A safe car seat is the best type of protection you can give your child while traveling, according to Kids Health. The type of car seat that is best for your child depends on his size and the type of vehicle you drive. Although different car seat manufacturers may have varied restrictions for using their seats, there are four types of seats that generally have similar guidelines.
Infant Seats
Infant seats are rear-facing and often come with a detachable carrier that snaps into the base in your car. An infant can ride in one of these seats until she is 1 year old and 20 to 22 lbs. There is no height limitation for infant seats, but individual manufacturers may have separate requirements.
Forward-Facing Seats
Forward-facing seats are for a baby who is anywhere from 20 to 40 lbs. These seats are used when your child is too big to be sitting rear-facing in an infant seat and can last until he is approximately 4 years old. Consumer Reports recommends using a seat with a five point harness system, which secures the child in place in five different areas.
Convertible Seats
Healthy Children, an American Academy of Pediatrics website, recommends that an infant ride rear-facing until she reaches the highest height and weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Some convertible seats allow your child to sit rear-facing until she is 35 lbs., then sit forward-facing until she is 40 lbs.
Booster Seats
Booster seats are for a school-age child to use until an adult seat belt fits him correctly. Kids Health states that he should remain in a booster seat until he is 4'9" tall and 80 lbs. Some states have laws requiring the use of booster seats until a child reaches those measurements and is at least 8 years old.
Car Seat Installation
Healthy Children states that you can find a Child Passenger Safety Technician in your area to help you safely install your car seat and ensure that it is working properly. These technicians can be found at some police and fire stations. Be sure to follow all instructions and limitations listed by your car seat manufacturer in order to understand height and weight restrictions as well as safety precautions.
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