All your frequently asked car seat questions answered

A car seat is one of the biggest purchases new parents make – and can be one of the most confusing. How do I know which car seats are safe? How do I install it? What size seat do I need? Should my kiddo be rear-facing? Forward facing? In a booster? And these questions, believe it or not, are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading for a car seat guide to ease your mind whether you’re welcoming a new baby or wondering if your child is ready for the next step. 

Q: What types of car seats are there? 

A: Car seats come in 3 varieties:  

• Rear-facing 
• Forward-facing 
• Booster seats  

Seats come in variations that are rear-facing only (for infants and babies that are usually outgrown by the 1st birthday), convertible seats that switch from rear- to front-facing and all-in-one seats that switch to every variation as your child grows. 

While there are tons of different brands to choose from, you can rest easy knowing one thing – all car seats must meet the same federal safety standards in order to be sold. Also, make sure to register your car seat so you’re notified of any recalls or safety updates. 

Q: Car seats are expensive. Is it okay to buy a used one? 

A: We don’t recommend buying a used car seat where you don’t know the previous owner (i.e., from a garage sale, secondhand store or online). Car seats are unsafe if they’ve been involved in a crash or if they are under a recall, and it’s impossible to know this information if you don’t know the previous owner. If you have a trusted friend or family member willing to let you use a car seat, just ensure they know the seat has not been in an accident and is not subject to any manufacturer recalls. 

Q: How do I install my child’s car seat to make sure it’s safe? 

A: The manual for your car seat should provide detailed instructions, and there are often tutorials online as well. If you want assurance your car seat is correctly installed, Children’s Mercy Kansas City hosts Buckle Up Clinics the 2nd Tuesday of every month. You can schedule by clicking on this form.  Often, local law enforcement or fire departments will host regular car seat check events as well. Check in your area to see what is available.  

Q: Do car seats expire? 

A: Yes. Car seats typically expire between 6-10 years. Look for the label on your car seat that details the make, model, date of manufacture and manufacturer information and reference your instruction manual for further details on your seat’s expiration.  

Q: How do I know when to switch my child from rear- to front-facing, or to a booster seat? 

A: The biggest advice about car seat transitions is – don’t rush. Use your current car seat until your child reaches the maximum weight and/or height limit listed on the label. Any child who can ride rear-facing should do so, even if they’re over age 2 (you may have to switch to a convertible car seat that can be rear-facing but can support a larger child). 

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their seat, they can be forward-facing with a 5-point harness and top tether. Use this seat for as long as possible, again until your child has reached the maximum height or weight limit for the seat. 

Once your child has exceeded the height/weight limits for their forward-facing seat, they can move to a booster used with the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt. They should continue using a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly – usually when they’re about 4 feet 9 inches tall and around 8-12 years old. 

Purchasing your child’s car seat is a big decision as a parent! We hope this guide provides some insight on the options and how to keep your child safe. You can read more frequently asked questions about car seats here and get additional tips from Safe Kids Worldwide’s Car Seat Guide.