Child car seats, travel compatible
By Brian Rohrer Special to the Acorn

When packing for that muchneeded vacation, don't forget to take your child's car seat for airplane flights or for driving to or at your final destination.

All 50 states have some sort of mandatory car seat usage law on the books. Though California's child seat law is better than some states, a few, such as Kansas and Washington, go beyond California law in an effort to help parents keep their children safe.

Whether required by law or not, booster seats should be used regardless of age until your child reaches 4 feet, 9 inches in height. Seat belts are designed for adults of that height or taller. An improperly fitted seat belt can add to or cause significant injury to the abdomen and neck.

The use of your car seat on a plane should not be overlooked. If you are going to take the seat with you for use when you arrive at your destination, consider using it on the flight. The code of federal regulations requires the airline to allow you to use your seat provided certain requirements are met, including buying a seat for your child. Often, the airline will allow you to use your car seat without purchasing a ticket for your infant provided that space is available on the flight.

If you intend to use your car seat on the plane to any destination originating in the United States, take a copy of the owner's manual. Having your children in a familiar, comfortable, five-point harness is the way to go when encountering sudden turbulence during any flight. Rear-facing your infant, if possible, is also preferred.

Brian Rohrer is a certified CPST and co-owner of Safe and Secure Baby in Westlake Village. For more information, call (818) 865-2345 or visit www. safeandsecurrebaby.com.