Proper Child Safety Seat Use
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!

x Infants Infants Toddlers/Preschool Young Children
Age and Weight: Birth to at least 1 year and 20-22 lbs. Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs. 1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs. 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4'9" (57") tall.
Type of Seat: Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing.

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants).

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.

Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness.

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.

Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.

NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.

Seat Position: Rear-facing only Rear-facing only Forward-facing Forward-facing
Usage Tips:

Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.

Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.

Child seat should recline at no more than a 45-degree angle.

Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).

Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.

Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.

Child seat should recline between a 31-45 degree angle.

Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).

Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.

Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the front.

harness straps/slots to be above the shoulder level (the top slots for most convertible child safety seats.

Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.

Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat.

Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back.

Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.

Always Make Sure: Children to at least one year and at the minimum at least 20 lbs. or the maximum limit of the seat in rear-facing seats in back seat. Harness straps at or below shoulder level   Harness straps should be at or above shoulders
Most seats require top slot for forward-facing
Belt-positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt
Warning: Do not place infants in the front seat of cars with air bags   All children age 12 and under ride in the back seat To avoid abdominal injuries, make sure the lap belt fits low and snug on hips; shoulder belt rests the across the collarbone, not the neck

From the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site.