When installing child safety seats, which practice is essential?

• A. Use the seat belts to secure the child, and ignore LATCH.
• B. Use the correct seat for age/size, install tightly with belts or LATCH, and secure the child properly.
• C. Seat the child with a loose harness.
• D. Move the seat between vehicles frequently.

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is to ensure the child seat is appropriate for the child’s size and securely installed, so it can protect effectively in a crash. Use the right seat for the child’s age and height, and install it tightly into the vehicle with either the seat belt or LATCH exactly as the manufacturer instructs. Then secure the child in a snug harness or booster, ensuring the straps are not twisted and the chest clip sits at the armpit level. A proper fit keeps the seat from moving and ensures crash forces are distributed safely to the seat and child, rather than to them directly. The LATCH option is a method to anchor the seat, but it doesn’t replace a correct installation or a proper harness.