Car Seat Safety Questions Answered

What types of car seats are there?

Each type of car seat is designed to protect children at different stages of development. They’re designed to be used in this order:

• Rear-facing car seats provide the most protection for a child's head, neck and spine.
• Forward-facing car seats use a 5-point harness to strap your child in safely.
• Booster seats position your child so their seat belt fits correctly.
• Backless booster seats are designed for older children who can sit upright for the entire ride and have a headrest behind them.

How do I know which type of seat to use?

Children will transition through each type of car seat as they grow, but you want them to remain in each stage for as long as possible. That’s because rear-facing car seats provide the most protection for infants who aren’t strong enough to hold their heads up yet, followed by forward-facing car seats and then booster seats. Children should not move to the next stage until they have reached the maximum height or weight limit of their current seat.

Should I choose an infant seat or a convertible car seat?

Children will transition through each type of car seat as they grow, but you want them to remain in each stage for as long as possible. That’s because rear-facing car seats provide the most protection for infants who aren’t strong enough to hold their heads up yet, followed by forward-facing car seats and then booster seats. Children should not move to the next stage until they have reached the maximum height or weight limit of their current seat.

Should I choose an infant seat or a convertible car seat?

Infant seats are popular because they can be removed from the vehicle and attached to a stroller. However, many babies outgrow them pretty quickly. A convertible car seat may be a more affordable long-term option.

Convertible car seats can be used from infancy through multiple stages of development. Some models fit babies as small as 4 pounds and allow children to remain rear-facing longer, which helps keep them in the safest position for as long as possible.

Are rotating car seats safe?

Yes. When used properly, rotating (or swivel) car seats are safe. They have to meet all the same safety standards as traditional seats. However, they must always be locked into either a rear- or forward-facing position when the car is in motion. Even if your child isn’t riding in the seat, driving with the car seat turned sideways in an unlocked position can cause damage in a crash.

Pro tip: Pay special attention to the manufacturer’s directions for tether use in each mode. Many rotating car seats require using the tether, even in rear-facing mode.

What is a booster seat?

A booster seat raises and positions your child, so the vehicle's seat belt fits properly across the strongest parts of their body. Unlike a 5-point harness car seat, a booster seat relies on the vehicle seat belt to provide protection.

High-back booster seats have a loop or guide to properly position the vehicle seatbelt on your child's shoulder, as well as side head protection. This side protection is helpful if your child likes to nap frequently during rides. If you’re using a backless booster seat, it's important that you use it in a vehicle seat that has a headrest.

What are the most common car seat mistakes?

One of the most common mistakes is moving to the next stage too soon. Children should remain in their current seat until they reach the manufacturer’s maximum height or weight limit.

Other common mistakes include:

• Loose harness straps
• Incorrect chest clip placement
• Loose installation
• Using a seat that doesn't fit the child's size
• Improper or no tether use

How do I know if my harness straps fit correctly?

To check your harness straps, try the pinch test. If you can pinch any extra strap material, or webbing, between your fingers lengthwise at your child’s shoulders, the harness is too loose. Tighten it until you can no longer pinch the strap.

What is the car seat inch test?

A properly installed car seat should not move more than 1 inch in any direction. To perform the inch test, hold the seat near the seat belt path and try to move it side to side and front to back. If it moves more than 1 inch, it may need to be reinstalled.

Car seats are allowed up to 1 inch of movement. Try not to over-tighten so that you have trouble uninstalling the seat. Car seats installed with rigid lower anchors, in particular, tend to wiggle a little from side to side, but still no more than 1 inch.

If you're unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly, schedule a free safety check with a certified child passenger safety technician.

My rear-facing car seat won't fit my car. What should I do?

Different car seats have different footprints and installation requirements. If your current seat doesn't fit well in your vehicle, another model may allow your child to remain rear-facing while fitting more comfortably in your car.

Remember: The best car seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and can be used correctly every time. If a rear-facing seat isn't working well for your family, it may be worth exploring other options before transitioning to a forward-facing car seat.

Are car seat accessories safe?

If you’re researching car seats, you may be seeing an increase in ads for car seat accessories. Many are marketed as safety products, comfort add-ons or entertaining toys. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to use.

Be cautious when purchasing accessories that did not come with your car seat. Items such as head supports, strap covers, toys or seat protectors are generally not crash-tested. Many can become safety hazards in an emergency.

When in doubt, follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only approved accessories.

How long are car seats good for?

