Because car seats save lives, all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require their use. Even so, car crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 12. For a car seat to do its job, it has to be the right one for a child’s age and size. Car seats must be installed and used properly to provide adequate protection, and they must be adjusted to fit the child securely. Your child needs the right seat at the right time, used in the right way.

For Parents  If your child is under 1: Choosing a seat  If your child is under 1: Fitting the seat  If your child is 1-3 years old  If your child is 4-7 years old  If your child is 8-12 years old   For More Information  Register your car seat to receive recall and defects information  New car seat recommendations  Ease of Use car seat ratings  LATCH information and instructional videos  Buying a Safer Car for Child Passengers - A Guide for Parents  Additional resources from NHTSA

For Kids  Take the Pledge  Learn Safety Rules  Make Safety Fun  Activity Book