Child Car Seat Recommendations

• Rear-facing only seats
  It is recommended that all infants and young children remain in
  rear-facing only car seats for as long as possible, usually up to 2
  years old or 35lbs. (Always check your specific seat size limits).
• Convertible and All-in-one Seats
  (rear-facing and eventually switched forward)
  • These are designed to remain rear-facing until higher weight
    limits (typically 40-50lbs) are reached.
  • Only when the child reaches the rear-facing weight or height
    limit is it recommended to turn the seat forward-facing while
    still utilizing the 5-point harness system.
  • It is common to have your child’s feet or legs reach the back
    of the seat and require the knees to be bent when sitting in a
    rear-facing system; this is safe and normal.
• Booster seats
  • Booster seats are for older children when they
    outgrow the forward-facing seat.
  • They use the vehicle’s seat belt instead of a built-in harness.
  • They should be used until the child fits properly in a vehicle
    seat without the booster.
  • This typically occurs around age 10-12 and 4’9’’ tall.
• Seat Belt only
  (Only once they fit properly)
  • The shoulder belt is across the middle of the chest (not the
    neck or throat).
  • The lap belt should be across the upper thighs/hips (not
    the belly).
  • The child is tall enough the sit with their back against
    the seat and their legs bent over the edge of the
    seat comfortably.

Front-seat riding should not occur until at least 13 years old.