Forward facing car seat if they weigh more than 20 pounds. The american academy of pediatrics aap recommends babies be in rear facing seats until age 2 or until they reach the car seats height or weight limit. According to the rules a child under the age of 8 who weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and is under 4 feet and 9 inches tall must have a booster seat when in the car. Booster seat laws are incorporated into the general state laws for child passenger safety so your use of a car seat or a booster seat will generally be based upon your individual child. Booster seat if they are between the ages of four and eight and stand less than four feet nine inches tall. Convertible and all in one car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear facing position allowing you to keep your child rear facing for a longer period of time.
Visit our main car seat safety page for additional age weight and height guidelines. Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear facing car seat infant only rear facing car seat or rear facing convertible car seat until they are 2 years old or until they have reached the weight and height limits of their car seat. The safest place for a child under 12 stated by law is in the back seat. Although this means that some larger infants and toddlers might have to graduate to a rear facing convertible car seat there are several models of infant only. Front facing car seats are designed for larger toddlers and often expand until a childs large enough for only a booster seat again dependent on the childs weight and height. Its the best way to keep him or her safe.
Parents must also check their car seat manufacturers height and weight limits and follow recommendations from health and safety organizations. Boosters are available as all in one car seats and high back or backless models. If you need help installing your car seat trust a professional and find a car seat inspection station near you. Thats usually 30 to 60 pounds 136 to. 1 3 years. Once your child outgrows these given limits a regular seat belt can be used.
While the age height and weight requirements vary most states require that children use car seats and booster seats from when they are born until they are around eight years old. Car seat laws in iowa set specific standards for certain age groups with weight or height restrictions also considered within the law. For example the state of california requires that children under that age and under 57 must be adequately secured in a child restraint system. Forward facing seats are available as convertible combination and all in one models. Keep your child rear facing as long as possible.
Gallery of Height And Weight Requirements For Car Seats
