Car Seat Recommendations for Children: Rear-Facing, Forward-Facing, and Booster Seats, Study notes of Childhood Development

Car Seat Recommendations for Children

There are many car seat choices on the market. Use the information below to help you choose the type of car

seat that best meets your child’s needs.

• Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, choose a seat that fits in your vehicle, and use it

every time.

• Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits) and

read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and

a tether, if available.

• To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits

• Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing.

• Convertible and All-in-One car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing

position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.

1 – 3 Years

Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should

remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s

manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a for ward-

facing car seat with a harness and tether.