child and their car seat please consult with a Licensed Car Seat Technician, you can find one here: http://cert.safekids.org/
One of my BIGGEST worries of being a parent or caregiver is car seat safety. {I think my friends might think I am slightly obsessed… and yes I see you roll your eyes at me, it’s okay, I still love you.}
And considering that most accidents occur within 5 miles of home, “It’s just a short trip” doesn’t cut it.
You can be the best driver in the world, but you can’t control anyone else but yourself, chances are if you are in an accident, it won’t be your fault but that doesn’t change the fact that the accident occurred. It certainly won’t bring your child back to life should he/she be killed because they were improperly secured in a car seat. (Or not secured at all, gasp.)
So what is the current Michigan Law say about securing children in the car?
- Children younger than age 4 to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.
- Children to be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.
Current APA Recommendations – Not Current Michigan Law |
A word about choosing the right car seat: it isn’t a race to the top. Children in rear facing car seats are 5 times safer than forward facing. The goal is to keep children rear facing as long as possible. Many seats will rear face up to 40 pounds.
Want to find out everything you ever wanted to know about car seats and more? Check out
http://thecarseatlady.com/
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.