Car Seat Age Steps

Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a crash yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.

Car seat age steps.

The rear facing position supports a child s head neck and spine and helps reduce stress to the neck and spinal cord in a crash. It can be used from approximately 6 months of age up to four years depending on the height and weight of your child. All in one car seats remain in the car in rear facing mode most all in one car seats start at around 4 pounds and max out between 40 and 50 pounds says haverstick. Children should ride in a vehicle s back seat in rear facing safety seats from birth until at least age 2 or until they reach their convertible seat s upper weight limit which should be around 35 pounds.

If your child outgrows their car seat before age 2 change to a seat with higher rear facing weight and height limits. Follow these important steps to choose the right seat install it correctly and keep your child safe. Keep in mind though. Once your child s shoulders do not fit beneath the headrest in maximum position anymore your child has outgrown the seat and should switch to a group 3 seat.

That s why it s so important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car. The toddler car seat is the second car seat for your child. Start your child in a rear facing car seat in the back seat. Like regular convertible car seats they can be used from birth but can also be the next step after an infant car seat.

When a child is at least 10 years old and can pass the five step test they are ready for the vehicle seat belt alone but should remain in the back seat until they are at least 13.