Child Car Seat

Guide Note

A child car seat is a special seat designed to protect an infant or small child in the case of a car accident. The type of car seat a child uses is dependent on their weight and height.

Fast Facts

1. Legally required for children to use in every state
2. Height and weight to stop using a car seat varies by state
3. Five-point harness is the safest

Types of Car Seats

Car seats are broken into four types, 0, 1, 2 and 3. Some seats combine the features of more than one type.

There are two different car seats that are considered type 0. Infant seats or infant carriers are made for babies from 5-22 pounds or up to one year old. These seats must be rear facing and in the back seat. Infant carriers are normally made in two parts, allowing the seat to be snapped into place and removed without having to take the baby out of the seat. Convertible car seats may be place rear facing for infants from 5-35 pounds. They may be turned around and be forward facing for toddlers from 20-35 pounds. Convertible car seats feature a five-point harness, which connects straps from the shoulders, waist and between the legs.

Type 1 seats are car seats that feature a 5-point harness and are forward facing. Children that fit in these seats are between 20-40 pounds.

Type 2 car seats are larger than type 1 seats, made for children 33-55 pounds or 4-6 years old. They do not provide a built-in seat belt, but utilize the adult seat belt by having a seat belt adjustment built into the back of the seat.

Type 3 car seats are known as booster seats, made for children 48-76 pounds or 6-12 years old. They place children at a higher height, allowing them to utilize the adult seat belt comfortably and safely.