Each state has slightly different laws for child restraints in cars. No matter what your state's law is, it is important to follow the recommended safety guidelines, which are in many cases, more stringent than state laws. Remember that laws change quickly, so check you own state's laws periodically, before you leave on an out-of-state trip, check the laws of the states that you will be passing through.
Infants
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that babies under one year of age or under 20 lbs ride rear-facing in an infant seat or convertible car seat. For optimal safety, both milestones should be met before turning a baby forward-facing. If the weight limit on your convertible seat is over 20 lbs, it is safest to keep your toddler rear-facing until he outgrows that limit. Several states, including Connecticut, Louisiana, South Carolina and Wyoming, have laws that correspond to this recommendation.
Toddlers
Once toddlers outgrow their infant seats, they move into a convertible car seat in the forward-facing position. The AAP suggests using the 5-point harness seat as long as the child is within the height and weight limits. Most car seats hold children up to 40 lbs; many manufacturers are making seats that go up to 80 lbs. In every state except for Florida, children must be in car seats until they are at least 4 years of age. In Florida, it is legal, but not recommended or safe, to drive with your child out of a car seat restraint at the age of 3.
Booster Seats
When your child outgrows her convertible car seat, it is time to place her in a booster seat until she is old enough and big enough to sit in the regular seat belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that booster seats be used for all children under 8 years of age or under 4'9" tall. Some states, including New Jersey, North Carolina and Maine, make it illegal to drive with a child under 8 years or 80 lbs in a regular seat belt. Other states' laws are not as stringent; California and Montana, for example, allow children over 6 or 60 lbs to ride in regular seat belts, while Texas and Florida allow children over the age of 5 to wear regular seatbelts.
