Car Seats Recommendations - Dearborn Pediatrics - Pediatric Medicine
Dearborn Pediatrics

PARENTS: Face masks are now optional.

Well child visit appointments can now come directly into the office and check in at the front desk. At this time we are asking all sick visit appointments to continue checking in from the parking lot.

You do not need an appointment but would still need to call from the parking lot when you arrive for this nurse visit.

Car Seat

Car Seats Recommendations

​​​​​​​​​​​One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when your child is riding in a vehicle. Each year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But, because so many different seats are on the market, many parents find this overwhelming. If you are expectant parents, give yourselves enough time to learn how to properly install the car safety seat in your car, before your baby is born, to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital.

​The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s age, size, and developmental needs. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child.

Listing of Car Seats & Car Seat Manufacturers

Types of Car Seats at a Glance

This chart is a quick guide on where to start your search. It’s important to continue your research to learn about each seat you use.
​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.