4
Choosing Car Seat Mode
3
Measure your child’s weight and height
(do not guess) before choosing the car seat’s mode.
Your child’s height, weight, and age determine how the car seat should
be placed in the vehicle.
Children vary widely in body size, shape, and temperament—
please
consult your doctor before switching between any of these
modes within the limits and fi t requirements of the seat.
State Laws
Please be certain to follow your state’s laws regarding car seat use.
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations
Infants and Toddlers
Should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, until they
reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Once they are facing forward, children should use a forward-facing car
seat with a harness for as long as possible, until they reach the height
and weight limits for their seats.
School-Aged Children
Once they have outgrown their forward-facing car seat, children should
use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder
seat belt fi ts properly. This is often when they have reached at least 4
feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years old.
Older Children
All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear
seats of vehicles for optimal protection.
REAR-FACING MODE
5-40 lb
(2.3-18 kg)
and 19-40 in.
(48-101.6 cm)
Children under 1 year of age must ride
Rear-Facing
.
In this car seat, your child can remain
Rear-Facing
until
they outgrow any one of the following:
• Weight Limit:
40 lb (18 kg);
OR
• Height Limit:
40 in. (101.6 cm);
OR
•
Rear-Facing Child Fit
requirements, see page 6
FORWARD-FACING MODE
22-50 lb
(10.1-22.6 kg)
and
29-43 in.
(73.6-110 cm)
Children must be at least 1 year of age to ride
Forward-Facing.
In this car seat, your child can remain harnessed
Forward-Facing
until they outgrow any one of the following:
• Weight Limit:
50 lb (22.6 kg);
OR
• Height Limit:
43 in. (110 cm);
OR
•
Forward-Facing Child Fit
requirements, see page 7
