According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46% of car seats and booster seats are use incorrectly. Learn how to install your child's car seat properly with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Visit the Traffic Injury Prevention Project or call 1-800-227-2358 to find a car seat check, fitting station, or loan program..
Car Seat Safety Chart
Choose the appropriate car seat for your child with the guidelines below.
Under 2 years:
NEW PA LAW:
Child must be rear-facing until age 2.
Best Practice: Child can remain rear-facing after age 2, until they reach the maximum height OR weight limits of the seat.
The Harness:
- Height must be at or below shoulder level
- Straps must fit snugly (meaning you aren't able to pinch the webbing at shoulder level)
- Chest clip must be at armpit level
The Car Seat:
- Must be tightly installed with vehicle safety belt OR lower anchors
- Shouldn't move more than one inch at the belt path
- Must recline so infant's head doesn't fall forward (refer to recline indicator on the car seat)
- Doesn't include products that are bought separately and not crash tested with the seat (mirror, harness pads, hanging toys, seat protector, etc) unless product is approved by car seat manufacturer.
2 to 4 years
Best Practice: Child should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat after age 2 provided they meet the rear-facing requirements for height and weight limits of the car seat. Once a child is forward-facing, they should remain in a five-point harness car seat until they reach the maximum height OR weight of the seat.
The Harness:
- Height must be at or above shoulder level for forward-facing
- Straps must fit snugly (meaning you aren't able to pinch the webbing at shoulder level)
- Chest clip must be at armpit level
The Car Seat:
- Must be tightly installed with vehicle safety belt OR lower anchors and tether (review your LATCH system weight restrictions before installation)
- Must be placed in an upright position for forward-facing install
Over 4 years and over 40 lbs:
PA Law: Children ages 4-8 must be in a booster
The following guidelines are allowed under the law for children who:
- Weigh less than 40 lbs: May remain in five-point harness car seat
- Weigh more than 80 lbs, or are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches: May use vehicle safety belt without booster
Best Practice: Child should remain in five-point harness car seat until they reach the maximum height OR weight limits of the seat. After that, a highback or backless booster seat should be used until they can properly fit in a vehicle.
Booster Seats:
- Raise children up so that the vehicle's lap/shoulder belt fits them correctly
- Are needed until children fit the vehicle safety belt, usually around 4 ft, 9 OR age 10-12 years old.
- Should be buckled in when not in use to prevent unnecessary movement
Click here to download a PDF version of Car Seat Guidelines
