Child Passenger Safety
Motor vehicle injuries are a leading preventable cause of death for children in the U.S.
Using the correct type of seat for the child's age and size, and having it installed correctly, can prevent serious injury and death.
A National Highway Transportation Safety Administration study found that almost half of car seats are installed incorrectly.
NCHD's Certified Safety Seat Inspectors can help you get your car seat installed properly.
To schedule a car seat inspection or learn more about the car seat program,
please contact
Michelle Pemberton
(970) 522-3741 x1239
michellep@nchd.org
Additional resources for a car seat inspection include local Colorado State Patrol offices or other local law enforcement agencies. Local hospitals, fire departments or family resource centers may also provide car seat resources.
For more information about car seat safety, please visit this Colorado Department of Transportation webpage.
Child Passenger Safety continues to be an important educational program provided by NCHD. The Child Fatality Prevention program reviews fatalities that occur to children up to the age of 18 with the goal to address the root causes and provide additional education to reduce risk. Children in rural areas are at higher risk of being killed in a crash, due to incorrect use or no use of an age-appropriate child restraint.
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This video provides a basic explanation of how to choose a child safety seat for your child at every stage of growth.​​​​
Updates to Colorado's Child Passenger Safety laws will take effect January 1, 2025.
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Child passenger safety laws are a primary violation in Colorado.
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The "proper use" clause for all stages require the child restraint or seat belt to be adjusted or installed according to car seat and vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
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Children must meet the height, weight, and age requirements for the child restraint being used.
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Child restraints must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
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A summary of changes follows; for the full law and changes, please visit this Colorado Department of Transportation webpage, or click on the button.
Current Law
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Rear-Facing
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Under 1 year of age
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Under 20 pounds
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Must be in the back seat
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Forward-Facing
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At least 1 year of age
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Over 20 pounds
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Booster Seat
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At least 4 years of age
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Over 40 pounds​​
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Seat Belt
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8-15 years of age
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Must fit in seat belt properly
New Law (Effective 1/1/2025)
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Rear-Facing
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Under 2 years of age, and less than 40 pounds
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Must be in the back sear if one is available
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Can continue to rear-face beyond 2 years of age and 40 pounds if child restraint allows it
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Forward-Facing
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Under 2 years of age, and over 40 pounds
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2-4 years of age, and at least 20 pounds
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Must be in back seat if one is available
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Can continue to forward-face beyond 4 years of age and 40 pounds if child restraint allows it
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Booster Seat
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4-9 years of age, and at least 40 pounds
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Must be in back seat if one is available
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Can continue to use a booster seat beyond 9 years of age
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Seat Belt
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9-18 years of age
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Must fit in seat belt properly
The Dangers of Secondhand Car Seats
Purchasing a car seat is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child and it's one accessory where you don't want to cut corners to find a bargain.
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Some of the problems with purchasing secondhand car seats include:
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Not knowing where the seat has been or what condition it is in
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The seat may be defective or too old
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The seat may have missing parts
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The seat may have been recalled ​
Many people don't know that car seats actually come with an expiration date.
While booster seats have a life span of up to 10 years, most car seats expire after six years.
If you are tempted to use a secondhand seat, please see the Colorado Department of Transportation Used Car Seat Checklist first!
Additional resources and information can be accessed by clicking the buttons or at these links:
Colorado Department of Transportation
Look Before You Lock
Vehicle heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash related fatalities for children.
On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle.
These deaths are preventable.
Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke that adults and should never be left in a car alone or have access to play in a vehicle unattended.
It doesn't even have to be very hot outside for a car to be dangerously hot inside.
Facts to consider:
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On an 80 degree day in just 20 minutes, the temperature inside the car can reach 109 degrees. Children’s bodies warm 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.
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Leaving the windows open “a crack” doesn’t help.
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A child dies when his/her body temperature reaches 107 degrees.
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Even when an outside temperature of 60 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees.
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In 10 minutes, a car's temperature can rise over 20 degrees.
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Potential consequences of leaving a child in a hot car include severe injury or death, being arrested and jailed, and/or a lifetime of regret.​
Tips to avoid child heatstroke:
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Always check the back seats of your vehicle before you lock it and walk away.
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Agree to have your child’s care provider or teacher call you immediately if your child does not show up for care or school.
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Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat.
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If someone else is driving your child, or your daily routine has been altered, always check to make sure your child has arrived safely.
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If you put something you need in the back seat – like a cell phone, briefcase or purse – you’ll be reminded there’s a child with you.
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Always lock your car and make sure your kids do not have access to your keys. A car is not a safe place to play. Children can change gears or release brakes. They can hurt themselves and others.
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If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number – every minute counts.