Follow these guidelines to keep your child safe in the car
From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American Academy of Pediatrics
Infants need to remain rear facing until at least one year AND at least 20 lbs
Small children (about age 1-4) use forward facing seats
Keep the child in the convertible seat as long as they fall within the height and weight recommendations for the seat. Be careful not to graduate your child to the next seat too soon.
Booster seats, used with lap and shoulder belts, are recommended until the child's eighth birthday unless they are 4 ft 9 inches tall. Be cautious not to graduate your child to a seat belt too soon.
Children 13 and under are safer in the back seat regardless of the presence of an air bag.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for both the safety seat and the vehicle.