Child Safety Seat Guidelines for Colorado

We want you to feel safe when your nanny takes you child in a car. The winter months in Colorado have added safety issues to the roadways. Take a look at the guidelines below to help you feel better when your little one leaves home!

Rear-Facing Car Seats -or- Infants: If the child is less than 1 year of age and weighs less than 20 pounds, the child shall be properly restrained in a rear-facing child restraint system in a rear seat of the vehicle.

Forward-Facing Car Seats & Boosters -or- Small Children: If the child is 1 year of age or older, but less than 4 years of age, and weighs less than 40 pounds, but at least 20 pounds, the child shall be properly restrained in a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint system.

Booster Seats & Seat Belts -or- Bigger Kiddos:  Properly secured in a child restraint system, such as a booster seat, according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Wondering what the national recommendations are? Here’s what is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Rear Facing Car Seats: Infants and babies from birth to 12 months should always be in rear facing car seats. Children 1 to 3 years old should be in rear-facing car seats as long as possible per the height and weight requirements of the car seat.

Forward Facing Car Seats: If your child between the ages of 1 and 3 years old exceeds height and/or weight limits, your child is ready for a forward facing car seat. Children between the ages of 4 and 7 years old should remain in a forward facing booster seat for as long as possible.

Booster Seat: If your child between the ages of 4 and 7 years old exceeds height and/or weight limits, your child is ready for a booster seat. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old should remain in a forward facing car seat for as long as possible, until they properly fit into a car’s seat belt.

Seat Belt: Children over 8 years old can use a seat belt as long as it fits properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember, your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.