What is the proper way to secure a child in a car?

Using an appropriate car seat is the best method for securing a child in a vehicle because car seats are specifically designed to protect children in the event of a crash. They provide the necessary support and restraint for a child's smaller body, which seatbelts are not equipped to do effectively. Car seats help to position the child correctly and secure them safely, reducing the risk of injury.

Car seats vary based on a child's age, weight, and height, and it's important to select the right type—infant, convertible, or booster seat—according to these factors. Proper installation and usage of the car seat are critical to maximize safety.

In contrast, using a standard seatbelt without a proper booster seat or car seat does not provide adequate protection for younger children who haven’t yet reached the appropriate size and weight for seatbelts to be effective. Allowing a child to sit in the front seat or on someone's lap poses significant safety risks and increases the likelihood of injury during a crash, as these positions do not equip the child with the protective measures that car seats provide.