Ages 1 to 3 Years

Children should remain rear facing in a car seat until at least age 2, but they are the safest if they rear face as long as the weight and height restrictions on their car seat allow. Some car seats will only work for certain ages, and some are are designed to grow with your child over time.

Make sure that your child sits in a rear-facing car seat for as long as they can. This is the safest way to travel. They should never forward face before the age of 2. They should stay in the car seat until they are too tall or heavy. Once they out-grow their rear-facing seat, they can use a forward-facing seat with a harness and a tether strap. Pick a seat that fits your child's weight and height and fits correctly in your car. There are two seat options for this age group.

Convertible Car Seat: As children get bigger, this kind of car seat can switch from being rear facing to forward facing with a harness and a tether.

All-in-One Car seat: This seat can change from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat that uses a harness and tether. It also changes into a booster seat as kids get older.

Always read your both you car seat instruction manual and your vehicle instruction manual. They will help you learn how to safely install and use the seat in your car.

Do you have questions about car seats?

Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk with our staff live Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for answers to your questions.