MOST MOVE THEIR CHILD TO THE NEXT STAGE TOO SOON.
Make sure your child is in the right Child Safety Seat. Many parents are unaware of the importance of proper use and installation of child passenger safety restraints and related laws.
Missouri law dictates that children less than four years old or less than 40 pounds must be in either a rear-facing or forward-facing harness car seat. Children ages four through seven who weigh at least 40 pounds must be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat unless they are 80 pounds or 4’9” tall. Children eight years and over or who weigh at least 80 pounds or who are at least 4’9” tall must be in an appropriate booster seat or secured by a safety belt.
Best practice indicates that a child should be kept in their seat until the maximum weight and height limits allowed by the manufacturer. Children under the age of 13 should be kept in the back seat. These best practice recommendations help protect a child’s developing head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. They also help protect children from forceful airbags that are designed for adult bodies.
