Safety Seat Recalls
Safety Seat Installation Videos
1. Infants
- Virginia law requires children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until the age of two or the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing safety seat as stated by the manufacturer of the safety seat.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration also recommend using a rear-facing child safety seat until 2 years of age or longer if the seat has higher weight and height limits specified by the manufacturer, which can be as high as 40-50 pounds for newer seats.
- Never place a rear-facing safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag.
2. Toddlers
- When children outgrow their rear-facing safety seats, they should ride in forward-facing child safety seat with a 5-point harness, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of their safety seat.
- It is best to use a 5-point harness as long as the safety seat will allow.
3. Booster Seat
- Once children outgrow their forward-facing safety seat, they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until they fit the vehicle seat belt. Children must be in a safety seat until they turn 8 years old as stated in Virginia law.
- Seat belts fit correctly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should fit across the chest (usually when they are 4’9″ tall).
4. Seat Belt
- When children outgrow their booster seats, they can usually fit the adult seat belts. The seat belt fits properly when:
- The child’s knees bend over the edge of the vehicle seat cushion and feet should rest flat on the floor.
- The child is sitting with their back against the seat and not slouching.
- The shoulder belt to rest across their chest midway between the shoulder and neck.
- The lap belt fits low and snug across the hips, touching the upper thighs.
- Virginia Law requires that all children age 7 years and younger to be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat. There is no height or weight requirement.