Thanksgiving trip with kids: a 10-minute car seat and booster check

Steps

1. Match the seat to the child (NHTSA): rear-facing until they reach the seat's top rear-facing height or weight limit, then forward-facing with a harness and tether, then a booster until the adult belt fits, and the back seat through at least age 12.
2. Belt-fit test for older kids: the lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face. If not, they still need a booster.
3. Installation: use the lower anchors or the vehicle seat belt, not both. For forward-facing seats, NHTSA recommends always using the top tether when the car seat and vehicle manufacturers allow it.
4. Check the lower-anchor weight limit on the car seat's label. NHTSA says that once your child outgrows it, reinstall the seat with the seat belt.
5. Riding in Grandma's car or a rental? Install the seat yourself before the trip and read both the car seat manual and the vehicle manual.
6. Unsure? NHTSA lists car seat inspection stations where certified technicians check seats, free of charge in most cases. Book early in November.
7. Register your seat with the manufacturer, or sign up for NHTSA recall alerts, so you hear about recalls.

If you're flying

• The FAA says the safest place for a child under 2 is in an approved child restraint in their own seat, not on a lap, and buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee you can use one.
• Look for the label "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
• Booster seats and backless child restraints can't be used on a plane during taxi, takeoff or landing. Check them as baggage.
• Ask your airline about seating your family together; car seats generally go in a window seat and never in an exit row.

For PTAs

Add one line to the pre-Thanksgiving newsletter pointing families to NHTSA's car seat page and the nearest inspection station, and check whether your local fire department, police department or hospital runs a car seat check event before the holidays.

Sources

NHTSA: Car Seats and Booster Seats — https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats

FAA: Kids' Corner (Tips for Parents) — https://www.faa.gov/travelers/kids-corner

FAA: Child Safety (flying with children) — https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/child_safety_seat_tips

Related

• November school-parent checklist
• When to keep your child home sick from school (and when they can go back)
• December school-parent checklist

FAQ