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Ford has a long history of putting safety first, and the automaker understands that the most valuable cargo your vehicle will ever carry is your children. While you have several choices when it comes to selecting the right car seat, there are some universal truths to remember about car seat safety. Learn all about them below in our ultimate car seat guide for 2023.
Car Seat Best Practices
No matter what type or brand of vehicle you drive, your child is your most precious cargo. Follow these universal recommendations to ensure your child’s car seat is appropriate for their size and your vehicle and is installed correctly:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be restrained in the rear-facing position in a forward-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for that seat. You should keep your child in that rear seating position for as long as possible—ideally up to the maximum height or weight limit for that car seat in the rear-facing mode. Most car seats accommodate rear-facing position for children up to 35-40 lbs.
Children under 4’9” tall and between four and 12 years old who’ve outgrown their forward-facing car seat should be properly secured in a rear seating position. You should use a belt-positioning booster seat and the vehicle’s lap/shoulder safety belt until the belt fits them snugly without the aid of a booster seat.
Children over 4’9” tall should be restrained with the vehicle’s lap/shoulder safety belt in a rear seating position until they’re at least 13 years old.
Ford’s LATCH System
Most of today’s Ford vehicles include a standard LATCH, or Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, a system that works with compatible child safety seats. It features a lower connector that serves as a universal anchor for car seats. Forward-facing seats are securely attached to the top tether anchor, also attaching to the lower anchors or the vehicle’s seat belt.
Refer to your Owner Guide for the location of the top tether anchor and lower anchor. You’ll find all the attachments you need—including lower anchor attachments and top tether straps—built into most car seats.
Get an Inspection
While nearly all parents do their due diligence when it comes to selecting and installing their child’s car seat, it’s easy for mistakes to be made. A high proportion of car seats are either wrong for the child’s age, height, and weight; incorrectly installed; or don’t have the child properly restrained inside.
Ford recommends consulting an NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s car seat is appropriate for their size, compatible with your vehicle, and properly installed. There’s a car seat fitting station near you that’s ready to help. Simply contact the NHTSA toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the NHTSA website for more information.
Safety Comes First With Ford
Ford puts safety first, especially when it comes to your little ones. That’s why most of our vehicles are equipped with LATCH technology. Learn more about our safety features and choose the vehicle that’s right for you by stopping by Essential Ford of Stuart today or give us a call at (727) 287-0955 to schedule your test drive. In the meantime, check out our online inventory!
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