Choosing the Right Seat for Your Child

REAR FACING CAR SEAT

  • Children under the age of 2 years should ride in an infant-only carrier-type rear facing car seat in the back seat.
  • Convertible car seats can also be used, but the rear facing setting should be used for children under 2 years old and under the maximum requirement for rear facing.

Illustration of a rear facing car seat

FORWARD FACING CAR SEAT

  • Forward-facing car seats are for children between 2-4 years old and 40-80 pounds.
  • Forward-facing car seats should only be used in the back seat.

Illustration of a forward facing car seat

BOOSTER SEAT

  • Booster seats should be used with children after age 4 and over 40 pounds.
  • Booster seats must be used with the adult lap and shoulder belt.
  • Booster seats should only be used in the back seat.

Illustration of a booster seat

SEAT BELT

  • Seat belts can be used after age 10 and your child is 4’9” tall.
  • Lap belts should be positioned low over the hips and tops of thighs.
  • Shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and chest.

Illustration of a seat belt in a car

ALL children younger than age 13 should ride properly restrained in the back seat.

NEVER place a car seat in the front passenger seat.

For additional information and assistance contact EMS Car Safety Checks and Infant Safety Education at 512-972-7233 or www.atcems.org.

For other car seat check option call Dell Children’s Medical Center 512-324-8687 or Safe Riders 1-800-252-8255.

Never leave a child alone in a car!