NHTSA Header Logo NHTSA Header Logo
Home Traffic Safety Vehicles & Equipment Laws & Regulations NCSA Vehicle Safety Research
Browse Topics
Aggressive Driving
Bicycles
Child Passenger Safety
Click It or Ticket
Disabled Drivers & Passengers
Drowsy & Distracted Driving
Emergency Medical Services
Enforcement and Justice Services
Impaired Driving
Motorcycles
New Drivers
Occupant Protection
Older Drivers
Pedestrians
Programs/Grants
Research & Evaluation
Safe Communities
Safety Materials Catalog
School Buses
Traffic Tech Publications
Quick Clicks
Child Safety Seats

Locate a Child Seat Fitting Station

Child Seat "Ease of Use" Ratings

File a Complaint About Your Vehicle or Child Seat

Press Room

Newest Studies and Reports

Fuel Economy

Speed-Related Information

Recalls, Defects and Complaints Databases

Teen Drivers

About NHTSA

Contact NHTSA
 << Traffic Safety

<< Back     View printable version Print Version 
4 Steps for Kids: Forward-Facing Toddler Seats
Rear Facing Seats REAR-FACING SEATS in the back seat from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
Foward-Facing Toddler Seats FORWARD-FACING TODDLER SEATS in the back seat from age 1 and 20 pounds to about age 4 and 40 pounds.
Booster Seats BOOSTER SEATS in the back seat from about age 4 to at least age 8, unless 4'9" tall.
Safety Seats SAFETY BELTS at age 8 and older or taller than 4'9". All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

Toddlers - Age 1 & 20 lbs to Age 4 & 40 lbs
When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in a forward-facing toddler seat, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).

Always read the child seat instruction manual. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding proper use and installation of their child seats.

Ease of Use Ratings
Click HERE to check out our recently enhanced “Ease of Use” ratings in helping you choose the forward-facing toddler seat right for you and your child.

LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tether for Children
Click HERE for information on LATCH. A system intended to make child seat installation easier-without using seat belts.

LATCH Instructional Videos
(click on the image for online viewing)
Forward-Facing
Convertible Seat

LATCH - Forward Facing Convertible Seat
(download video)
Forward-Facing
Car Seat
LATCH - Forward Facing Car Seat
(download video)

State/Local Installation Stations
Click HERE for a list of state/local installation stations in having your forward-facing toddler seat checked to ensure proper installation.

Child Seat Registration Form for Notification of Defects and Recalls
Click HERE to fill out a child seat registration form, whereby NHTSA will provide your respective child seat manufacturer with your contact information to notify you of any safety recalls regarding your child seat. Or, you may also fill out and send in the registration form attached to your child seat upon purchase.

4 Steps for Kids
Click HERE once your child outgrows their forward-facing seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds) to learn about Step 3: Booster Seats.

Other Useful Information


For Parents
LATCH
Child seat ratings
Child seat check sites
Defects and recalls
Airbags & car seats
Car safety ratings
Flyer - 4 Steps for Kids

CPS General Topics
Annual CPS campaign
Policy, laws & regs
Studies & reports
Certification
Local CPS contacts
Educational materials

Materials in Spanish
Annual CPS campaign
Child seat ratings
Flyer - 4 Steps for Kids

U.S. Department of Transportation USA Gov - Your First Click to the U.S. Government