Infants & childreN
Finding and Installing the Right Car Seat
Safe rides begin with ensuring every child is buckled into the right seat that will protect them in the event of a crash. Here’s how to make the best decision for each rider.
Purchase the Appropriate Car Seat or Booster Seat
Select a car seat or booster seat that fits your child's age, weight, and height. No car seat or booster seat is universally the "best" or "safest." The best seat is the one that fits your child, fits in your vehicle, and is used correctly each time.
Watch How-to Videos
Learn how to properly secure your child in the seat by watching the relevant instructional videos. Visit the Infants & Children pages and find videos for different seat stages
Follow Installation Instructions
Adhere to the installation guidelines provided by both the child seat and vehicle manufacturers. Car seats can be installed using either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
- Check the Child Restraint Owner’s Manual and your Vehicle Manufacturer Owner’s Manual: Verify if both installation methods (seat belt and LATCH) are permitted. Some child restraint manufacturers allow both options based on additional testing, but unless specified, use only one method for installation. Choose the method that allows for a tight installation; at the belt path, the seat should not move more than one inch side to side or front to back. Neither method is inherently safer; both have undergone the same crash testing.
- Using LATCH: LATCH is a system for securing car seats. You may use the lower anchors instead of the seat belt, provided your vehicle manufacturer allows it for that seating position (vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002, are required to have LATCH systems). Consult your child seat owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding weight limits, usage requirements, and any special considerations.
- Top Tether Requirement: Always use the top tether with a forward-facing car seat when possible, regardless of whether you secure it with the seat belt or lower anchors. Always consult the child seat owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to use the tether. Consult the vehicle manufacturer owner’s manual for how to find the tether anchors in your vehicle.
Consult a Certified Technician
Make an appointment with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) or Find a Car Seat Checkup Event to ensure the seat is correctly installed and your child is safely secured.
Car Seat Manufacturers
When selecting the right car seat for your child, consider Minnesota law, your child’s age and size, and the types of vehicles you will use. The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains an up-to-date list of approved car seats that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213. Please note that there may be car seats available that are not included in this publication. View the list here.
If you have questions specific to your car seat manufacturer, all brands offer caregiver assistance through telephone, email, and online resources. Some manufacturers also provide virtual support. Check this website for a comprehensive list of all manufacturers, along with their contact details: JPMA Car Seat Directory.
Important Information for Families
One of the most crucial responsibilities as a parent is keeping your child safe while riding in a vehicle. Each year, thousands of young children are injured or killed in car crashes across the country. Proper use of car seats, booster seats, or seat belts is essential for protecting children, but the variety of options can be overwhelming.
Understanding Car Seat Types
Car seats vary significantly. The right seat depends on your child’s age, size, and developmental needs. Always refer to both the vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat owner’s manual each time you install the seat. Seeking professional installation assistance is beneficial to ensure your child’s seat is correctly installed.
Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.