Since becoming a parent, I have noticed there is a large population of Connecticut Parents that are not familiar with the laws in the state regarding car seat safety, as well as one pediatrician that told a friend to start her 6 month old forward facing because he was a big boy. I was completely astonished by this, and I really wanted to tackle the laws regarding car seats in the state of Connecticut, as well as proper installation of car seats, and where you can go to have them installed.
After October 1st of 2005, ALL children must ride in a proper car seat, booster seat or restrain system until they are OVER 6 years of age, AND over 60 pounds. This means, if your child has outgrown their car seat, they must ride in an appropriate sized booster seat. This is the LAW there is no exception to it.
Another law that people are not familiar with is, a child under the age of 1 year is REQUIRED BY LAW to be rear facing until they are at least 1 year old AND over 20 pounds. Meaning, if your child is over 20 pounds, but still under one, they MUST be rear facing by law, or if your child is OVER one year old, but not yet 20 pounds, they MUST remain rear facing.
These laws are not to make your child uncomfortable in the car, they are for their safety and to help prevent serious injury in the case of an accident.
If you are interested in learning more about Connecticut State Laws regarding car seat safety, and where you can have your car seat properly installed, you can call any of the Connecticut SAFE KIDS chapters.
Connecticut – 860-545-9988
Valley Parish Nurse – 203-732-7584
New London County – 860-442-0733
Fairfield County – 203-853-7115
Greater Waterbury – 203-346-3908
Windham County - 860-456-6978
To find an inspector to inspect and see if your child’s car seat is properly installed, you can visit this link.
To obtain a printable copy of the Connecticut Child Car seat Safety Statutes, visit think link.
If you are interested in becoming certified as a child passenger safety seat technician visit this link.
Thank you to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for all the great information above and helping to keep our children safe!
Also don’t forget that meeting the 1 year old and 20 lb requirement does not mean you must automatically turn your child around to forward facing. If your carseat allows your child’s weight, then your child can stay rear-facing, which is much safer.
Comment by embee — January 20th, 2010 @ 8:50 am
I just wanted to share that I got a flyer from my car insurance company (State Farm) that gave the 1 year 20 pound limit law, but then stated in huge bold letters that it is recommended to rear face until your child has reached the seat limits on height/weight. I love that they sent that out.
Comment by susan — January 21st, 2010 @ 10:39 am
So have they put booster seats and seatbelt into school busses in Connecticut?
Comment by Christine — January 22nd, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
No, they have not, but they should.
Seat belts in buses could have prevented a deadly accident involving a school bus a couple weeks ago.
Comment by elwood — January 22nd, 2010 @ 2:03 pm
Youth and Toddler Car Seats may be acceptable options when your child outgrows their infant car seat. Unlike convertible car seats, youth/toddler car seats cannot be used rear-facing, so before transitioning your little one into a youth/toddler seat, make sure your child is ready to be forward-facing. Minimum weight and height requirement of 20 lbs and approximately 19″. Maximum weight and height limits of 40 – 80 lbs and 59″. Depending on the seat, your child may be able to use this seat up to the age of 8. Keeping your child in a 5-point harness as long as possible is always the safest option.
Comment by Booster Safety Seat User — July 31st, 2010 @ 2:18 pm