CAR SEATS For the newborn, use only a specially designed rear-facing infant car seat, preferably one with a five-point harness; the baby rides in a half reclining position, facing backwards, secured with a harness. The carrier is strapped to the seat of the car with a lap belt. When your baby is

able to sit up without support, weighs 20 lb., and is one year of age, a forward-facing car seat can be used. If your child weighs 20 lbs before he can sit up without support, buy a convertible car seat, adjust the shoulder straps for the baby's height and place the baby rear facing until he can sit

well by himself and is one year old. All devices must be anchored with a lap belt and the child must wear the harness provided.  Generally, the safest place in an automobile for your child and his safety restraint is in the center back seat. Riding in the back seat is mandatory until the age of 12 years if you have a passenger side airbag in your vehicle. Seats offering a reclining feature should be used in the fully upright position when facing forward. Shop carefully. Make certain that the seat will fit in your car and that the lap belts are long enough for securing it.  Check the website for The National Highway and Traffic Safety at www.nhtsa.gov to find a time and place which is convenient for you to have the seat checked for proper installation. It is a Virginia State law that your infant and young child must be in a safety car restraint or booster seat until 8 years of age. It is recommended that they continue in a booster seat until 80 pounds or 57 inches. Remember that the best way to convince your child to cooperate with safety restraints is by setting a good example and always wearing your seat belt!