Car Seat Safety Checks

At every car seat check, certified staff from the Sheriff’s Office, NYS Police, and Health Department help parents/caregivers make corrections so children leave the event safer than when they arrived.

See below for Car Seat Recommendations for Children from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or view our updated Public Health Car Seat Safety Information & Program Brochure.

Message to parents and caregivers: Do not rush your child to the next stage. They are safest in their current stage until they can no longer fit safely.

Car Seat Recommendations for Children

  • Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, choose one that fits in your vehicle, and use it every time.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the car seat and consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper installation using the seat belt or LATCH system.
  • Keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, following the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
  • Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.

Birth Through 12 Months

Children under age 2 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. Infant-only seats are rear-facing only. Convertible and 3-in-1 seats usually have higher height and weight limits for rear-facing, allowing longer use in this position.

1 to 2 Years

Children must stay rear-facing until at least age 2. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Once they exceed the seat’s weight or height limit, transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

3 to 7 Years

Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit. Then transition to a booster seat while still riding in the back seat.

> 8 to 12 Years

Children should use a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly. The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder (not the neck). Children should continue riding in the back seat.

Description of Restraint Types

  • Rear-facing car seat: Harnessed seat that cradles and moves with the child in a crash, reducing stress on the neck and spine.
  • Forward-facing car seat: Harnessed seat with a tether that limits forward movement in a crash.
  • Booster seat: Positions the seat belt correctly over the stronger parts of the child’s body.
  • Seat belt: Should lie across upper thighs and be snug across shoulder and chest. Avoid the stomach or neck areas.