A bill in the state House would change car seat requirements for Michigan children.
Right now, the state's child safety restraint regulations are generally based on age and height.
Under the bill, a child's weight would also be included.
Amy Zaagman with the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health says the legislation would bring Michigan up to date with national standards.
She says the state's current regulations are "insufficient" and create a gap between state law and national recommendations.
"I think most families want to do what's in the best interest of their kid. They're just a little confused about whether that's what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations are or what the [state] law is," Zaagman said.
The legislation would require a child to be seated and positioned as follows:
- In a rear-facing child seat, if the child weighs 30 pounds or less or is under two years of age.
- In a forward-facing child seat if the child weighs 30 pounds or more but under 50 pounds, or is two years of age or older but under five years of age.
- In a booster seat if the child is under 57 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds or more, or is five years old or older but under 10 years of age.
