Which Restraint is Correct for your Child?

By:

Weight or size of your child	Proper type of restraint (Put your child in back seat, if possible)
Children less than 20 pounds,* or less than 1 year	Rear-facing infant seat (secured to the vehicle by the seat belts)
Children from about 20 to 40 pounds* and at least 1 year	Forward-facing child seat (secured to the vehicle by the seat belts)
Children more than 40 pounds *	Booster seat, plus both portions of a lap/shoulder belt (except only the lap portion is used with some booster seats equipped with front shield)
Children who meet both criteria below: Their sitting height is high enough so that they can, without the aid of a booster seat, wear the shoulder belt comfortably across their shoulder, and secure the lap belt across their pelvis, and Their legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their backs are against the vehicle seat back	Both portions of a lap/shoulder belt
* To determine whether a particular restraint is appropriate for your child, see restraint manufacturer's recommendations concerning the weight of children who may safely use the restraint.