A new car seat requirement goes unto effect for newborns, infants, and toddlers in NYS.

Effective November 1, 2019, all children under the age of 2 must use a rear-facing car seat. There are three types of rear-facing car seats: Infant Seats, Convertible Seats, and All-in-One Seats.

Safe NY recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the weight or height limit of the seat. Most children will outgrow a rear-facing infant seat before reaching their 2nd birthday. If the child has outgrown an infant seat, it is recommended that a larger, rear-facing Convertible or All-in-One car seat with higher rear-facing height and weight limits be used. These seats should be installed in the rear-facing position until the child reaches the rear-facing weight or height limit set by the car seat manufacturer.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Safe NY offers tips for parents/caregivers:

  • Be sure your children are correctly and safely restrained for every car ride, every time.
  • Get your car seat(s) inspected at a local fitting station or check event. Bring your child with you so that a certified technician can ensure that the car seat is appropriate and fitted correctly for your child.
  • Avoid buying used child safety seats. There is no guarantee for safety when purchasing a used car seat at a garage sale, flea market, or thrift store. These seats may be expired, have missing parts, be damaged, or may have been recalled. There is no way of knowing if these seats have been in a crash and if they had received damage that can't be seen with the naked eye.
  • Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.
  • Never drive distracted and never use your cell phone or any electronic device while driving. If there is an emergency, safely pull off the road or into a "Texting Zone" before using your device(s).
  • Drive sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs and discourage others from doing so.
  • A child’s body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult’s. To prevent heatstroke, never leave a child in a vehicle unattended – even if the windows are partially open or the air conditioning is on.

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