Car Seat Age Steps

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.

Car seat age steps.

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. 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. Young adults who pass the five step test can ride in the vehicle seat belt in the back seat of the vehicle.

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. 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. Keep rear facing as long as possible. That s why it s so important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car.

The toddler car seat is the second car seat for your child. 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. 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. If your child outgrows their car seat before age 2 change to a seat with higher rear facing weight and height limits.

Follow these important steps to choose the right seat install it correctly and keep your child safe.