Child car seat safety: Types, installation, expiry

A car seat is one of the biggest purchases new parents make — and one of the most confusing. Solid child car seat safety starts with understanding the basics and choosing a seat that fits your child and vehicle. 

How do I know which car seat is safe? How to install a car seat correctly? What size seat do I need? Should my child be rear-facing, forward-facing or in a booster? These are all common car seat safety questions for families looking for the best car seats for infants and growing kids. 

Keep reading for a simple car seat guide to help you feel more confident, whether you're welcoming a new baby or wondering if your child is ready for the next step. 

What types of car seats are there? 

Car seats come in 3 main varieties: 

• Rear-facing 
• Forward-facing 
• Booster seats 

Seats also come in different styles to grow with your child. 

• Rear-facing only seats are designed for infants and are usually outgrown around the first birthday. Many parents consider these among the best car seats for infants because they’re designed specifically for newborn fit. 
• Convertible car seats can switch from rear-facing to forward-facing. 
• All-in-one car seats can transition from rear-facing to forward-facing and eventually to a booster seat. 

While there are lots of brands to choose from, you can rest easy knowing that all car seats sold in the United States must meet the same federal safety standards. Be sure to register your car seat after purchase so you'll receive important recall notices and safety updates that support child car seat safety. 

Are counterfeit car seats a real concern? 

Yes. Counterfeit car seats have become more common through online marketplaces and third-party sellers. 

A counterfeit car seat may look like a legitimate product, but it may not meet federal safety standards. Some counterfeit seats can have fake labels, missing parts, poor-quality materials or instructions that don't match the product, which undermines child car seat safety. 

To help keep your child safe: 

• Buy from trusted retailers or directly from manufacturers whenever possible. 
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. 
• Check that the car seat includes proper labeling, registration information and manufacturer instructions. 
• Look for the statement "this child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)" in the description. 
• Register the seat with the manufacturer after purchase. 
• Contact the manufacturer if you're unsure whether a seat is authentic. 

If you suspect a car seat may be counterfeit, stop using it until you can verify its authenticity to maintain car seat safety standards. 

Can I buy a used car seat? 

We don't recommend buying a used car seat from someone you don't know, such as a garage sale, thrift store or online marketplace. 

A used seat may have been involved in a crash, may be expired or may be subject to a recall. These issues aren't always visible and can affect how well a seat protects your child. 

If a trusted friend or family member offers you a car seat, ask about its history. Make sure it has never been in a crash, is not expired and is not currently under recall. Always check the car seat expiration date on the label and verify the model’s status with the manufacturer. 

How do I install my child's car seat safely? 

Your car seat instruction manual should provide detailed directions on how to install a car seat. Many manufacturers also offer installation videos and online tutorials to improve car seat safety. 

If you'd like extra reassurance, Children's Mercy hosts Buckle Up Clinics on the second Tuesday of every month. You can schedule an appointment through the registration form. 

Many local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and community organizations also offer car seat inspection events. These checks help you confirm how to install a car seat correctly and ensure the seat is secure with either lower anchors or a seat belt and that the recline angle and tether are set appropriately. 

Do car seats expire? 

Yes. Most car seats expire between 6 and 10 years after the date they were manufactured. 

Look for the label on your car seat that includes: 

• Make and model 
• Date of manufacture 
• Manufacturer information 

Your instruction manual can help you find the car seat expiration date and determine whether your seat is still safe to use. Never use a seat past its car seat expiration date, as materials degrade over time, affecting child car seat safety. 

When should I switch my child to the next type of car seat? 

The biggest tip? Don't rush. Keep your child in their current seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer. 

Rear-facing 

When should I stop using a rear-facing car seat for my child? Any child who can safely ride rear-facing should do so for as long as possible, until they hit the rear-facing height or weight limit of their seat. Rear-facing offers the best protection for a child's head, neck and spine during a crash, especially in the best car seats for infants and convertibles. 

Forward-facing 

How long should a child stay in a forward-facing car seat? Once your child exceeds the rear-facing limits for their seat, move to a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness and top tether. Keep using this five point harness car seat until your child reaches the maximum height or weight limit listed by the manufacturer. A five point harness car seat provides superior restraint compared to a belt-positioning booster for younger kids. 

Booster seat 

At what age can a child use a booster seat? After your child outgrows their forward-facing seat with a harness, they can transition to a booster seat used with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. Most kids need a booster until they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall, typically between ages 8 and 12. Adult seat belts should fit correctly across the chest and hips before a booster is removed to maintain car seat safety. 

Installation checks and riding in front 

How do I know if my child's car seat is installed correctly? The seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path, the harness should be snug with no slack, chest clip at armpit level and the top tether attached for forward-facing seats. If unsure, get a check from a certified technician to support child car seat safety. 

Can a child ride in the front seat safely and when is it allowed? The back seat is the safest place for children. Most experts recommend that kids under 13 ride in the back. If a teen must ride up front, slide the seat back fully and ensure proper belt fit; follow your state’s laws. 

The bottom line on car seat safety 

Choosing a car seat is a big decision, but you don't have to figure it all out alone. Focus on car seat safety by buying from trusted sources, avoiding counterfeit or unknown-used seats, checking the car seat expiration date, and following manufacturer guidelines for how to install a car seat. 

Keep your child in each stage for as long as safely possible, use a 5-point harness car seat until outgrown, and select the best car seats for infants that fit your vehicle and baby. A little extra time spent checking labels, installation and fit can go a long way toward helping keep your kiddo safe on every ride.