Car Seat Safety

Rear-Facing Seats are to be used in a semi-reclined rear-facing position. This seat is generally used for children from 5 up to 40lbs.

• Best practice is for children to ride rear-facing for as long as possible.

• A child using an infant car seat may remain rear-facing by transitioning to a convertible or all-in-one car seat used in the rear-facing mode.

• The highest weight and height limits of the rear-facing mode for convertible and all-in-one car seats typically are higher than the highest weight and height limits for infant

If the top of a child’s head is within one inch of the top of the shell of the seat, it’s time to transition.

There are three types of rear facing seats:

• Infant Car Seats are only to be used rear facing for infants weighing 4-30lbs.

• Convertible and All-in-One Car Seats are appropriate for infants and small children who meet the seat’s height and weight requirements. These seats usually range from 4-5 lbs to 40 lbs. Check the car seat manual for each specific seat's requirements.

• This seat secures the child via a five point harness and should be only used in a forward facing position.

• These seats should be used when your child maximizes the height and weight of their rear-facing seat.

• The five types of this seat are Convertible, All-in One, Combination, Forward-Facing Only and Built-in car seats.

Booster Seats raise and position a child, so the lap-and-shoulder belt fits the child correctly and are designed for children 40 lbs and above.

• The lap belt should lie across the child’s hips and upper thighs and the shoulder belt should lie across the child’s chest, touching the center of the child’s shoulder.

• There are High Back Booster Seats and Backless Booster Seats.

  • High Back Booster Seats support a child’s head, neck and back while providing side impact protection and guides for the lap-and-shoulder belt.

    • High Back Seats are recommended in vehicles with lower seat back or no head restaurants.

  • Backless Booster Seats rely on the vehicle seat back for supporting the child’s head, neck and back

    • Most also provide a shoulder belt guide to adjust the height, if needed, and should always be used in conjunction with the seat.

• Occasionally, vehicles offer a built-in booster seat (or integrated booster seat) in the rear vehicle seat cushion. These seats do not expire.

A child should stay in a booster seat as long as possible, until reaching its highest weight or highest height limit, and then transition into a seatbelt when you ensure they fit into it confidently and correctly.

A Vehicle Seat belt only is safe when a child correctly and confidently fits into it.

• For older kids when the lap belt lies across the thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt lies across the chest (not the neck).

• To ensure a safe fit the lap belt must lie across the thighs, not the stomach, and the belt lies across the chest, not the neck.

• Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat.