Safety Tips: Car Safety Seats for Infants and Small Children

With so many options available, selecting the right car seat can feel overwhelming. However, the best car seat isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that:

• Fits your child’s height and weight
• Can be correctly installed in your vehicle
• Will be used properly every single time you drive

Higher-priced seats may have additional features that make them easier to use, but that doesn’t always mean they are safer. Extra features can sometimes make installation more complicated, depending on your vehicle.

Car Seat Guidelines by Age and Size

Infants (Birth to Age 1 & Under 20 Pounds)

• Must ride in a rear-facing safety seat in the back seat
• Infant-only car seats are designed exclusively for this position
• Convertible car seats can also be used rear-facing and later adjusted as your child grows

Toddlers (Over Age 1 & At Least 20 Pounds)

• May ride in a forward-facing safety seat in the back seat
• They should remain in a seat with a full harness until they reach about 40 pounds

Young Children (Over 40 Pounds & Until At Least Age 8 or 4'9" Tall)

• Should use a booster seat until the car’s seat belt fits properly

All Children Under Age 12

• Should always ride in the back seat, as it is the safest place in the car
• Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat, as airbags can be deadly in the event of an accident

Proper installation is critical for car seat safety, yet it remains one of the biggest challenges for parents. Here are a few key points:

• Use LATCH Anchors (if available): Vehicles made after 2002 come equipped with Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), which makes securing the car seat easier without needing a seatbelt
• Follow Both Manuals: Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and the child seat instruction manual for the best installation method
• Double-Check the Fit: When pulled at the base, the seat should not move more than an inch in any direction. Straps should be snug, and the chest clip should be positioned at armpit level

If you need assistance, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office offers certified car seat technicians to help ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. To schedule an appointment, contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs Bureau at 305-471-1716.

By choosing the right car seat and ensuring proper installation, you can protect your child every time they are in the car.