Car Seat Center

A safe car seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and is used correctly every time. All car seats sold in the United States must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) set by the USDOT, so the best choice is a seat that matches your child's height, weight, and developmental stage. For the best protection, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, install the seat correctly, and make sure your child is secured properly before every ride.

Some of the most common mistakes are simple ones: using the wrong seat for your child's size or stage, installing the seat incorrectly (not locking it tightly into the vehicle seat or skipping the tether), leaving the harness too loose, or moving a child to the next stage too soon. Taking a few extra minutes to double-check your car seat can make a big difference.

Start by carefully following both the car seats and your vehicle's instructions. Once installed, the seat should be secure and properly positioned, using the correct installation method for your vehicle. If you're unsure, you can book a FREE virtual consultation with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

There's no single age when every child should move to the next seat. The right time depends on your child's height, weight, and developmental stage, as well as the limits of their current seat. Keep your child in each stage as long as they fall within that seat's recommended limits.

Rear-facing provides critical support for a young child's head, neck, and spine in a crash. Keep your child rear-facing until they reach the height or weight limit of their seat, not based on age alone. The general safety guideline is to keep children rear-facing as long as possible, and at minimum until age 2. This may mean transitioning from an infant-only seat into a convertible or an all-in-one seat that accommodates a larger child rear-facing.