Coming To Terms With Driving Safely: A Glossary Of Terms For Moms and Dads

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

· Child Seat Base: This refers to the lower portion of the seat that rests on the seat of the car. Many infant car seats feature a detachable base that is easily installed in the vehicle allowing the child seat to be removed just as easily without having to reinstall it every time.

· Booster Seat: This seat is specifically for the transition period after the child has outgrown his or her convertible car seat and weighs more than 40 pounds, but isn’t quite yet ready for a regular seat belt. Take note that children no longer require a booster seat when their legs bend at the knees at the edge of the seat, are old enough to stay and remain seated with their back flat against th4 back of the seat, and with the lap belt sitting high on the thighs or low on the hips but not against the stomach and with the shoulder belt cross the shoulder and chest (not arms or neck); typically by the time the child is 8 or 9 years of age and about 4’9” tall.

· Combination Forward-Facing/Booster Seat: Ideal for car safety with a harness for children between 20 and 40 pounds and without the harness as a booster for those weighing up to 80 pound, as specified on the product.

· Convertible Child Safety Seat: Allows for usuage in more than one direction; rear-facing for infants under 20 pounds and forward-facing for toddlers between 20 and 40 pounds.

· Forward-Facing Child Restrain: This seat is designed to be used in the forward facing position only and for children between 20 and 40 pounds. Experts suggest a convertible or front-facing seat with a 5-point harness as the safest option for children between 30 and 40 pounds who are not too tall for the car seat.

· Infant Car Seat: This infant car seat is typically uses for infants under 20 pound in a semi-reclined, rear-facing position.

· Integrated Child Seat: This is a forward facing restraint or booster that is converted into a car seat, some featuring a full harness and good for children over 20 pounds others are belt-positioning boosters for use with adult shoulder and lap belts.

· Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat: Designed to be used in the rear facing position only for infants up to 20 pounds. Experts caution against placing a rear-facing infant seats in the front seat with a front passenger air bag.

· Stroller System: A combo car seat and stroller the seat is generally removed from the stroller frame and wheels and used as a car safety seat when traveling. It can then be reinserted into the stroller frame to once again convert it back to a regular stroller.

· T-Shield: A triangular or “t” shaped pad, attached to the shoulder harness straps that fits over the child’ stomach and hips and snaps between the legs.