Fire Services

Safety Programs and Services

Infant Car Seats

Who are they for?

For newborns and infants up to 17-22 pounds or 25-29 inches in height, depending on the specific model. However, the top of your infant’s head should not be more than one inch from the top of the shell to ensure proper protection. This may occur before your infant reaches the weight or height limits of the seat. If this does occur, your infant has outgrown the seat and must be moved to a rear-facing convertible seat. Babies must ride rear-facing until at least 1 year of age and over 20 pounds, however, we recommend the infant remains rear-facing as long as possible without exceeding the car seat manufacturers limits.

What direction do they face?

Infant seats are installed rear-facing only. They are designed to be reclined. The correct recline angle is no more than about 45 degrees from vertical.

What type of shoulder harness?

Harnesses are only available in 5-Point and must be threaded at or slightly below shoulder level.

Any other features?

Various infant seats are available with a detachable base. Some can be installed with or without the base (read manufacturer’s instructions). Most infant seats that have a carrying handle, the manufacturer requires the handle to be in the down position when installed in the vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions as well as the instructions for your vehicle.

Convertible Car Seats

Who are they for?

For newborns and children weighing up to 40 pounds or 40 inches in height, depending on the specific model and date of manufacture.

Which direction do they face?

Convertible seats can be installed both rear and forward facing. If they are installed for use in rear-facing, be sure car seat is reclined no more than about 45 degrees from vertical. Babies must ride rear-facing until at least 1 year of age and over 20 pounds, however we recommend the infant remains rear-facing as long as possible without exceeding the car seat manufacturers limits. Convertible seats have different rear facing weight limits, which vary from 20-35 pounds.

Once your baby is ready to be forward-facing, the seat is installed forward facing, fully upright and usually the maximum weight limit on this type of seat is 40 pounds or 40 inches in height.

What type of shoulder harness?

When using this seat rear-facing, the shoulder harness must be threaded at or slightly below shoulder level. When using the seat forward-facing, the shoulder harness must be threaded at or slightly above shoulder level in a reinforced position. Generally, this is the top harness slots. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well as the instructions for your vehicle.

Forward Facing & Combination Seats

Who are they for?

Children over one year of age. Minimum weights vary from 20-30 pounds, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Which direction do they face?

Forward only.

What type of shoulder harness?

Most harnesses have a 40-pound weight limit, however, there are forward-facing seats available with harnesses that can accommodate a child beyond 40 pounds. Generally, the entire restraint back is reinforced, and the harness must be threaded at or slightly above shoulder level. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Any other features?

The combination seat can convert to a belt positioning booster after your child reaches 40 pounds. The internal harness is removed from the seat and the child is restrained by the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. When the seat is used as a belt positioning booster the maximum weight limits vary. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Belt Positioning Boosters

Who are they for?

Children who weigh over 40 pounds or who have outgrown their 5-Point Harness System. Maximum weight limits vary from 60-100 pounds.

What type of shoulder harness?

There is no shoulder harness. It must be used in conjunction with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt. The booster seat boosts the child so that the vehicle lap and shoulder belt can be positioned properly, and the child’s knees can bend naturally.

How many types of belt positioning boosters are available?

There are two basic types, high back and backless. If your child’s head is raised above the vehicle seat back, a high back booster is necessary to protect your child’s neck and spinal cord from whiplash. If the seating position has adequate head support, a backless booster should be fine.

When will my child be ready to use the vehicle lap/shoulder belt?

Generally, the seat belt fits properly when your child is 8 years old or 80 lbs and at least 4’ 9”. The 5 step test can basically tell you if your child is ready to graduate to the vehicle seat belt:

1. Can the child sit with back against the vehicle seat back
2. The child’s knees are bent at the edge of the vehicle seat cushion and preferably feet can touch the floor.
3. The shoulder belt should cross between the neck and arm.
4. The lap belt should be low on the hips.
5. The child can stay seated for the whole trip.