Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Baby
Choosing the right car seat for your baby may seem overwhelming, but we have put together a list to help you out. Also, check out the link below (in pink) to find the right seat for your baby’s height and weight and compare brands.
- Infants should ride in rear-facing child safety seats in the back seat until at least age 1 and at least 20 pounds.
- If under age 1, but more than 20 pounds, infants should ride in a child safety seat approved for heavier babies and remain rear-facing until at least age 1. Best practice states that children should ride rear-facing until they reach the upper weight or height limits of the safety seat.
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of a passenger airbag.
- Once children outgrow their rear-facing child safety seats (typically over age 1 and heavier than 20 pounds) they should ride in a forward-facing child safety seat until they reach the upper weight (usually 40 pounds) or height limits of the seat.
- Once children outgrow forward-facing child safety seats, they should ride in the back seat in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, at which point they should fit properly in a seat belt.
- After outgrowing a booster seat, children under age 13 should always use a seat belt and ride in the back seat. Remember, kids of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the back seat.
- Old/used child safety seats should not be used unless you are certain they have never been in a crash and you have all the parts (including instructions). Seats that are 6 years old or older should be discarded and never used. Click here to check if your child safety seat has been recalled.
- Always read both the vehicle owner’s manual and the instructions that come with the child safety seat.
- It is important to remember that the “best” child safety seat is the one that correctly fits the child, the vehicle, and is used correctly every time.
- Get your child’s safety seat checked!