Infants and children should always ride in child safety seats approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportaion.

Infants who weigh less than 20-22 pounds, OR who are less than one year old, should ride in a safety seat facing the rear of the vehicle to protect the infant's head, neck and back. The seat should be at a 45° semi-reclining angle.

Young children over one year old AND weighing 20 to 40 pounds may ride facing forward. Many convertible seats are designed to be used as forward-facing seats. Manufacturers' recommendations vary; some are recommended for rear facing use up to 30-35 pounds. Check the instructions that come with the seat.

Most experts agree that children are generally safer facing the rear of the vehicle. If your convertible child safety seat has adequate rear-facing weight and height limits, you may choose to keep your child facing the rear of the vehicle.

Children over one year old, weighing between 20 and 40 pounds can also ride in a high back booster seat with straps. When the child weighs 40 pounds, the straps should be removed. The seat can then be used as a belt positioning booster.

Children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds (about ages 4-8, or up to 4'9" tall) should ride in a belt positioning booster seat.

A safety seat must be correctly adjusted and installed. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

For more information:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - United States Department of Transportation (DOT)
DOT Auto Safety Hotline - call toll-free (8:00AM to 10:00PM ET Monday-Friday):
1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236)

Types of Child Safety Seats (NHTSA)

National Safe Kids Campaign Child Car Seat Locator