Keeping kids safe: How to harness your child in a car seat
TMC Health
·
09/30/2025
Car seats save lives, but only when used correctly. Whether your child is rear-facing, forward-facing or in a booster seat, proper harnessing is key to keeping them safe. Here's a quick guide to help you get it right.
Rear-facing seats
- Use from birth until at least two years old
- Infant seats usually last until 1 to 1.5 years old.
- After growing out of the infant seat, switch to a convertible or all-in-one seat that allows extended rear-facing.
Harnessing tips:
- Straps should be at or below the shoulders.
- Chest clip should be at armpit level.
- Do the pinch test: If you can pinch the strap, it's too loose.
Forward-facing seats
- Use after your child outgrows rear-facing height or weight limits
- Most kids should stay in a forward-facing child seat until age 5 or older. See the requirements for the booster seat below.
Harnessing tips:
- Straps should be at or below the shoulders.
- Chest clip stays at armpit level
- Keep doing the pinch test for snugness.
Booster seats
- Minimum age: four years old, AND 40 pounds and 43 inches tall.
- Most kids aren't ready until age five or older.
- Use until your child is at least eight years old, or better yet, 4 feet 9 inches tall (usually between ages 10-12).
Booster seat tips:
- Must use a lap AND shoulder belt
- Lap belt should sit low on the hips.
- Shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the neck or ear.
- Use seat belt positioners if needed.
- Backless boosters require a headrest. High-back boosters do not.
To keep kids safe in the car, it's important to use each type of car seat for as long as possible based on the child's size and age. Children in booster seats must be able to sit upright without slouching or shifting the seat belt even when asleep. Once a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall and passes the five-step seat belt test, they may be ready to use the regular vehicle's seat.
For questions about child passenger safety, car seat harnessing, installation or use, contact TMC’s Community Outreach at 520-324-4475 or email communityoutreach@tmcaz.com.
