The safest place for any car seat is in the middle of the backseat since it is the midpoint of the car. Parents need to check their car owner’s manuals to find the proper location to place a car seat, as newer vehicles may have tether straps in different areas.
NEWBORN/INFANT
All infants should ride in a rear facing car seat until they reach one year of age AND weigh at least 20 pounds. There are two types of rear-facing seats. Infant seats only face backwards. Convertible seats face backwards initially and then can face forward when the child is over 12 months and twenty pounds. Always check to make sure your child fits the weight and length requirements for their car seat.
TODDLER
Children over 20 pounds and a year of age can face forward in a car seat. They need to be in a car seat at least until age 4. There are three types of restraint harnesses: 5-point, overhead shield, and T-shield. All are acceptable. Some vehicles may have built-in car seats.
CHILDREN AGES 4 – 7
Children need to be in a booster seat from age 4 until they reach their 8th birthday. The booster seat allows proper positioning of the seat belt across their laps.
CHILDREN AGES 8 – 11
Children ages 8 – 11 need to wear a seat belt at all times and are not allowed to ride in the front seat until they reach their 12 th birthday.
