Mandatory Restraint |
Age |
Requirements |
Safety Advocates* Recommend |
|
Rear-Facing Car Seat |
|
Newborn Until 1st Birthday |
Child weighs less than 20 pounds and is secured in back seat only |
Restrain your infant in a rear-facing seat as long as possible for the best protection in a crash. "Convertible" - type car seat allow children to ride rear-facing until 30-45 pounds. |
|
Rear or Forward-Facing Car Seat |
|
1, 2 and 3 Years Old |
Correct use of car seats, follow upper weight limit according to manufacturer's instructions |
Restrain your child in a "5-point" harness system until they are at least 40 pounds or to upper weight limit of seat. Keep child rear-facing as long as car seat allows. Use upper-tether straps where applicable (refer to your car seat and vehicle's owner's manual for more information.) |
|
Forward-Facing Car Seat or Booster Seat |
|
4, 5, 6 and 7 Years Old |
Correct use of car seat or booster seat. Follow upper weight limit according to manufacturer's instructions. |
Regardless of age, restrain your child in a car seat or booster seat until they are about 57" (4'9"). A child's height is the best predictor of proper seat belt fit. |
|
Booster Seat or Lap and Shoulder Seat Belt |
|
8 Until 16th Birthday |
Correct use of booster seat or seat belt. Follow upper weight limit of booster seat according to Manufacturer's instructions. |
The child should be able to sit back against the seat back with knees bent naturally at the edge of the seat, the shoulder belt comfortably crossing the shoulders between the neck and arm, and the lap belt low on the hips, touching the thighs. Children under 13 should sit in back seat only. |
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For more information, visit www.carseatscolorado.com or call (877)-LUV-TOTS or (303) 239-4625. |