New Car Seat Changes for 2014

Since 2002, the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system has been in place to make child car seats easier to install. LATCH has attachments that use the lower anchors and tethers in vehicles and car seats instead of using seatbelts to secure the car seat.

However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is changing its recommended regulations.
Beginning February 2014, the lower anchors of the LATCH system should no longer be used if the combined weight of the child and car seat is 65 pounds or more, according to NHTSA. Once the maximum weight has been reached, the car seat must be used with a seatbelt.

The change is a safety precaution as vehicle manufacturers and some car seat makers cannot guarantee the strength of the anchors after the max weight is reached. Currently makers of child car seats list a maximum weight and height for children on models, but do not take into account the actual weight of the car seat.

Make sure to check the weight of your child, their seat and compare it to the the recommendations of the car seat itself and NHSTA.

Want to make sure your seat is installed properly? Have it inspected at your local NHTSA office.

Also make sure to be aware of child safety laws in your state.

Here is an infographic to help make things easier:

Inforgraphic courtsey of babble.com