Ages 4 to 7 Years

Children should remain rear facing in a car seat until at least age 2, but they are 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 designed to grow with your child over time.

Kids should remain forward-facing with a harness until they reach the weight and height limit of the car seat. After that, they can switch to a booster seat. Children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat because they are smaller and can get hurt by the front seat air bags. Pick a car seat that fits your child's weight and height and fits correctly in the car. There are 4 options for car seats for kids in this age group.

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 a tether. It also changes into a booster seat for older kids.

Combination Car Seat: This seat can work as a forward-facing seat with a harness and and tether. When your child reaches the height and weight limits for the harness, you can remove it and use it as as a booster with a selt belt for older kids.

High Back Booster Seat: This seat lifts up a child to help the seat belt fit properly. This seat also supports their head and neck. You must use this kind of booster seat in cars that do not have headrests and tall seat backs. This seat must be used with the a lap-and-shoulder seatbelt. Make sure that your child is old enough and big enough to fit before using this seat.

Backless Booster Seat: This seat helps raise up a child's height so that the seatbelt can fit correctly. This seat does not support the head and neck because it does not have a back on it. Only use in cars that have headrests and tall seat backs. It must be used with a lap-and-shoulder seatbelt. Make sure your child is old enough and big enough to fit before using this seat.

Always read both your car seat instruction manual and 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 Helpine at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for answers to your questions.