Types of carseats at a glance
This chart is a quick guide on where to start your search. It is important to research these details with each seat you use.
| Age group | Type of seat | General Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Infants and Toddlers | – Rear-facing-only – Rear-facing-convertible | All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more. |
| Toddlers and preschoolers | – Forward-facing-convertible – Forward-facing with harness | ​Children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more. |
| School-aged children | – Booster | All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. |
| Older children | – Seat belts | When children are old enough and large enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit them correctly, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. |
More info can be found at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx
Colorado Child Passenger Safety Law
| Younger than 1 | Age 1-3 | Age 4-7 | Age 8-15 | |
| Less than 20 lbs. | Rear-facing safety seat in back seat only | Rear-facing safety seat | ||
| 20-40 lbs. | Rear-facing safety seat | Rear- or forward-facing safety seat | Forward-facing safety seat or booster | |
| Exceeds seat weight limit and 40+ lbs. | Forward-facing safety seat or booster | Forward-facing safety safety seat or booster | Booster or seat belt |
Reference: https://www.codot.gov/safety/carseats/colorado-child-passenger-safety-law-1
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. Please call the office if you have further questions regarding the above information or concerns for your child.