Safety Guide

Car Seat Safety Guide

Everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and using car seats safely. Protect your child with proper car seat use from birth through childhood.

5 Seat Types

From infant to booster

Safety First

Evidence-based guidelines

State Laws

Know your requirements

Quick Navigation

Car Seat Safety Overview

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Proper car seat use reduces the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. This guide provides comprehensive information to keep your child safe on every journey.

Key Statistics

  • • 46% of car seats are misused
  • • Proper use reduces injury risk by 82%
  • • 33% of children killed in crashes were unrestrained

Best Practices

  • • Rear-face as long as possible
  • • Use each stage to maximum limits
  • • Get professional installation help

Critical Safety Note

The safest car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and that you will use correctly every time. No car seat can prevent all injuries, but proper use dramatically improves your child's chances of surviving a crash without serious injury.

Safety Benefits

  • Reduces fatal injury by 71% for infants
  • Reduces fatal injury by 54% for toddlers
  • Protects head, neck, and spine in crashes
  • Distributes crash forces across strongest body parts

Age Progression

1
Rear-facing (birth to 2+ years)
2
Forward-facing (2 to 4+ years)
3
Booster seat (4 to 8+ years)
4
Seat belt (8+ years and 4\'9")

Keep Your Child Safe on Every Journey

Use our car seat calculator to find the right seat for your child's age, weight, and height.

Try Car Seat Calculator