Car Seat Safety Guidelines
The AAP recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until age 2 or until they outgrow the height/weight limit. Every transition should be delayed as long as safely possible.
Car Seat Stages
- Rear-Facing Infant Seat: Birth to 30-35 lbs (keep rear-facing as long as possible)
- Rear-Facing Convertible: Can be used rear-facing up to 40-50 lbs
- Forward-Facing with Harness: 2+ years, 25-65 lbs
- Booster Seat: 4+ years, 40-100 lbs, under 4'9"
- Seat Belt Only: 4'9"+ tall, typically 8-12 years old
The 5-Step Seat Belt Test
Before switching to a seat belt alone, check: (1) Child sits all the way back, (2) Knees bend at seat edge, (3) Lap belt sits on upper thighs, (4) Shoulder belt crosses mid-chest, (5) Child can stay seated properly for the whole trip.