The car seat law in Massachusetts requires that all children under the age of eight travel in a child restraint system. According to Section 7AA, “a passenger under the age of eight who is riding in a motor vehicle on any road shall be restrained and placed in a child passenger restraint unless the passenger exceeds 57 inches in height. Child passenger restraints must be installed and secured securely in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.”
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Massachusetts Car Seats
Although the Massachusetts car seat law does not require rear-facing car seats, these seats are the safest alternative for very young children. The first step in selecting the appropriate car seat for your child is determining his or her size. Always transport an infant in a rear-facing car seat that is anchored to the middle of the back seat. Infants in car seats should never be transported in the vehicle’s front seat. In an ideal world, a child should remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, or until he or she is too tall to sit safely in one.
Massachusetts car seat law requires children to remain in car seats until they reach the age of eight or reach a height of 57 inches. When a kid outgrows a rear-facing car seat, parents should transfer to a five-point harness front-facing car seat. In an ideal world, the car seat would be attached to the vehicle’s built-in car seat hooks rather than simply secured with a seatbelt. If you acquire a car seat, carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and seek assistance from local public resources if necessary.
Important Massachusetts Car Seats Safety Advice
Checklist for automobile safety
- Ensure that you have the correct car seat for your child by checking the labeling and owner’s handbook. Verify the height and weight restrictions.
- Verify that the date of manufacture on the seat label or owner’s handbook has not expired.
- Rearrange children’s seats as much as possible until they reach their height and weight limits, which often occurs around age 2 or later.
- Ascertain that the chest clip is positioned at armpit level and that the harness straps are securely fastened around the shoulders.
- Pinch test: Vertically pinch the straps at the collarbone. If you are able to pinch additional slack between your fingers, the straps are too loose.
- When mounting the car seat in forward-facing mode, use a top tether.
- When shook, the vehicle seat should not move more than one inch in any direction where the seat belt or lower anchors are attached.
- Once your child outgrows a harness car seat, which typically occurs around the age of 5, keep him/her in a booster seat until they reach a height of 57 inches (4 feet, 9 inches)
- Keep children in the rear seat until they reach the age of 13.
Seats that face the rear
12 months from birth
According to Massachusetts car seat law:
- Under the age of one, your child should always travel in a rear-facing car seat.
- Infant seats must be rear-facing only.
- Convertible and all-in-one car seats often feature larger rear-facing height and weight limitations, letting you keep your child rear-facing for an extended period of time.
Between the ages of 1 and 3 years
As per Massachusetts car seat law:
- Maintain your child’s rear-facing position for as long as possible. This is the only way to ensure his or her safety.
- Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the manufacturer’s maximum height or weight limit.
- When your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, he or she is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat equipped with a harness and tether.
Seats that face forward
Between the ages of 1 and 3 years
As per Massachusetts car seat law:
- Maintain your child’s rear-facing position for as long as possible. This is the only way to ensure his or her safety.
- Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the manufacturer’s maximum height or weight limit.
- When your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, he or she is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat equipped with a harness and tether.
Between the ages of 4 and 7
As per Massachusetts car seat law:
- Maintain your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the manufacturer’s maximum height or weight limit.
- When your child outgrows a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether, it’s time to transition to a booster seat in the back seat.
Seat boosters
Between the ages of 4 and 7
As per Massachusetts car seat law:
- The law mandates that your child be secured in a federally certified belt-positioning booster seat until they reach the height of 57 inches (4 feet, 9 inches) or until they reach the age of eight.
- Maintain a booster seat for your youngster until he or she is large enough to fit properly in a seat belt.
Between the ages of 8 and 12
As per Massachusetts car seat law:
- A seat belt must fit snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach, in order to be securely secured.
- Shoulder belts should be worn snugly across the shoulder and chest, not around the neck or face.
Winter safety precautions
Are you aware that children should never ride in their car seats wearing their winter coats – according to the Massachusetts car seat law?
To function effectively, a car seat’s straps must remain snug against the child’s chest, which winter clothes make exceedingly difficult.
Consider the following methods for keeping your child warm in the car throughout the winter:
- Preheat your automobile.
- After the harness is securely fastened, reverse the coat on your child.
- Wrap a blanket around your youngster.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massachusetts’ Car Seat Law
How can I know when my child is ready to move from a booster seat to a seat belt?
Answer: When children outgrow their booster seats, they can ride in the back seat using the adult seat belt if it fits properly. When properly fitted, a youngster should be able to:
- Sit upright with their back and hips against the back of the automobile seat and avoid slouching.
- Their knees should be easily bent over the front edge of the seat, and their feet should remain flat on the floor.
- Place the seat belt properly – lap belt low and snug over the hips; shoulder belt across the mid-chest and shoulder.
- Utilize a properly set head restraint in your car.
Is it safe to use pre-owned car seats?
Answer: If you’re considering purchasing a used car seat, ensure you check the following:
- The seat has never been involved in a crash with a moderate-to-severe impact.
- The seat is labeled with the manufacture date and model number.
- There are no recalls on this seat. If you discover that the car seat is subject to a recall, you should contact the manufacturer.
- The seat is complete. If a component of the seat is missing, contact the manufacturer.
- The seat comes with an instruction manual. Additionally, you can obtain (or download) an instruction manual directly from the manufacturer.
Can I use a baby insert to help place my small newborn in his or her car seat more comfortably?
Numerous car seats include inserts for positioning smaller infants. Everything included with the car seat has been thoroughly inspected for safety. Purchasing a separate car seat insert can reduce the seat’s safety and is typically not suggested by the manufacturer.