Seats typically expire within 6 to 10 years of the manufacture date. Look for the manufacturer’s sticker on your child’s seat with the make, model and manufacture date, and consider taking a picture of the label so it’s easier to find later.

You can find expiration dates on the manufacturer's label, stamped into the plastic shell of the seat, or in the car seat owner's manual. Do not use a car seat past its expiration date.

Why do car seats expire?

Car seats expire for several reasons, including normal wear and tear, changing safety standards and limits on how long manufacturers can guarantee a seat's performance. As materials age, they may not protect your child as effectively in a crash.

It's also important to remember that a crash can damage a car seat—even if the damage isn't visible. If your child's seat has been involved in a crash, follow the manufacturer's guidance and replace it when recommended, even if it hasn't reached its expiration date.

If your car seat needs to be replaced, contact your vehicle insurance company for guidance on the proper procedure for reimbursement.

Where can I find recall information?

Search NHTSA’s website for manufacturer recalls. We also recommend registering your seat with the manufacturer. That way, you should get automatic updates on product recalls without having to search for them. Most of the information you will need to register your seat is listed on the manufacturer sticker.

Are used car seats OK to use?

It’s typically OK to use a used car seat if you know:

• The manufacture date.
• There are no recalls on the car seat.
• The car seat was never involved in a crash.
• There is no physical damage to the car seat.

We recommend only using a used car seat if you personally know and trust the previous owner. Therefore, we do not recommend using third-party selling platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

What do I do with old car seats?

Whether your car seat is expired or damaged, it’s important to dispose of it properly so no one else uses the unsafe seat. You have a few options:

• Trade it in at a store. Target and other major retailers host trade-in events where you can trade in your old car seat in exchange for a coupon (typically 20% off) for new baby gear.
• Use a car seat recycling program. You can ship your seat directly to a program, like Clek’s Car Seat Recycling Program. There may also be a recycling center near you that accepts car seats.
• Get rid of it (safely) at home. You can put your car seat in your home trash or apartment dumpster if you take steps to make sure no one else can use it. Cut all of the harness straps, pull off the padding and foam, and write “DO NOT USE” on the plastic shell.

Are more expensive car seats safer?

Some seats offer more convenience features, making them more expensive, but not necessarily any better or safer. The best seat for you and your child is the one that:

• Fits your child.
• Fits in your car.
• Is not expired.
• Is not damaged.
• Meets NHTSA standards.
• Is properly installed.
• Is used correctly for every trip.

What should my child wear in their car seat?

Bulky sweaters and coats can prevent harness straps from fitting correctly. If it’s cold out, dress your child in thin, warm layers and tighten the harness so it passes the pinch test. Blankets (or even coats) can be placed over the harness after your child is buckled in.

Can my child sleep in their car seat?

When properly installed, your car seat holds your child at an angle that is safe for sleep. If your child falls asleep during a ride, that's OK. However, sleeping in a carrier after it’s removed from the car can be dangerous. Once you arrive, move your baby to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as possible.

Do you have tips for flying with car seats?

Many car seats are approved for use on airplanes. Check the label on your seat for language saying it’s “FAA-approved.” It’s also a good idea to contact your airline before traveling. Infant car seat bases and backless booster seats cannot be used on airplanes.

Using a familiar car seat during a flight can help keep your child secure and comfortable. For more information, check out our complete guide to traveling with a car seat.

What are booster seat requirements?

Booster seat requirements vary by manufacturer. Meeting the minimum age requirement does not necessarily mean a child is ready to move to the next stage. In fact, it’s not uncommon for children to continue using a booster seat up to age 12. This is especially true if they have a smaller build or are riding in larger vehicles with oversized seats that make it difficult to safely fit a seat belt.

Always follow the height and weight limits listed in your booster seat manual.

When can kids sit in the front seat?

Georgia car seat laws require children under 8 to ride in the back seat using an appropriate restraint system. However, safety experts recommend keeping children in the back seat until at least age 13.

The back seat offers the best protection because airbags and other safety features are designed for adult bodies—not kids. They can cause serious injury or death in a crash.

Where can I get help with my car seat?

If you're unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly or is appropriate for your child, schedule an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician. A hands-on inspection can help ensure that your child is riding as safely as possible.

If your child has an injury or is showing signs of illness, call your doctor or visit an urgent care center. If your child has a life-threatening injury or illness, is having trouble breathing or is unconscious, call 911 and/or visit an emergency department immediately.