09/03/2026
🚔 CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY: BUCKLE UP THE RIGHT WAY 👶🚗
Keeping our youngest passengers safe starts with using the right restraint — and using it correctly every trip.
Missouri law requires drivers transporting children under 16 to make sure they are properly restrained.
Under 4 years old: Must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system, regardless of weight.
Under 40 pounds: Must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system, regardless of age.
Ages 4–7: Children who weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds AND are under 4’9” must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system or booster seat.
80+ pounds OR taller than 4’9”: May use a properly adjusted vehicle safety belt or an appropriate booster seat.
Under 16: The driver is responsible for making sure the child is properly restrained.
✅ BUT ARE THEY BUCKLED CORRECTLY?
For a 5-point harness car seat:
• Harness straps should lie flat against the child — never twisted.
• Rear-facing: Harness straps should come through the seat at or below the shoulders.
• Forward-facing: Harness straps should come through the seat at or above the shoulders.
• The chest clip belongs at armpit level, not down near the stomach.
• Tighten the harness until it is snug. Try the “pinch test” at the shoulder — if you can pinch excess harness material between your fingers, it needs to be tightened.
• Avoid bulky coats or clothing underneath the harness. They can prevent the straps from fitting snugly. Buckle the child first, then place a coat or blanket over the harness.
For a booster seat or properly fitting seat belt:
• The lap belt should sit low and snug across the upper thighs/hips — NOT across the stomach.
• The shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder, away from the neck and face.
• Never place the shoulder belt behind the child’s back or under their arm.
🚗 CHECK THE SEAT, TOO
A properly installed car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path. Forward-facing seats should also use the top tether when required by the seat and vehicle instructions.
Always follow the instructions provided by your child’s car seat manufacturer and your vehicle manufacturer.
⚠️ Remember: Meeting the minimum requirement of the law and using the restraint correctly are both important.
Take an extra few seconds before putting the vehicle in drive:
Right seat. Right fit. Properly buckled. Every ride.
Stay Safe Moscow Mills
