From the age of 2, children can switch to a forward-facing car seat once they outgrow the maximum height and weight restrictions of a rear-facing car seat. If they outgrow the seat before age 2, they must use a rear-facing convertible or all-in-one car seat.
As children of the same age vary in height and weight, age is not the most important factor in determining when to switch car seats. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
This article looks at when to switch car seats, types of seats, installation, and safety tips.
According to the
Children should use a rear-facing car seat from birth to
Once a child over 2 years old outgrows the rear-facing car seat, they can switch to a forward-facing car seat. However, a child must fulfill the minimum height and weight restrictions of a forward-facing car seat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides the following car seat recommendations:
| Type of car seat | Suitable age | Advice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Infant, convertible, or all-in-one seats. | Use a rear-facing car seat from the ages of 0–4 years or until a child over 2 years outgrows the car seat. | Keep using a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, as it is the safest type of car seat for young children. |
| Forward-facing | Convertible, combination, or all-in-one seats. | Children may use a forward-facing car seat through to age 7. | Use a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until a child reaches the maximum height and weight restrictions. |
| Booster seat | High back, backless, combination, or all-in-one seats. | A child may use a booster seat in the back seat between ages 4–12. | Keep using a booster seat until a child can properly fit into a seat belt. |
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), a rear-facing car seat is the safest option for young children and the best car seat to use for as long as possible.
A rear-facing car seat is safer for a baby because it offers greater protection against front-end car crashes, which are the most common type of car crash.
In a front-end crash, a rear-facing car seat will support the child’s spine, neck, and head in moving evenly into the car seat rather than away from it.
Always use a rear-facing car seat in the back of the car rather than the passenger seat. In a crash, an airbag in the front passenger seat
Installing a forward-facing car seat will vary depending on its type:
Installing a car seat with a seat belt and tether
To install a car seat with a seat belt and tether:
- Carefully read the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual.
- Note the information on the vehicle’s seat belt system, how to lock the seat belt, the location of the tether anchors, and how to use the vehicle hardware.
- Place the car seat in the forward-facing position in the vehicle’s back seat.
- Take care not to twist the seat belts and pass the belt through the forward-facing belt path.
- Buckle the seat belt, then lock it.
- Press down firmly on the car seat and tighten it, ensuring it cannot move any more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back.
- Join the tether on the car seat to the tether anchor in the vehicle and tighten it to ensure limited forward motion in a crash.
Installing a car seat with lower anchors and tether
To install a car seat with lower anchors and tether:
- Carefully read the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual.
- Note the location of the lower anchors and tether and how to use the vehicle hardware.
- Place the car seat in the forward-facing position in the vehicle’s back seat.
- Find the lower anchors in the vehicle.
- Making sure not to twist the straps, join the lower anchor attachments on the car seat to the lower anchors.
- Press down firmly on the car seat and tighten the straps, ensuring that the car seat cannot move side-to-side or front-to-back any more than 1 inch.
- Join the tether on the car seat to the tether anchor in the vehicle and tighten it to limit forward motion in a crash.
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- Always buckle a child in safely, and make sure any child aged 12 or younger uses a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt in the back seat.
- Use a forward-facing car seat until a child is at least 5 years old.
- Use a forward-facing car seat with a harness and top tether.
The NHTSA note that people can register their car seat with the manufacturer once installed. This will allow people to receive up-to-date information, safety notices, or any recalls regarding the car seat.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, other car safety tips include:
- never leaving a child unattended in a car
- securing any loose objects in the car, such as hard toys that could cause harm in a crash
- ensuring every adult wears a seat belt in the car to be safe and set a good example
If people need clarification about car seat installation, they can find a car seat inspection station in their state using the Safe Kids Worldwide website. A certified car seat technician will inspect the seat and teach people how to use it properly.
Never use a damaged or expired car seat or one with an unknown history.
Children must use a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old and outgrow the maximum height and weight restrictions.
A rear-facing car seat is the safest option, so using this type for as long as possible is best.
Children older than 2 years can switch to a forward-facing car seat when they outgrow their rear-facing seat and fulfill the minimum age, height, and weight requirements of the forward-facing seat.