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Motor vehicle crashes are on of the leading causes of death for young
children. A minor crash or even a sudden stop can seriously injure
a child who is not riding in the right type of child safety seat.
You can reduce the risk by having your child
always ride in a properly fastened and secured safety seat.
When is a child big enough to wear an
adult safety belt?
- Tall enough to sit without slouching, by Massachusetts law over
57"
- Shoulder belt rest comfortably across the shoulder and chest,
not the neck or throat
- Lap belt fits securely, low and snug on hips
- Sits with back and buttocks against seat
- Knees completely bent over edge of seat
- Feet are flat on the floor
- Stays comfortably seated
Summary - Massachusetts Child
Passenger Safety Law (as of 07/10/08)
- Children must be in a federally approved child passenger
restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8
years old OR over 57" tall
- Children ages 8 through 12 must wear a properly fastened safety
belt
- A police officer can stop your vehicle if a child age 12 or
under is not properly restrained
Use this chart as a general guide to what
safety seat your child should ride in. See seat and vehicle
manufacturers' instructions for details
| |
Weight/Height |
Type of Seat |
| Infants - Birth to a minimum of 1 year |
Up to 20-22 lbs or maximum weight limit of seat |
Infant seat or rear-facing convertible |
| Toddlers - 1 to 4 years |
20-40 lbs or maximum weight limit of seat |
Convertible or forward-facing |
| Young Children - 5 to 7 years |
41 lbs. to 57" |
Belt positioning booster seat |
| Child - 8 to 12 years |
Greater than 57" |
Seat Belt |
- Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat.
Follow vehicle manufacturers' warnings about seating of children
near airbags.
- IMPORTANT: Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front
of an airbag.
- Never place a shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.
- Set a good example - 70% of children whose parents do not buckle
up will not buckle up when they become adults. Wear your
safety belt every time! Massachusetts law requires everyone to
buckle up.
- Any object in a vehicle can become a projectile in a crash.
Use a trunk or cargo area to properly store loose items.
- Learn to properly use your child's safety seat by reviewing the
seat and vehicle manufacturer's instruction. If you still need
assistance, find a Child Passenger Safety Technician at
www.mass.gov/childsafetyseats or call 1-877-392-5956 or TTY
1-617-725-0261.
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