INFANTS

From birth to age 1, children should remain in rear-facing safety seats. Rear-facing seats provide greater protection against back or spinal cord injury in case of a frontal crash. A child who is at least 1 year of age may graduate to a forward-facing seat at 20 pounds, but experts recommend waiting as long as 30 or 35 pounds.

TODDLERS&PRE-SCHOOLERS

When children graduate to the forward-facing seat, usually at age 1-4 or when they weigh 20-40 pounds, the preferred model of safety seat for toddlers is the convertible or the combination seat. These seats protect taller, heavier children who have outgrown their booster seats but are too small for an adult or booster seat.

CHILDREN

The final stage of safety seat before the lone seatbelt is the booster seat. Booster seats are great for children between the ages of 4 and 8, and who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. Booster seats help seatbelts fit appropriately—straps should cross over the chest, and the lap belt should lay over the upper thighs.

LATCH

In any case, remember to use your car’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) feature. This federally mandated safety feature is found in most cars manufactured after September 2002. The system makes proper installation easier with “child-size” safety seat straps and anchor attachments that can help prevent seatbelt strangulation.

When in doubt, refer to the user’s manual or consult a professional to check the safety of your car seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will locate the inspector nearest you.

Visit the NHTSA site for safety seat guidelines, and don’t forget about Child Passenger Safety Week in September.