After kids complete the rear-facing stage, it is best to keep kids forward facing in a car seat with a harness as long as they are within the age, weight and height limits for the car seat. The harness in a forward-facing seat protects the child by contacting the strongest parts of the body and spreading crash forces over a wide area.
Using forward-facing car seats correctly:
- Always check the car seat and vehicle owner’s manual for the correct way to use and install.
- Follow all age, weight and height guidelines for the car seat. If your child has outgrown the seat, you may want to get a car seat that lets them stay in a forward-facing car seat longer.
- Once installed, the seat should move no more than one inch from side to side or front to back at the belt path.
- Do not use car seats that are old, expired or have been in a crash.
What comes next?
Kids can move into a booster seat when:
- They are at least four years of age and 40 pounds, and they have reach the minimum age, weight and height guideline of the booster car seat.
- They are mature enough to sit correctly in the booster seat for the entire ride.
If these are not met, look for a new forward-facing car seat that goes to higher weights and heights to keep your child harnessed longer.
