A birthday can prompt questions about the next seat. Check the child, the seat, and the vehicle together before changing stages.

Use the rear-facing limits

Keep a child rear-facing as long as possible within the manufacturer’s height or weight limits for that seat.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

A birthday alone does not determine when a rear-facing seat is outgrown.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Car Seats and Booster Seats ↗

Read both sets of instructions

Use the car-seat instructions and vehicle manual together. Choose a suitable seat and get installation help if needed.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Correct installation depends on the particular seat and vehicle.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Car Seats and Booster Seats ↗

Use a booster until the belt fits

A booster positions the lap-and-shoulder belt. Keep using it until the vehicle belt fits properly without it.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

A booster is outgrown when the vehicle belt fits correctly.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Car Seats and Booster Seats ↗

Read it. Try it. Come back to why.

Original reflection: locate the current seat’s model name and limits before your next trip. Note one installation question to take to a qualified inspection appointment.

Practise all 3 questions →