The top tether should always be used with a forward-facing seat, whether you use the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat, and many parents find them easier to use in some cars. LATCH is an attachment system for car safety seats. LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. Installation information: seat belts & LATCHĬar safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle's seat belt or its All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. When children are old enough and large enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit them correctly, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection.

Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.Īll children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.Ĭhildren who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. It's important to continue your research to learn about each seat you use.Īll infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer.

This chart is a quick guide on where to begin. Also, find links to 2023 car safety seat product information with weight and height limits and other details for different types of car seats throughout this article. Here is more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child. If you are expectant parents, consider working with a certified passenger safety technician (CPST or CPS technician), before your baby is born, to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital.

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