Car Seats

There are four main types of car seats for children: rear-facing, forward-facing, booster seats, and seat belts. Rear-facing car seats are designed for infants and young toddlers, while forward-facing seats are for older toddlers and preschoolers. Booster seats help position the vehicle’s seat belt correctly for older children, and seat belts are used once a child has outgrown the booster seat.

It is recommended that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit for their specific seat. This is typically around 2 years old, but some seats may allow for extended rear-facing use up to 4 years old.

To ensure proper installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the car seat. Youtube usally has instructional videos on how to fit most car seats.

A child should use a booster seat until they are tall enough to sit with their back against the vehicle’s seat, their knees bent comfortably over the edge of the seat, and the seat belt properly fitting across their hips and shoulder. Typically, this occurs when a child is between 8 and 12 years old and has reached a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

A child should continue using a booster seat until they can safely wear a seat belt without one. This typically occurs when a child is between 8 and 12 years old and has reached a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

Car seats typically have expiration dates ranging from 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. Check the label on your car seat to determine its expiration date. Additionally, if your car seat has been in a moderate to severe crash, it should be replaced, even if it appears undamaged.