Child Safety Seats

Child safety seats are required by law in Louisiana because they provide the best protection for infants and young children. However, correctly installing a child safety seat can be challenging, especially with the wide variety of restraint systems, vehicle belt systems and vehicles available on the market today. 9 out of 10 child seats are improperly installed today.

SELECTING AND INSTALLING A CHILD SAFETY SEAT
• It must be appropriate for your child’s age, height and weight
• It must fit tightly into your vehicle and not move more than 1 inch from side to side and front to back at the belt path. The back seat is the best place for the child safety seat.
• Always refer to the child safety seat instructions and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for weight limits, proper use and installation.
• Avoid seats that are too old. All manufacturers are required to include the model number and manufacture date on each seat they produce. It can be found on a label attached to the restraint usually on the bottom or the side of the seat. Most manufacturers recommend replacing any child safety seat over 6 years old.
• New child safety seats have a registration card. Register your child’s safety seat with the manufacturer so you can be notified of any recall. To register, mail your registration card to the manufacturer, or register on the manufacturer’s website.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station. If you or someone you know would like to have your child’s safety seat inspected and learn the proper installation of the seat, contact the OPSO technician at 318.324.2607 or by email at safety@opso.net to schedule an appointment.