Rear-facing Car Seat

• From birth to at least 1 year old
• And at least 20 pounds

Combination Car seats

• 20 to 40 pounds
• Up to 4 years of age

Booster Seats

• 40 to 80 pounds
• Up to 4' 9" tall
• Usually 4 to 8 years of age

Seat Belts Alone

• Over 80 pounds
• Taller than 4'9"
• Able to sit with back against the seat and knees bent at seat edge without slouching

Keeping Kids Safe

With so many car safety seats options, it is difficult to select the correct one for your child.

In the Back Seat

One simple and fairly well-known rule is that all children age 12 and under should sit properly restrained in the back seat.

In the Correct Restraint

A common mistake that parents often make, however, is moving their child directly from a forward-facing car seat to adult seat belts. Any child who cannot sit without slouching straight against the vehicle's seat back with knees bent over the seat edge must use a booster seat. Children improperly restrained in adult seat belts alone are at risk for head injuries, serious internal injuries and even strangulation in a collision.

All children that weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are less than 4'9" tall should be in a booster seat!

Proper Positioning

Seat belts are designed for adult bodies and are dangerous when used alone for children under 80 pounds and less than 4'9" tall. The shoulder belt pushes against their necks and the lap belt rides too high on their abdomens, which can cause serious or even fatal injuries in a collision.

A booster seat positions adult seat belts correctly and safely, offering children greater comfort and visibility.

Boosters Are for Big Kids

For children of this size (40-80 lbs, < 4'9"), booster seats are critical. When properly used, belt-positioning booster seats are very effective in protecting children during collisions. So when your kids outgrow forward-facing child safety seats, remember that they still need special protection. Children are not small adults. Make sure you use the proper restraint for your child.