As parents we want to do everything we can  to keep our children safe, it is a natural instinct.  Makirng sure your child is in the correct child safety seat when traveling in the car is one ways we as parents can help keep our children safe.  Child safety seats are designed specifically for certain ages, weights and heights; and when used correctly can (and likely will) save your child’s life.

It can be hard to keep track of all the specific rules surrounding child safety seats.  Rules like when your child can go from rear-facing to forward-facing, or when they can move to a booster seat, or when a child safety device is no longer needed.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed the 4 Steps for Kids campagin to help educate parents about child passenger safety and which child safety seats to use when.  If you ever have any questions about child passenger safety be sure to check out their website.

Here are the federal regulations regarding child safety seats in the United States.  Your state may have more specific rules so be sure to check with state officials in your area to make sure you are obeying the correct rules in your state.

INFANTS: Babies up to at least one year of age AND 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat.  For increased safety your child should remain rear-facing up to the weight and height limits for their child safety seat.  Be sure the read the manufacturer information booklet for the specifics on your child safety seat.

TODDLERS: Once your child outgrows their rear-facing seat they should begin to face forward in the backseat of the vehicle until they reach the weight and height limits for their carseat.  At minimum your child should remain in their carseat (with a 5 point harness) until age 4 and 40 lbs.  Many carseats have much higher weight limits on them, some as high as 65-80 lbs so read the information booklet that came with your seat.

CHILDREN: Once your child reaches the weight limits of their carseat and are at least 4 years of age they can move to a booster seat.  These seats are designed to give your child a boost so they can safely use the seatbelts in your vehicle.  Your child should continue to use a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4′ 9″ tall.  The safest place for your child remains the backseat.

Choosing the correct safety seat for your child is only part of the equation, you also need to make sure it is installed correctly.  Most manufacturers provide very detailed instructions.  To be sure you have installed the seat correctly you can take it to an inspection site (most fire departments have inspectors on site) to have the seat installtion inspected.

It is always better and safer to err on the side of caution.  If your child is still within the height and weight restrictions for their seat then keep them in it.  Just because your child is 4 years old doesn’t mean they have to move to a booster seat, they are safer in their carseat so leave them there if you can.