Car Seat Safety Chart

Choose the right car seat for your child

Birth to 1 year
Up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long

Recommendation:

• Use a rear-facing infant seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.
• Set the shoulder straps below the child’s shoulder level.
• Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.

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1 to 4 years
20 to 40 pounds, 26 to 40 inches tall

Recommendation:

• Use a forward-facing seat or a convertible seat in the forward-facing position.
• Position the straps at or above shoulder level.
• Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.

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4 to 8 years
40 to 80 pounds, 40 to 57 inches tall

Recommendation:

• Use a belt-positioning booster seat or a high-back, belt-positioning booster seat that uses the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt.
• Don’t use a shield-type booster seat.
• Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.