General Child Seat Use Information
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!
AGE / WEIGHT SEAT TYPE / SEAT POSITION USAGE TIPS
INFANTS Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds. Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing.
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
  • Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
  • Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
  • Child seat should recline at approximately a 45-degree angle.
  • Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
  • Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Less than 1 year/ 20-35 pounds Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants).
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system
  • Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
  • Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
  • Child seat should recline at approximately a 45-degree angle.
  • Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
  • Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS and TODDLER 1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 pounds Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness.
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
  • Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
  • Harness straps/slots at or above child's shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).
  • Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
YOUNG CHILDREN 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4'9" (57") tall. Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.
NEVER use with lap-only belts-belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.
  • Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat.
  • Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back.
  • Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area --- not across the stomach.