Did you know all of the following? By law, a child between 20 and 40 pounds must be restrained in a forward-facing car seat until a child is both at least 40 pounds and at least four years old. If you need a bigger car seat because your child is too large for standard car seats, visit car seat websites (such as Britax.com) or specialists (such as Hellers in San Rafael or the California Highway Patrol office). Please secure your car seat correctly: 80 to 90 percent of parents do not secure the car seat properly! Consult manuals, dealers, and specialists as necessary.

Without a booster or car seat, your vehicle seatbelts likely fit well if your child is more than 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches) tall, which often corresponds to a weight of about 80 pounds and between eight and 12 years old. Many fifth graders still need a booster seat to avoid unnecessary injury! Shoulder belts should cross the shoulder and mid-chest (not touching the neck). Lap belts should lie across the upper thighs (not the belly) to help prevent additional injury. Inexpensive and unobtrusive boosters can be purchased at many major stores.

According to an Oregon Health and Science University study, for children under 15 years old regardless of size and weight, the safest place to ride in your vehicle is the middle or back row, not the front seat. In countries more serious about protecting children, it is illegal for those under 13 to ride in the front seat. A front air bag poses a risk even for small adults. If necessary, have your child visit the National Transportation Safety website (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/) or hear this important advice from your health care professional. Be a conscientious parent and live without regret. Protecting your child starts with you!

Please visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ or http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm for more information.

- Georgia Pung, M.D., board-certified pediatrician and Mill Valley parent of three.