As a parent, it is your job to protect your child when riding in a vehicle. Using car seats properly helps keep children safe. But with so many different types of car seats on the market, understanding how to use them correctly can be overwhelming for parents.
For guidance on choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child about car seats, please visit:
- Healthychildren.org - Car Seats
- AAP - Car Seats
- CDC - Car Seats
- NHTSA - National Highway Travel Safety Administration
- Car Seat Inspection Station Locator
Maximize Safety - KEEP YOUR CHILD REAR FACING UNTIL HE OR SHE REACHES THE MAXIMUM LENGTH OR WEIGHT ALLOWED
- when appropriate, riding in a
rear facing car seat is 5 times safer
than riding in forward facing car seats
- motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death in children greater than 4 years old
- do NOT switch to a forward facing car seat just because your child's feet reach the back of the vehicle seat
- follow the recommendations for your specific car seat
Old Guidelines
-
place your child in a rear facing car seat until 12 months old and 20 pounds
-
NO LONGER RECOMMENDED
Rear facing car seats
- safest place for your child
- keep your child rear facing as long as possible, according to the
manufacturer
of your car seat
Forward facing car seats
- between 2-3 years old, but only after reaching the maximum length or weight allowed by your rear facing car seat
- don't rush to move your child to a booster seat
- keep your child in a forward facing car seat as long as possible, according to the
manufacturer
of your car seat
Booster Seats
- between 4-12 years old, but only after reaching the maximum length or weight allowed by your forward facing car seat
- don't rush to move your child to an adult seat belt
- adult seat belts can cause injuries in children who are not physically ready for an adult seat belt
Seat Belts
- between 8-12 years old
and
taller than 4 ft. 9 in, but only after reaching the maximum length or weight allowed by your booster seat
- shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest
- shoulder belt should NOT cross the neck or face
- must be able to:
- sit up straight
- keep back against seat
- naturally bend knees over edge of seat
- keep feet flat on the floor
Front Seat
- age greater than 13 years
Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families (2014 Product Information)
