Car Seat Age Steps

That s why it s so important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car.

Car seat age steps.

Rear face until at least age 2 and until they reach the upper weight and height limits of the seat even up to age 4. Follow these important steps to choose the right seat install it correctly and keep your child safe. Keep rear facing as long as possible. 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.

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. If your child outgrows their car seat before age 2 change to a seat with higher rear facing weight and height limits. 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. 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.

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. Young adults who pass the five step test can ride in the vehicle seat belt in the back seat of the vehicle. It can be used from approximately 6 months of age up to four years depending on the height and weight of your child. Like regular convertible car seats they can be used from birth but can also be the next step after an infant car seat.

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.