According to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, parents should secure a 2-year-old in a rear-facing car seat for long as they fulfill its criteria. Once they exceed the recommended weight and height, they can be secure in a forward-facing seat.
At what age do toddlers change car seats?
As they do, parents using an infant seat generally switch to a larger, convertible seat anywhere between 9 months and 2 years, depending on their child’s size (bigger kids will likely move on faster), though they can opt to do so sooner if the seat is rated safe for their child’s height and weight.
How much does a child have to weigh to face forward?
While 1 year and 20 pounds used to be the standard for when to flip car seats around, most experts now recommend using rear-facing child seats until children are 2 years old and reach the top weight and height recommendations of the car seat manufacturer, which is typically around 30 pounds and 36 inches.
What happens if child is not in car seat?
The fine for not using a child restraint system is: $100 for the first violation; and, $250 for every violation thereafter.
Does car seat go behind driver or passenger?
You should only install a car seat behind the driver or passenger seats under the following conditions: If you have more than one car seat that needs to be installed. If your child is riding in the forward-facing position and you have another child riding in the backseat that doesn’t need a car seat.
How long should a child be rear-facing?
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.