Car Seat Safety

Child Passenger Safety Tips and Resources

Every time you buckle up your child, you're taking a powerful step to protect them from harm. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and death for children, but the right seat, used correctly, can make all the difference.

Please note: Our firefighters do not perform car seat inspections or installations. We encourage families to connect with certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in the community for hands-on help.

Find a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Near You

Car Seat Safety Tips

  • Select the right car seat for your child's age and size.
  • Install the car seat correctly by following the manufacturer's instructions. A properly installed car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side when tested at the belt path.
  • Ensure a snug harness fit. The harness straps should lie flat without twists and be snug enough that you cannot pinch any excess webbing at the shoulder.
  • Position the chest clip properly. Place the chest clip at armpit level to keep the harness straps positioned correctly on your child's shoulders.
  • Keep children rear-facing as long as possible.
  • Move to the next type of car seat when your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit listed on the car seat label.
Car seats progressing from rear-facing seat, to front-facing, to booster seat, to seatbelt. Take it slow, many kids move to the next car seat or booster seat too soon.
;

Tips for choosing the right seat from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide

National Child Passenger Safety Certification

National Child Passenger Safety Certification

No. Our firefighters are not Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST). We recommend connecting with CPSTs in the community for hands-on help.

Find a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Near You

Transitioning depends on your child's age, height and weight. Each stage - rear-facing, forward-facing, booster seat and seat belt - has specific safety guidelines.

Review recommendations from the NHTSA

It's best to avoid secondhand seats unless you know the seat's full history. Used seats may be expired, recalled or have hidden damage from previous crashes.

Yes, most car seats expire 6-10 years after the manufacture date, which is printed on a label on the seat. Always check for an expiration date before use.

You can still safely install a car seat using the vehicles seat belt. Most car seats are designed to work with either method. Be sure to check your car seat and vehicle manuals for proper instructions.

  • Installing the seat too loosely
  • Using the wrong harness slots
  • Not tightening the harness enough
  • Switching to a booster seat too early
  • Letting children ride without a booster before they're tall enough

© 2025 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

Message Sent Successfully!

Message Failed To Send.

Send a Message to Fire Prevention

If this is an emergency, please call 911.