During the month of September, seven days are officially recognized as National Child Passenger Safety Week. Although many organizations sponsor and host events during this time period, the message must continue to be spread to parents throughout the entire year. Why? Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, but many of these deaths can be prevented.

A child safety seat or booster is key to prevent tragedy while on the road. Car seats for babies and young children have been around for more than 20 years. Even though car seats have been around for a long time, most parents and caregivers still get confused and frustrated when installing their children’s car seats. As a new father, I have experienced this firsthand.

Many parents ask, what is the best car seat to use? First, the car seat must fit your child. They are designed for children of different ages, weights and seated heights. Also, the seat must fit your car, as they fit differently in many models of cars and trucks. The shape of the vehicle seat, the seat belt system and the size of the car seat will affect how well the car seat can be installed.

In addition, the car seat must be one that you will use correctly all the time. Car seats have many different features. All car seats must meet the same federal testing standard. The most expensive car seat may not be the best choice for you. It’s important to buy a seat that works best for you, your child and vehicle.

Always remember to never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an air bag. This can cause death or severe injury! Children need to ride rear facing until they’re at least 12 months of age and must weigh 20 pounds. Both benchmarks need to be in place before they can be turned forward facing.

Our Phoenix Fire Department strongly discourages used car seats. Used seats can have cracks, sun damage or missing parts. In fact, the average life of a car seat in Arizona is five years. Your child’s life is worth a new seat! One key fact to note: car seats and seat belts that have been involved in car crashes need to be placed.

The Phoenix Fire Department has free car seat inspections and installations at two of its fire stations. Call 602-495-KIDS (5437) for an appointment. Call today—it could save your child’s life.

Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents North Central Phoenix and chairs the City Council Sustainability Subcommittee. If you have any questions, call Councilman Stanton’s office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.