Car Seats
A two-year-old needs to sit in a car seat any time she is going for a ride. Your child probably still fits in the car seat she has used ever since outgrowing her infant seat as a three-month-old. No particular style is the best overall or the safest, nor is price necessarily indicative of safety. What matters is that your car seat fits your child and is installed properly.
All car safety seats sold in the United States must meet very strict safety standards set by the federal government. When you shop for a car seat, put your child in it and adjust the harnesses and buckles. Then make sure the seat fits properly and securely in your car. At two, your child should be in a forward-facing seat, which is available in the form of convertible seats, built-in seats, and combination forward-facing/booster seats. Whatever type of seat you buy, you need to use it every time your child is in the car, making sure she is held in very securely, with all of the straps fastened and the locks closed.
Alert!
Always have your two-year-old ride with the car seat in the back seat, and always wear your own seat belt. Never leave your child alone in the car, even if you're just running into the store “for a second.” Your child is not safe left alone at this age, and your car might easily be hit by another car or stolen.
There are two things to remember when securing your child in a car seat:
1. Your child must be buckled snugly into the seat.
2. The car seat must be buckled tightly in place in the back seat.
3. The car seat should also rest tightly
Your car may need a harness, locking clips, or straps to keep the car seat from moving on impact. Locking clips are not needed in most newer vehicles, but some seat belts (especially those found in older cars) need a special heavy-duty locking clip that is available only from the car manufacturer.
Also, the straps should be firm against your two-year-old's body. No blankets or heavy coats should come between your toddler and the straps, since this might create an illusion of security (because your child could get loose in event of an accident).
Each car safety seat is different. Read the instructions that come with your seat and keep them handy in the glove compartment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times. If you need help installing your car seat, go to
