General Child Seat Use Information

Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!

 Information courtesy of the NHTSA

  AGE /

WEIGHT

SEAT TYPE /

SEAT POSITION

USAGE TIPS

INFANTS

Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds.

 Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing.

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.

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.

PRESCHOOLERS/TODDLER

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

4 to at least 8 years/unless

they are 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.