General Child Seat Use Information
Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!

AGE /WEIGHT SEAT TYPE /SEAT POSITION USAGE TIPS
INFANTS Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds. 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.

· 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 approximately 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.
Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs. 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.

· 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 approximately 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.
PRESCHOOLERS /TODDLER 1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs. 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.

· Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
· Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
· 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.
YOUNG CHILDREN 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9″ (57″) tall. 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.

· 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.

The above chart was taken directly from the National Transportation Safety Board.