General Car Seat Guidelines
General Child Seat Use Information
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!
| Age / Weight | Seat Type / Seat Position | Usage tips | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants | Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds | Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing. Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system. | Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level. |
| Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs. | Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants). Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system. | Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level. | |
| PRESCHOOLERS / TODDLER | 1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs | Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness. Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system. | Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level. |
| YOUNG CHILDREN | 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9″ (57″) tall. | Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, base only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts. | Booster base used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach. |