TxDPS - Child Passenger Safety Information

Child Passenger Safety Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Passenger Safety and Safety Belt Use

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued recommendations in their April 2011 publication, Pediatrics, addressing best practice when transporting children. This is not a change in Texas statute, however, parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to follow the new AAP Guidelines (PDF) when transporting children.
Child Vehicular Heatstroke Deaths: In 2010, there were 49 children in the U.S. killed by vehicular heatstroke. Unfortunately, Texas led the nation with 13 of those deaths. The numbers dropped in 2011 and 2012, but as of September 2013, there have been 40 children die due to vehicular heatstroke. For more information on how these deaths can be prevented, visit one of the following sites:

2013 Child Passenger Safety National Best Practice Recommendations
Phase 1	Rear-Facing Seats	Infants: Birth – 35+ pounds, 2+ years old. Rear-facing infant or rear-facing convertible safety seat as long as possible, up to the rear-facing height or weight limit of the seat. Properly install according to instructions in owner’s manual, rear-facing in the back seat.
Phase 2	Forward-facing Seats	When children outgrow the rear-facing safety seat (2+ years), they should ride in a forward-facing safety seat as long as possible, up to the upper height or weight limit (40 – 80+ pounds) of the harnesses. Usually 4+ years old. Properly installed forward-facing in the back seat. NEVER turn forward-facing before child meets all: AGE/HEIGHT/WEIGHT requirements set by safety seat manufacturer for forward-facing.
Phase 3	Booster Seats	After age 4 and 40+ pounds, children can ride in a booster seat with the adult lap and shoulder belt until the adult safety belt will fit them properly (usually when the child is 4'9" tall, 10 – 12 years old). MUST have a lap/shoulder belt to use a booster seat.
Phase 4	Adult Safety Belt	Once children outgrow their booster seat (usually at 4'9", 10 – 12 years) they can use the adult lap/shoulder safety belt if it fits them properly. Lap portion low over the hips/tops of thighs and shoulder belt crosses the center of the shoulder and center of the chest.
Children are better protected the longer they can stay in each phase. Keep children in each seat up to the maximum age/weight/height limits before moving to the next phase. ALL children younger than age 13 years should ride properly restrained in the back seat.

For more information, contact Beth Warren, Occupant Safety Programs Coordinator at beth.warren@dps.texas.gov or (512) 424-5639.