These seats can be strapped in rearward facing for infants weighing up to 30 pounds and forward facing for infants over 20 and toddlers over 1 year of age. Toddlers need to be strapped in a carseat until they are 4 years old AND weigh 40 pounds. For older toddlers, a variety of toddler booster seats are available for purchase. These however should only be used when the child is heavy and large enough to properly fit in the seat. When buckling a carseat into the car it is important to follow the instructions for the carseat and for your particular car.
Some cars have specific guidelines for installing carseats.
The safest place for a child under the age of 12 is in the back seat. The middle seat in the back has also been recommended for placement of the carseat as it may be the safest place. This can seriously injure or kill the infant if the airbag deploys. Forward Facing carseats should also be strapped in the car with a tether as well as the automobile safety belt. A tether anchors the top of the carseat to the body of the vehicle to reduce the forward motion of the child's head in the event of an accident.