There are 5 different stages of child restraint systems. This list reviews the stages, specifying age & weight requirements, and highlighting features.
*IMPORTANT* Be sure to read your car seat's ENTIRE user's manual! You should also review your vehicle's manual.
*IMPORTANT* Be sure to read your car seat's ENTIRE user's manual! You should also review your vehicle's manual.
STAGE 1 | INFANT | Rear-Facing Only (4-35 LBS)*
An infant car seat with a stay-in-car base doubles as a carrier and can be used in a stroller.*
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
*Some car seats and strollers are sold as a travel system: A stroller, car seat, and base sold as a set.
An infant car seat with a stay-in-car base doubles as a carrier and can be used in a stroller.*
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
- All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat until they are at least 2 years of age, or they exceed the maximum height or weight allowed by the manufacturer of their child safety seat.
- A car seat is an absolute must for bringing baby home - hospitals won't let you leave with your newborn without one.
- An infant seat should never be placed on top of a shopping cart. The seat is at risk of falling, which can result in injury or death.
- Harness straps should be snug, and the chest clip should be adjusted to armpit-level.
*Some car seats and strollers are sold as a travel system: A stroller, car seat, and base sold as a set.
Examples
STAGE 2 | CONVERTIBLE | Rear-Facing (5-40 LBS)* and Forward-Facing (Minimum 2 years & 20-70 LBS)*
Convertible car seats have higher rear-facing height and weight limits, so babies and toddlers can ride rear-facing until the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of at least 2 years. Babies and toddlers should remain rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the manufacturer's maximum weight and height limits, at which time the seat can be turned to forward-facing.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
Convertible car seats have higher rear-facing height and weight limits, so babies and toddlers can ride rear-facing until the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of at least 2 years. Babies and toddlers should remain rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the manufacturer's maximum weight and height limits, at which time the seat can be turned to forward-facing.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
- When used rear-facing, make sure harness straps are at, or below, shoulder level, and that the slots being used are designated in the user's manual as safe for rear-facing use.
- Convertible seats have two belt paths: One for rear-facing, and one for forward-facing. When installing, be sure to route the LATCH connectors or seat belt through the correct belt path.
Examples
STAGE 3 | COMBO BOOSTER | Forward-Facing Only - (With harness: Minimum 2 years & 20-65 LBS)* (Without harness: Minimum 5 years and 40-120 LBS)*
Use with a 5-point harness for children up to 65 Lbs. Then, remove the harness and use as a booster seat with the vehicle's own seat-belt system.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
Use with a 5-point harness for children up to 65 Lbs. Then, remove the harness and use as a booster seat with the vehicle's own seat-belt system.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
- For all forward-facing car seats, harness straps should be at, or above, shoulder level.
- If you are using the LATCH connectors for installation, be aware that lower anchors have a weight limit, often of 65 pounds. Check your vehicle's manual; Once the combined weight of your child and the car seat reaches that limit, you must install the car seat with the vehicle's seat belt.
Examples
STAGE 4 | BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTER | FORWARD-FACING ONLY (Minimum 5 years and 30-100 LBS)*
Features head support and raises the child up for a better fit while using the vehicle's seat-belt system.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
Features head support and raises the child up for a better fit while using the vehicle's seat-belt system.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
- All booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belts, never with the lap belt only.
Examples
STAGE 5 | NO-BACK BOOSTER | FORWARD-FACING ONLY (Minimum 5 years and 40-100 LBS)*
Booster seats should be used only once a child exceeds the limit of a harnessed, forward-facing car seat. Use car's own vehicle seat-belt system to safely restrain and protect children.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
Booster seats should be used only once a child exceeds the limit of a harnessed, forward-facing car seat. Use car's own vehicle seat-belt system to safely restrain and protect children.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE
- Children must use a booster seat until they can properly fit into the vehicle's own lap-and-shoulder belt alone.
- Texas law: a child must be in a booster seat until the age of 8, or when they reach 4'9", whichever comes first.
Examples
*Weights vary by model. Check your user's manual.