When it comes to car seats, there are four main stages: rear-facing infant car seat, forward-facing toddler car seat, booster seat, and adult seat belt. Each stage is designed for a different age group and weight range. Here’s a closer look at each stage:
Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat: This type of car seat is for infants from birth up to about 2 years old and 20-40 pounds. It’s important to keep your child in a rear-facing position as long as possible because it’s the safest way to ride.
Forward-Facing Toddler Car Seat: Once your child has outgrown their infant car seat (around 2 years old and 20-40 pounds), they can move into a forward-facing toddler car seat. These seats are for children up to 4 years old or 40-80 pounds.
Booster Seat: A booster seat is for kids who have outgrown their forward-facing toddler car seats (around 4 years old or 40-80 pounds). Booster seats are used until your child is big enough to use an adult lap/shoulder safety belt without one (usually around 8 years old or 80+ pounds).
Adult Seat Belt: Once your child has reached the appropriate height and weight requirements (usually around 8 years old or 80+ pounds), they can graduate to using an adult lap/shoulder safety belt without a booster seat.