RECYCLE YOUR CAR SEAT

Always have your child in a car seat or booster seat while driving around town? You’re doing the right thing—helping to prevent serious injury to your child in the event of an accident. Your child is safest when they are snugly secured in the back seat of your vehicle every time you drive, even for short trips.

Is your car seat right for your child’s age and size? Car seat needs change as your child grows. Take a minute to review your car seat usage and check your car seat’s instruction manual. Your child’s safety depends on it.

0-2 years

Children should use a rear-facing seat. Straps should be snug and the chest clip should be at armpit level.

2-6 years

Forward-facing children should remain in a 5-point harness as long as possible. Booster seats should not be used until your child outgrows their forward-facing seat.

6-12 years

Older children need booster seats until they can touch the floor with both feet while their back is against the seat and their knees are bent at the edge of the seat. The lap belt should rest on the tops of their thighs and the shoulder belt should rest between their shoulder and neck. Perform the “5 step test” to see if your child is ready to graduate from their booster seat.

Car seats need to be replaced when they expire or if they are involved in a car accident. If your seat is recalled, it will either need to be fixed or replaced per the manufacturer’s instructions. Please recycle your car seat if it cannot be safely reused.

If you are not sure if your seat is installed correctly, please get a second opinion! You can check the manual, visit safercar.gov, or get help from a professional car seat technician.

If your child has outgrown their seat, please read more about how to safely reuse it.