Choosing and Using a Car Seat

NHTSA recommends rear-facing for young children until the seat's maximum rear-facing height or weight is reached. After that, use a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether until its applicable limit is reached, then a booster until the vehicle belt fits correctly. The lap belt should sit low across the upper thighs; the shoulder belt should cross the shoulder and chest, away from the neck or face. Children should ride in the back seat at least through age 12. See NHTSA's seat guidance.

A rear-facing-only infant seat and a convertible seat are different products. Outgrowing an infant seat does not necessarily mean a child is ready to face forward; a suitable convertible seat can allow continued rear-facing use.

Record the exact model and current limits where caregivers can find them. “It is a toddler seat” does not tell another adult how it must be used.

Use the child's current height and weight, then read the selected seat's limits and instructions. NHTSA's Car Seat Finder helps identify seat types and options; it does not replace checking fit in the actual vehicle.

Consider whether the seat can be installed correctly in the vehicle and whether caregivers can use its harness and adjustment features correctly. Price or a photograph of a seat is not evidence of a suitable installation.

Illustrative example: Two caregivers transport a child in different vehicles. They verify the arrangement in each vehicle, rather than moving the seat and assuming that the first installation instructions cover both. Each driver knows how to secure the child and where the manuals are kept.

Use the belt path and installation method specified for the seat's current mode. Follow the manuals for seat-belt locking, lower-anchor limits, tether use, angle and harness position. Do not improvise with a vehicle attachment that only resembles the required anchor.

AAP's car seat information for families explains harness fit, bulky clothing, installation methods and special needs. Do not add an insert or accessory unless it is permitted for the specific seat. Bulky coats can interfere with a snug harness.

Arrange an inspection through NHTSA's installation help. Bring the child when the appointment requests it, the seat and both manuals. Ask to practice the steps yourself so you can repeat them later.

Use this short preparation list:

• Identify the exact seat model and the mode being used.
• Find the applicable height and weight limits.
• Read the vehicle-specific installation instructions.
• Have the driver practice fastening and adjusting the harness.
• Resolve any uncertainty with the manufacturer or a qualified technician before travel.

Illustrative example: A caregiver understands how to buckle the harness but cannot explain how the seat is secured in the car. The family arranges installation help before the trip. Correctly fastening the child and correctly installing the seat are separate parts of the same journey.

Know its history, model, manufacture date, usable life, instructions, parts and recall status. A seat that looks intact may still be unsuitable. Do not use one with an unknown history, missing parts or an unresolved recall.

AAP's family guidance includes conditions for previously owned seats. If a seat has been in a crash, follow the manufacturer's replacement instructions and applicable NHTSA guidance; do not determine reuse from appearance alone.

Register the seat with its manufacturer so safety notices can reach you, and follow recall instructions for the exact model. Keep the registration information with the product records.

Illustrative example: A relative is added as an approved pickup person. Before the first pickup, the family arranges the appropriate seat, reviews the vehicle-specific installation and practices securing the child. Authorization to collect the child does not by itself complete the transport arrangement.

Use the caregiver handoff sheet to note the model, where instructions are kept and who can help with installation. The worksheet does not replace the manual or an inspection.

State laws vary and can set legal requirements distinct from best-practice guidance. Check the relevant official state source; do not assume one national age rule describes every situation. For premature babies or children with medical or positioning needs, discuss safe transport with the care team and a suitably qualified technician.

An infant car seat is for travel, not a regular sleep space outside the vehicle. Move a sleeping baby to an appropriate infant sleep space as soon as practical after travel; safe sleep explains that arrangement.