The Key to a Safe Ride

Vehicles have changed in countless ways over the past five decades. Today’s car seats are equipped with modern safety technology. When secured correctly, children should be safe in your vehicle, even during a crash.

According to AARP’s 2018 Grandparents Today National Survey, the number of grandparents in the United States has grown 24% since 2001. Today, many grandparents are their grandchildren’s caretakers and may be responsible for correctly installing and using car seats.

Installing car seats takes time, patience, and a little elbow grease. What might be physically easier for younger parents could prove frustrating for grandparents. 

NHTSA is here to help you navigate this critical safety information.

Before buying or installing a car seat, make sure it's the right seat for your grandchild's age and size. NHTSA makes it easy for you to check. Just input some basic information into our Car Seat Finder Tool.

Installation Tips

1. Always put the car seat in the back seat. The back seat is the safest. 
2. Install the car seat facing in the correct direction; rear-facing is recommended for as long as possible, until the child outgrows the seat’s height and weight limits for rear-facing.
3. Make sure the car seat is installed at the correct angle (see image 3).
4. Place the seat belt through the correct belt path or install the seat using lower anchors and tethers (see image 4). Make sure the seat belt is tightly locked using the vehicle’s seat belt locking mechanism or the car seat’s lock-off.
5. When securing the child, the chest clip should be at armpit level, and straps should fit snugly (see image 5).

We have more information and detailed instructions on car seat installation at NHTSA.gov/CarSeat. Also, be sure to read the car seat’s instruction manual.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

• Make sure harness straps are in the slots at or below the child’s shoulders and the chest clip is at armpit level.
• Straps should fit snugly.
• Check for the correct belt path.

---

Forward-Facing Car Seats

• Place the harness straps in the slots at or above the child’s shoulders.
• Check for the correct belt path.
• Always use the tether on forward-facing car seats. Make sure it is attached to the vehicle’s tether anchor and pulled tight. See your vehicle owner’s manual to locate the tether anchors.

---

Booster Seats

• Make sure the seat belt fits securely over the child’s hips and shoulder.
• Read the instruction manual to ensure the correct fit.

---

Seat Belts

• A child is not ready to use a seat belt until they are tall enough to keep their backs against the seat and their feet flat on the floor.
• Keep all kids in the back seat until age 13.

Need Help With Your Car Seat?

Do you need help with installing a car seat, or want to make sure you installed it correctly? On our website, you can search for a car seat inspection station near you, or set up a virtual appointment with a child passenger safety technician. Services provided are free.