All children whose weight or height is above the forward facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 through 12 years of age. Use a rear facing infant or rear facing convertible safety seat as long as possible up to the rear facing height or weight limit of the seat.
When Can A Child Sit In The Front Seat By Height And Age
Safe height and weight for front seat. Front facing car seats are designed for larger toddlers and often expand until a childs large enough for only a booster seat again dependent on the childs weight and height. Even if a child is wearing a seat belt correctly when riding in the front seat. He found that air bags were modestly protective for front seat passengers of medium height which he defined as being between 5 foot 3 inches tall to 5 foot 11 inches tall. All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Weight limits for most seats range from 2065 pounds lb. Generally children must be at least 4 feet 9 inches tall before they stop using a car seat.
Visit our main car seat safety page for additional age weight and height guidelines. Use a rear facing car seat from birth until ages 24. Children under age 1 should always ride in a rear facing car seat. Properly install according to instructions in owners manual rear facing in the back seat. Car manufacturers typically design airbags to protect an adult whos at least 5 feet tall and roughly 150 pounds. Parents must also check their car seat manufacturers height and weight limits and follow recommendations from health and safety organizations.
For the best possible protection infants and toddlers should be buckled in a rear facing car seat in the back seat until they reach the maximum weight and height limits of their car seat. Height limits also vary. No child under the age of 13 should sit in the front seat according to the centers for disease control and prevention. Make sure children are properly buckled in a car seat booster seat or seat belt whichever is appropriate for their weight height and age. Some states dont specifically list age height or weight requirements for sitting in the front seat but they do specify that children should reach 4 feet 9 inches before using an adult seat belt. If you need help installing your car seat trust a professional and find a car seat inspection station near you.