Car Seat Guidelines
Remember to follow these simple size rules at all times:
For an infant who was born prematurely (before 36 weeks) or has other special needs:
For an infant younger than one year old and less than 20 pounds:
For an infant younger than a year but heavier than 20 pounds:
For a child turning one year old and weighing more than 20 pounds:
For children from four to eight years old:
For older children:
For an infant who was born prematurely (before 36 weeks) or has other special needs:
- Please consult with the baby's pediatrician; you may need a special seat to transport the baby.
For an infant younger than one year old and less than 20 pounds:
- The baby must ride rear-facing in an infant car seat or in a convertible car seat.
For an infant younger than a year but heavier than 20 pounds:
- The baby should still remain rear-facing up to one year of age.
- The maximum weight rating on most infant-style car seats is 20–22 pounds, but some new models can be used in the rear-facing position to hold a baby who weighs up to 30–33 pounds. Check specific guidelines provided with each car seat.
For a child turning one year old and weighing more than 20 pounds:
- If the child has been riding in an infant seat, now is the time to consider moving up to a convertible car seat.
- If the child has been riding in a rear-facing convertible seat, it can be turned around now and used in the upright, forward-facing mode.
- Although law states your child can be forward-facing in their car seat once they turn one, it's recommended that a child remain rear-facing until they reach the weight or height limitations of the car seat.
- Most convertible car seats have a maximum weight of 40 pounds, but some newer models can be used all the way to 55 pounds. Again, check specific guidelines provided with each car seat.
For children from four to eight years old:
- After a child has outgrown a convertible car seat, it's essential that the child ride in a belt-positioning booster seat for adequate protection until eight years old and 4' 9" in height.
- Vehicle belt systems are designed for adults, not children. A vehicle seat belt typically does not fit the average child until they are 4' 9".
- A belt-positioning booster seat correctly positions the vehicle's shoulder and lap belts on a child to provide effective protection in a crash.
For older children:
- Children should not ride in the front seat of a vehicle until they're at least 13 years old.
