Child Car Seat Safety for Your Baby and Toddler

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping infants and toddlers in rear-facing car safety seats for as long as possible—until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Infants who outgrow their rear-facing infant car seat should next be placed in a child convertible seat, also installed as rear facing. Most convertible car safety seats have higher height and weight limits, allowing for a child to ride rear-facing for 2 years or longer.

Unsure whether your child’s seat is correctly installed? Have it checked by a child passenger safety technician. Find one near you.

See the AAP’s latest car seat guide.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.