Car Seat Guidelines For Your Child

Car safety seats, boosters and seat belts are designed to keep kids safe while riding in vehicles. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit your child and vehicle, with options for rear-facing, forward-facing and boosters.

The best way to decide which seat is right for your child is to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and vehicle instructions on the label or owner’s manual. It’s also important to make sure your child’s seat is installed correctly so it’s secured against the vehicle and the seat belt locks securely.

Infants (up to 22 pounds) should ride in a rear-facing car seat. Toddlers (up to 35 pounds) should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they outgrow the height or weight limits of that seat. Children under 4 years old who have outgrown the forward-facing harness limit can transition to a belt positioning booster seat or a lap and shoulder seat belt. Children should remain in a belt-positioning booster until the lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically at age 8.

If your child is over 8 years old and under 57 inches tall, they can sit in the front passenger seat if it has an active air bag. However, it’s still safer for them to ride in the back seat if possible until they are 13 and 100 pounds. Children who must be in the front seat should sit in the middle, not the side. If this isn’t possible, put them in a booster seat with the chest clip located at armpit level and the seat belt locked across the shoulders.

All children under 5 must be restrained in a federally approved car safety seat that meets FMVSS 213 standards. A booster seat can be used with a lap and shoulder belt until your child is over 8 years old and 4’9” tall.

When buying a seat or booster, make sure the seat is certified for your state and isn’t expired. Check the date of manufacture on the seat label and owner’s manual. If you plan to use it with more than one vehicle, look for an all-in-one seat that can change from a rear-facing to a forward-facing and then to a booster. They can save you time and money because you don’t have to move the seat between vehicles or swap car seats when you switch cars.

If you need help finding a car seat or booster for your child, contact a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) near you. They can demonstrate proper installation and help you choose the right seat for your vehicle and child.

All kids under 1 year must be in a rear-facing car safety seat not facing a front air bag. Children ages 1 to 13 should always ride in the back seat. Exceptions may be made for children with medical needs or for transporting children to school, work and on family trips. Children under 13 must use a booster seat or adult seat belts, depending on their age and size.