W ith so many different car seats
on the market, and safety
specifications changing as your child
grows, it can be confusing to keep up
with the best option to protect your
child. Here are some guidelines for
keeping your children safely secured
in the car.

• Select a car seat based on your
child’s age and size, and choose a
seat that fits in your vehicle and
use it correctly every time.

• Always refer to your specific car
seat manufacturer’s instructions;
read the vehicle owner’s manual
on how to install the car seat
using the seat belt or latch system
and check height and weight
limits. • To maximize safety, keep your
child in the car seat for as long as
possible (as long as the child fits
within the manufacturer’s height
and weight requirements).

• Keep your child in the back seat
at least through age 12.

BIRTH-12 MONTHS
Under age 1, your child should
always ride in a rear-facing car seat.

Infant-only seats can only be used
rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1
car seats typically have higher height
and weight limits for the rear-facing
position, allowing you to keep your
child rear-facing for a longer period
of time.

1-3 YEARS
Keep your child rear-facing as long
as possible. Your child should remain
in a rear-facing car seat until he or
she reaches the top height or weight
limit allowed by your car seat’s
manufacturer. 4-7 YEARS
Keep your child in a forward-
facing car seat with a harness until
he or she reaches the top height or
weight limit allowed by your car
seat’s manufacturer.

8-12 YEARS
Keep your child in a booster seat
until he or she is big enough to fit in
a seat belt properly. For a seat belt
to fit properly the lap belt must lie
snugly across the upper thighs, not
the stomach. The shoulder belt should
lie snug across the shoulder and
chest and not cross the neck or face.

Remember, the safest place for your
child to ride is still in the back seat.

Fitzgerald Auto Malls organizes
and conducts monthly child safety seat
inspections in an effort to increase the
number of lives saved through proper
installation. Events are held on the
third Thursday of every month, with
the exception of January and February.

For more information, visit
www.FitzMall.com. Healthy Smile...

Healthy Child
pediatric dental care
John Han, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Fernanda Fontes, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Jenny Ha, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Harold Fleming, DDS
Orthodontist Dr. Han voted one of the
Top Dentists in Northern VA
Magazine & VA Living Magazine.

• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
Sedations Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide
Emergency Care
Digital X-ray & Technology
Free Orthodontic Consultation
Sealants White Fillings
School Exams
Kid PDC
s C
Fluoride Treatment
Firs ome
Early Orthodontics
t Cleanings
Check up exams
* No Referrals Required
Accepting all major insurances
and Smiles for Children
www.mypdcdentists.com Pediatric Dental Care
Fairfax office:
9901 Fairfax Boulevard,
Fairfax, VA 22030.

Springfield office:
6120 Brandon Ave. Suite 114,
Springfield, VA 22150
12 November 2016 washingtonFAMILY.com
Don’t miss out!
Sign Up
Today! Receive tons of
family activities,
exclusive discounts,
timely articles and
super coupons
right to your email!
www.WashingtonFAMILY.com



and
present M anassas B allet t heatre
with The Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra in
The Center for Ballet Arts, Inc.

or Register Now for Fall Call: Visit 703.273.5344
our website at: thecenterballetarts.com
December 15-23, 2016
Tickets starting at only $25
manassasballet.org www.hyltoncenter.org
(888) 945-2468
info: 703-257-1811
MBT is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission of the Arts, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C. ®
Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
We Provide
Sleep Apnea
Appliances • Comprehensive Dental Care For
Children, Teens & Adults
• Submission to Most PPO’s
• Certified Provider Of Invisalign
• Advanced Technology
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Restorative Care
• Preventive Care
• Sleep Apnea Appliances
• Payment Plans Available
Serving Our Local Community Since 1963
washingtonFAMILY.com November 2016 13