It's that time of year again when families hit the road again. During the summer, families will have their annual summer vacations, travel to family picnics as well as amusement parks, local swimming pools, etc. With all of this traveling, it is important for us as parents to remember which type of car seats to use for our children from birth to school age. Not only will these tips help keep our children safe, but also assist in making memorable moments with our children for years to come.
Children's Car Seat Tips
Listed below are children's car seat tips according to age and weight. It is important to review these tips, especially when our children transition from one age group to the next (i.e. newborn to infant, infant to toddler, toddler to preschooler, preschooler and up).
Newborns
- You can choose to either use an infant only car seat (up to 17 or 22 lbs depending on the car seat) or convertible car seat (up to 40 lbs.)
- Install the car seat so that it is rear facing (read the directions attached to your newborn's car seat)
- If you concerned whether or not it will fit, purchase the car seat and see if it will fit (if it is a convertible car seat, one that can be used both rear and front facing; try moving it to both positions to see if it fits)
- If your newborn is a preemie, born 37 weeks or earlier, you may purchase a car bed (consult your newborn's physician first)
- Make sure to buckle your baby and use the harness (see instructions on your newborn's car seat)
- Use a rear facing car seat until your infant is 1 year old AND weighs 20 lbs. or more
- Do NOT turn your child's car seat to the front facing position until he/she is 1 year old AND weighs 20 lbs. or more
- If you used an infant only car seat, you may need to purchase a convertible car seat (especially if the maximum weight limit is 17lbs)
Toddlers
- Use a forward facing car seat when your toddler is 1 year old and weighs more than 20 lbs.
- Some convertible car seats have a harness belting system that can convert to a booster seat with a belt (Do NOT switch your toddler to the booster seat until your child is 40 lbs.)
- Use a safety seat with a 5-point harness
Preschooler & School-Aged Children
- Your preschooler should stay in their forward facing car seat until they weigh 40 lbs. with a 5-point harness
- When your child weighs 40 lbs., you can have them sit in a booster seat
- You can use a booster seat without shields, with removable shields, or high-backed boosters
- Children should use a booster seat until they weigh 80 lbs and are 4 ft. 9 in. tall
It is important that we use the proper car seat for our children the next time we travel. The tips listed above will help you decide which type of car seat your child should use. Using the correct type of car seat can make a difference for your child's safety and your piece of mind.
