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Safety Guidelines

Car Seats Safety

FMVSS 213NHTSA 5-Star Rating System

✅ Essential Safety Checklist

Rear-Facing Until Age 2+

Keep children rear-facing as long as possible — at minimum until age 2 or until they reach the seat's height/weight limit.

Tight Installation

The car seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path when tested.

Correct Harness Height

Rear-facing: harness at or below shoulders. Forward-facing: harness at or above shoulders.

Chest Clip Position

The chest clip should be at armpit level, not on the stomach or neck.

No Bulky Clothing

Remove puffy coats before buckling — they compress in a crash and create dangerous slack.

Proper Recline Angle

Rear-facing seats need correct recline to keep the airway open — most have built-in level indicators.

🚫 What to Avoid

  • Used car seats with unknown crash history (always buy new or from trusted sources)
  • Car seats older than the manufacturer's expiration date (typically 6-10 years)
  • Aftermarket accessories not sold by the car seat manufacturer (covers, toys, mirrors on the seat)
  • Car seats that have been in a moderate or severe crash

⚠️ Recent Product Recalls

2024-05-15Graco SlimFit3 LX

Harness webbing may not adequately restrain child in crash.

REQUIRED ACTION: Contact Graco for free replacement harness.
View all CPSC Recalls →

❓ Safety FAQs

When should I switch from rear-facing to forward-facing?
Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible — until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of their rear-facing seat. The AAP recommends rear-facing until at least age 2.
Can I install a car seat with both LATCH and seat belt?
No — use one or the other, not both simultaneously. Both methods are equally safe when used correctly. Check your car seat manual for weight limits on LATCH use.
How do I know if my car seat is installed correctly?
Many fire stations and hospitals offer free car seat inspection. You can also find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician at cert.safekids.org.
Is it safe to buy a used car seat?
Only if you know its full history — it hasn't been in a crash, isn't expired, isn't recalled, and has all original parts and manual. When in doubt, buy new.