General Child Seat Use Information

Always read the child safety seat instruction manual. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding proper use and installation of his/her safety seats. All children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the back seat. Infants MUST NEVER ride rear facing in front seats where a passenger air bag is present!

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 seat belts or by the LATCH system.

1. Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
2. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
3. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle.
4. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
5. Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs.

Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants).

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system.

1. Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
2. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
3. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle.
4. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
5. Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

PRESCHOOLERS / TODDLER

1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs.

Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness.

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system.

1. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
2. Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).
3. 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, base only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.

NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.

1. Booster base used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat.
2. Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back.
3. Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.