What Type of Car Seat Does Your Child Need?

Keeping your young child safe while driving somewhere is of paramount importance to any parent. It’s important to be aware of Colorado’s current child car seat laws to make sure that your child is secured correctly for their age and weight. In the state of Colorado, there are specific laws related to the age, weight, and size of the child that will dictate what sort of car seat is needed to make sure your child is as safe as possible in the event of a car accident.

At the Law Offices of Rodemer | Kane, we are here to help people who have been involved in car accidents and have suffered injuries whether that be themselves of a loved one such as a child. If your child was injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, please contact our office to see what we can do for you and your family. You can reach out to us online or call us at 719-437-7532 to set up a free consultation.

What Are The Laws In Colorado Regarding Child Car Seats?

Every state has its own guidelines for how children should be secured while in a vehicle. In Colorado these laws are contained in Statute 42-4-236 which gives a breakdown of the type of car seat required depending on the child’s age and weight. It is important that parents also make sure that they follow the proper safety seat installation methods as outlined in the car seat’s manufacturer’s instructions, in conjunction with their vehicle owner’s manual. If a police officer sees that a child is improperly restrained in a vehicle they have a duty to pull over the caregiver.

Child Car Seat Laws For Children Younger Than 1 Years Old

Infants are required to be secured in a rear-facing car seat in the backseat of a vehicle until their first birthday if they are less than 20 lbs. For babies that weigh more than 20 lbs before their first birthday they can legally be secured in a rear-facing car seat in the front of a vehicle however it is highly recommended that they remain fastened in the backseat.

Child Car Seat Laws For Children Ages 1-3 Years Old

Babies and toddlers aged 3 and under must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat if they weigh 20 lbs or less. If the child weighs between 20-40 lbs they may be switched to a forward facing car seat although it is advised to keep children in a rear-facing car seat as long as it is still comfortable for them. If the child weighs more than 40 lbs between the ages of 1-3 years old then they can be switched to a forward facing car seat or booster seat. A five-point harnessed forward facing seat is the better option in these instances however.

Child Car Seat Laws For Children Ages 4-7 Years Old

Once a child is 4 years old they can legally be restrained in a forward facing car seat if they weigh between 20-40 lbs. If they weigh more than 40 lbs then parents have the option of switching to a booster seat to secure their child.

Child Car Seat Laws For Children Ages 8-15 Years Old

In the state of Colorado, children between the ages of 8 and 15 are required to use either a booster seat or a seatbelt to make sure they are properly secured in a vehicle. Although children can legally ride in the front seat of a vehicle in Colorado after their first birthday, provided they weigh over 20 lbs, it is highly recommended that children continue to ride in the backseat until they are at least 13 years old.

Drivers are legally responsible for the passengers in their vehicle and are liable for any child that is improperly restrained.

Why Are There Different Kinds of Car Seats For Children?

Having to purchase multiple car seats during the first few years of a child’s life can be somewhat burdensome to new parents, but they are necessary. Babies and toddlers’ small bodies are not capable of absorbing the g-forces that are applied during a car accident, as such it is important to place them in the most secure position possible which is rear-facing. Once they have grown a little they can handle being moved to a forward facing position but still need the added protection of a 5-point harness as it is designed to go across their smaller body’s shoulders, chest, and hips properly, whereas a vehicle’s lap belt is designed to provide proper gripping for adult bodies. Again, the booster seat is designed to lift the child up so that the vehicle’s seat belt will be aligned properly with their chest and shoulders to provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.

How Can I Make Sure My Car Seat Is Installed Correctly?

It can be daunting to make sure that your child’s car seat is properly installed in your vehicle, as every seat is different and vehicle’s attachment systems can vary greatly. In Colorado, there are 140 car seat inspection stations that you can take your vehicle to, to have one of their expert car seat technicians inspect the installation of the car seat and make sure it is secured properly.

In Colorado Springs, there are 5 car seat inspection stations to choose from.

JPC Health & Safety Training, LLC.
320 N Academy Blvd Suite 202
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: 719-640-5555

American Medical Response
2370 N Powers Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Phone: 719-597-1277
Special-Needs Certified.

Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services
6001 Wetzel Ave Building 1805
Colorado Springs, CO 80913
Phone: 719-526-4615

Children’s Hospital/Safe Kids Colorado Springs
4125 Briargate Pkwy Children’s Hospital
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: 719-305-7233
Special Needs Certified.
Spanish-Speaking Technician Available

Volunteer- Christine Simosky
8335 Wildridge rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Phone: 719-594-0325

Have You Or A Loved One Been Injured In A Car Accident?

The car seat laws in Colorado exist for the safety of everyone on the roads, unfortunately, accidents do still occur every day. The team of experienced car accident lawyers here at the Law Offices of Rodemer | Kane, know how difficult it can be to keep your children safe while driving, especially in the event of an accident where you have no control. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and suffered serious injuries don’t hesitate to contact our Colorado Springs law office to set up a free consultation to see how we can help you. Contact us online or call 719-437-7532.