Car Seats, Booster Seats, And Seat Belts

In addition, try to fit one into your car to ensure a snug and efficient fit. Your baby needs to ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible until 2 or more years. When your child has outgrown that seat, you are ready for a forward-facing car seat. Get more details about buying the right car seat for your child.

If you would like NHTSA to provide your child restraint registration information to the manufacturer, please fill out thisRegistration Formand mail it to the address below. The lower anchors are found in a minimum of two rear seating positions in a vehicle. Each lower-anchor-equipped seating position has two small horizontal bars found in the space between the vehicle seat’s back and bottom cushion (the “seat bight”).

Car Seats

​The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s age, size, and developmental needs. Here is more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child. Part of Graco’s SnugFit line, this infant car seat is easy to install and another popular pick among Babylist families, all at an affordable price point. Every car seat sold in the US must meet the same federal safety standards set forth by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. A certified child passenger safety technician can check your car seat and answer questions about child passenger safety. Dr. Mudd recommends parents try to prepare for their first car ride home from the hospital by having the car seat installation checked by a local fire station or children’s hospital.

We carry a variety of models, including many graco travel system made in America, which must pass rigorous safety tests. To see where each car seat was made, check the specifications at the bottom of the product page. A law allows car makers to install a manual cut-off switch that temporarily disables a passenger-side air bag. Be sure to switch the air bag back on when you remove the booster seat. Forward-facing car seats are designed to protect children from 20 to 80 pounds or more, depending on the model.

You can also check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for help finding a car seat inspection station. Buckle the harness straps and chest clip, ensuring a snug fit. Make sure the straps and clip lie flat against your child’s chest and over his or her hips with no slack. If necessary, place tightly rolled small blankets alongside your baby to provide head and neck support.

From thoughtful design to impact-reducing materials, all of our baby and toddler car seats and booster car seats are equipped with best-in-class safety features. We’ve introduced revolutionary safety technology to the industry – including the REACT™ Safety System – and we plan to keep on raising the bar when it comes to protecting your kids. When your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, use a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether in the back seat until at least age 5. Remember to keep rear-facing until at least age 2 before turning forward. Use a car seat with a harness and tether until age 5, or until they reach the upper height and weight limits for the harness. The top tether strap offers additional security for forward-facing car seats.

Whether you’ve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to correctly install and use it. Buy a car seat that can be installed and used correctly every time.

The base of this seat is simple to install and has just one tightener in the middle that pulls it securely in place. A built-in, easy-to-read level indicates when it’s been correctly positioned—plus you’ll always hear the trusty “click” sound when the carrier is properly inserted into the base. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, check out Nuna’s Pipa with Relx Base seat.

Even in a relatively low-speed crash, the airbag can inflate, strike the car safety seat, and cause serious brain injury and death. Car safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle’s seat belt or its LATCH system. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat, and many parents find them easier graco booster seat to use in some cars. The top tether should always be used with a forward-facing seat, whether you use the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it. The seat belt and LATCH systems are equally safe, so caregivers should use one or the other, whichever works best for them, for their car safety seat, and their vehicle.

Your child’s age, weight & height determine the right seat for their safety. That’s because disinfectant products may decrease the protection provided by the seat and harness. Make sure your child does not tuck the shoulder belt under her arm or behind her back.