Car seats are an important—and proven—way to protect your child in case of a car accident, from the day you first bring them home until they can make their own macaroni and cheese (your mileage may vary). We hope this information helps you navigate the regulations and requirements that will best protect them until they can safely travel without one.
Rear Facing Car Seat — Until at least age 2 (but as long as possible!)
Children should be in a rear facing car seat in the back seat until at least age 2—but preferably as long as possible. (The rear facing height/weight limits allow many children to remain rear facing up to around age 4.) When a child exceeds the height/weight limits of an infant car seat, switch to a convertible car seat with a higher rear facing limit and continue to rear face as long as possible. Even if their legs appear cramped, it is much safer for them to remain rear facing.
Infant car seats are meant to be used semi-reclined (45 degrees) when rear facing. It is not safe to allow infants to sleep in car seats when not clicked into an appropriate car or stroller base because this position could obstruct their airway. Also, never put a rear-facing child in front of an active airbag.
Forward Facing Car Seat with Harness — Until at least age 5 and 40 pounds
Children who have outgrown their rear facing seat should use a forward facing seat with a harness in the back seat until at least age 5 and 40 pounds. Remember to keep rear-facing until at least age 2 before turning forward. Use a car seat with a 5 point harness and tether until age 5, or until they reach the upper height and weight limits for the 5 point harness. Maximum forward facing harness seat weight limits vary from 40-85 pounds, depending on the model. Make sure the child is within the weight limits of their seat and their head is at least 1 inch below the top of the seat.
Booster Seat — Until 4’9” and 80 pounds and the seat belt fits
Children who are at least 5 years old, 40 pounds and who have outgrown their forward facing seat with 5 point harness can switch to a booster seat in the back seat. They should continue to use the booster seat until 4’9 and 80 pounds (typically between ages 8-12).
In order to graduate from a booster seat, you should be able to answer yes to all 5 of the following:
- Child can sit with their back and hips against the car seat back.
- Child can bend their knees easily over the front edge of the seat and place feet flat on the floor.
- Lap belt fits low and snug across the hips, not on the belly.
- Shoulder belt fits across mid-chest and shoulder.
- Child can sit without slouching or playing with the seat belt and can remain in this position and awake for the entire ride.
High back booster seats should be used in cars without head restraints or with low seat backs. Backless boosters can be used in cars with high seat backs and head restraints. Lap belts and shoulder belts are required for use with a booster seat. All children under age 13 should sit in the back seat.
No Booster (and back seat until age 13)
Children who are at least 4’9 and 80 pounds can ride in the back seat with an adult seat belt. In order to come out of the booster seat, you should be able to answer yes to all 5 of the following:
- Child can sit with their back and hips against the car seat back.
- Child can bend their knees easily over the front edge of the seat and place their feet flat on the floor.
- Lap belt fits low and snug across the hips, not on the belly.
- Shoulder belt fits across mid-chest and shoulder.
- Child can sit without slouching or playing with the seat belt and can remain in this position and awake for the entire ride.
Both the lap and the shoulder belt are needed for optimal protection. Make sure your child does not tuck the shoulder belt under his arm or behind her back. All children should sit in the back seat until age 13.
