New York State has passed a new child seat law. Effective November 24, 2009 children will need to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle until they reach their eighth birthday. An appropriate child restraint system is one that meets the child’s height and weight recommended by the manufacturer, which could include a child safety seat, a harness, vest, or a booster seat that uses a lap and shoulder seat belt system. The most commonly used restraint system for a child of this age is a booster seat.
Before moving your child from a booster seat to the vehicle seat belts, make sure that your child meets all of the following requirements for a proper seat belt fit:
1. Your child must be 8 years old.
2. Your child should be able to sit with his or her back straight against the vehicle seat back.
3. The knees should be bent comfortably at the seat’s edge without slouching.
4. The lap belt should be low across the upper thighs or hips, not across the abdomen.
5. The shoulder belt should lie across the chest and shoulder, not touching the neck or face.
6. Your child should be able to ride this way for the entire trip.
It is recommended that a booster seat be used until your child is 4’9” tall or weighs 100 pounds.
For more information on the law, visit safeny.com/sesa-ndx.htm.
Booster seats can be purchased at local retailers for as little as $14. For those who cannot afford to pay full price, Madison County residents may be eligible to receive a $10 seat from the Madison County Health Department’s Car Seat Program. Program participants must be the parent or guardian of the child, not already own a useable seat, and must meet income eligibility guidelines. Appointments are required. For more information, call the Madison County Health Department at 366-2361.
