Because automobile accidents are the single biggest threat to your child’s safety and health, she should be securely fastened in a properly installed car seat every time she rides in the car, beginning with the first ride home from the hospital. Follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for when to change the car seat from facing backwards to facing forwards. Your child generally may switch from riding in a car seat to using a booster seat upon reaching four years of age and a weight of forty pounds. A child restraint (booster seat) is required by Colorado State law until children are at least 6 years old or at least 55” tall. (The average height of a 10 year old is 55”!)

Click here to link to the Colorado Child Passenger Safety webpage, which gives specific information about carseats and boosters, and lists carseat fitting centers around the state. Click here to link to information from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding carseats.