Selecting a Car Seat

Buckle up your child every trip, every time

The right car seat, fastened correctly, is the best way to prevent injury or even death in a crash. For all children under the age of 13, the back seat is always the safest place, preferably in the middle.

Installation tips:

  • Car seats should not move more than one inch side-to-side at the belt path.
  • The harness must be snug and secure on your child. You should not be able to pinch any slack at the shoulder.
  • The retainer clip should be fastened and placed at armpit level.
  • Always follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions.

INFANT
Rear-Facing, Infant-Only Seat
  • birth to at least one year AND
  • at least 20 pounds (as long as possible up to seat size limits)
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Helpful Tips
  • Never put the car seat in front of an airbag.
  • The car seat should recline at a 45 degree angle to prevent your baby's head from falling forward.
  • Harness straps must be at or below shoulder level.
  • Always ride rear-facing.

 

OLDER BABIES
Rear-Facing, Convertible Seat
  • at least one year of age AND
  • more than 20 pounds but less than 35 pounds (as long as possible up to seat size limits)
022309_carseat_olderbabies.jpg
Helpful Tips
  • Never put in front of an airbag.
  • Harness straps at or below shoulder level.
  • Use the correct seat belt path when in the rear-facing position (usually there is a different belt path for forward-facing).
  • Convert to forward-facing when your child reaches the weight limit or their head gets within 1 inch of the top edge.

 

TODDLERS
Forward-Facing Convertible Seats and Forward-Facing Only Seats
  • at least one year of age and up to 4 years old AND
  • 20-40 pounds (up to maximum seat size limits)
022309_carseat_littleboy.jpg
Helpful Tips
  • Harness straps should be at or above the shoulders.
  • Use the correct seat belt path for the forward-facing position of a convertible seat (usually there is a different belt path for rear-facing).
  • If your child is above 40 pounds but less than 4 years old, a high weight limit car seat (40-80 pounds) can be purchased.

 

PRE SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY
Booster Seat (High-Back / No-Back)
  • 4 to 8 years old AND
  • over 40 pounds
  • under 4'9" tall
022309_carseat_olderkidbooster.jpg
Helpful Tips
  • Must be used with a shoulder and lap belt
  • Never place the shoulder strap behind the back or under the arm. It should fit snugly across the shoulder and chest.
  • The lap belt should ride as low as possible across the hips

 

OLDER CHILDREN
Vehicle Seat Belt
  • approximately 8 years old
  • at least 4'9" tall

Pass the 5-Step Test by answering "YES" to each question:
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1. Does your child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do your child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can your child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

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