Child Safety Seats

Protect Your Most Precious Cargo

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Proper car seat use can reduce this risk by up to 71%. Here's what you need to know to keep your child safe.

The Right Seat for Every Stage

Infants & Toddlers: Rear-Facing (Birth to 2+ years)

Keep rear-facing as long as possible

  • Minimum: 1 year old AND 20 pounds

  • Best practice: Until they reach the seat's maximum rear-facing limits

  • Always in the back seat

Young Children: Forward-Facing (2-4 years)

After outgrowing rear-facing limits

  • Use until child reaches seat's weight/height limits

  • Usually around age 4 or 40 pounds

  • Always in the back seat with 5-point harness

School Age: Booster Seats (4-8 years)

When they outgrow forward-facing car seats

  • Use until seat belt fits properly

  • Usually until age 8 or 4'9" tall

  • Always in the back seat

Older Children: Seat Belts (8+ years)

When they reach 4'9" tall

  • Lap belt across upper thighs (not stomach)

  • Shoulder belt across chest (not neck)

  • Back seat is safest until age 13

Get Help with Installation

Need assistance? Many local mechanics and some fire departments can help check car seat installation.

Online resources:

Key Safety Tips

  • Register your car seat for recall notifications

  • Check expiration dates - car seats do expire

  • Never use a damaged seat or one from an unknown history

  • Read both manuals - your car seat manual AND your vehicle manual

Washington State Law

Children must be properly restrained in approved car seats or booster seats until age 8, unless they're 4'9" or taller.

Your child's safety is worth the investment in the right seat and proper installation.