The safest place for your child’s car seat is in the back seat, away from active air bags. If the car seat is placed in the front seat and the air bag inflates, it could hit the back of a rear-facing car seat — right where the child’s head is — and cause a serious or fatal injury.
What is the safest seat in a car for a child?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat, ideally in the center. The rear center seat is also recommended as the best place for kids’ car seats.
Can you recline a seat with a car seat?
Don’t set the recline angle for rear-facing car seats incorrectly. … A seat that’s too upright can cause an infant’s head to fall forward and obstruct his or her breathing. Reclining too far can reduce the seat’s ability to protect the child in a crash.
Can you have 3 car seats in the back of a car?
No room for a third child car seat
Children under 3 must be in a child car seat. If there’s no room for a third child car seat in the back of the vehicle, the child must travel in the front seat with the correct child car seat. Children aged 3 or older can sit in the back using an adult belt.
Can you put two car seats next to each other?
Type of vehicle: In some cars, two car seats will not fit side-by-side in the back seat. In these situations, it is most important to have each car seat safely installed, even if they are placed on opposite ends. … In these situations, it may be safest to have the car seats on opposite sides.
Can the baby ride alone in the back seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight and height limits recommended by the seat’s manufacturer. Safety experts say to do this based on a child’s size, not age. Small children can stay rear-facing until age 3 or 4.
Can I skip the infant car seat?
Skipping the infant seat altogether can save money! … They stay in the car and you can either wear your baby in a carrier or place them in a stroller. Most strollers on the market these days recline enough to be suitable for a floppy newborn. Some even reverse so baby faces you.
What happens if you don’t have a car seat?
The primary job of a safety belt is to keep you from being ejected from the vehicle. … Therefore, if you find yourself in a taxi with your toddler but no car seat, put the child in his own seat belt.
Should carseats be in the middle or side?
The safest place for your child’s car seat is in the back seat, away from active air bags. … If you’re placing only one car seat in the back seat, install it in the center of the seat — if a good fit is possible. Placing the car seat in the center minimizes the risk of injury during a crash.
What car seat should a 5 year old be in?
When your child is at least age 5 and outgrows the forward-facing car seat with harness, use a booster seat in the back seat. Use a booster seat until the belt fits correctly. A booster seat is often needed until 4 ft 9 in (145 cm) tall. Your child may be 12 years old before ready for an adult safety belt.