#Height limit smalland install#
#Height limit smalland manual#

#Height limit smalland install#

However, it is sometimes difficult to install a car safety seat tightly in the middle if the vehicle seat is narrow or uneven. If possible, it may be best for the child to ride in the middle of the back seat. Middle of the back seat-The safest place to ride for all children younger than 13 years is the back seat.

#Height limit smalland manual#

Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for details about how your seat belt locks. In addition, many car safety seats have built-in lock-offs so you can lock the belt without having to lock the seat belt separately as well. In most newer cars, you can lock the seat belt by pulling it all the way out and then allowing it to retract to keep the seat belt tight around the car safety seat. NOTE: Seat belts-If you install a car safety seat by using your vehicle's seat belt, you must make sure the seat belt locks to hold the seat tightly. New car safety seats have the maximum weight printed on their label. Parents should check the car safety seat manufacturer's recommendations for maximum weight a child can be to use lower anchors. See vehicle owner's manual for highest weight of child allowed to use top tether.Īll lower anchors are rated for a maximum weight of 65 pounds (total weight includes car safety seat and child). Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, are equipped to use LATCH. All forward-facing car safety seats have tethers or tether connectors that fasten to these anchors. Tether anchors are located behind the seat, either on the panel behind the seat (in sedans) or on the back of the seat, ceiling, or floor (in most minivans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and pickup trucks).

Vehicles with the LATCH system have lower anchors located in the back seat, where the seat cushions meet. In general, caregivers should only use 1 of the 2 options unless the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturers say it is OK to use 2 systems at the same time. 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. The top tether should always be used with a forward-facing seat, whether you use the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat, and many parents find them easier to use in some cars. LATCH is an attachment system for car safety seats. Installation information: seat belts & LATCHĬar safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle's seat belt or its LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. When children are old enough and large enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit them correctly, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection.

Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.Īll children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.Ĭhildren who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. It's important to continue your research to learn about each seat you use.Īll infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer.

This chart is a quick guide on where to start your search. Visit here for a listing of car seats & car seat manufacturers. Here is more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child. The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child's age, size, and developmental needs. If you are expectant parents, consider working with a certified passenger safety technician (CPST or CPS technician), before your baby is born, to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital. But, because so many different seats are on the market, many parents find this overwhelming. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when your child is riding in a vehicle.Įach year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes.