| Infants | ||
| Age/Weight | Seat Type/Seat Position | Usage Tips |
| Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs. Click here for a tip. |
Infant-Only Seat/Rear-Facing or Convertible Seat/used Rear-Facing. | 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 shield 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 safety 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. |
| Pre-schoolers/Toddler | ||
| Age/Weight | Seat Type/Seat Position | Usage Tips |
| 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 safety 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 | ||
| Age/Weight | Seat Type/Seat Position | Usage Tips |
| 4 to at least 8 years/unless child is 4'9" (57") tall. | Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, 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 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. |
| Tip for Infants: Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs. 1 year old and over 20 pounds is a minimum guideline for turning your child around. It does not mean you are required to turn him or her forward-facing. In fact, every child is safer in the rear-facing position as long as the car seat height and weight maximums are not exceeded*. Every car seat model has its own requirements, so keep this in mind when shopping for a convertible seat and try to buy one that will accommodate your child in the rear-facing position as long as possible. *See "The Fundamentals: How Your Child Fits in the Car Seat, 4b - Rear-Facing Seat" |