Car Seat Safety

New Child Safety Law in Michigan

Children ages 4 - 8 years OR under 4 feet 9 inches must be secured in a child restraint.

Many child seats have forward-facing harness weight limits of 40-65 lbs. (refer to manufacturer’s instructions). Safety advocates recommend  restraining your child in a 5-point harness system until they are at least 40 lbs before using a booster seat.

Booster seats must be used with the vehicle’s lap & shoulder belt. Children should remain in a booster seat until they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall.  A child’s height is the best predictor of proper seat belt fit.

Car Seat Safety Laws for Children:

• Rear-facing infant seats from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
• Forward-facing toddler seats from age 1 and at least 20 pounds to about age 4 and at least 40 pounds.
• Booster seats from about age 4 and 40 pounds to at least age 8 and 4'9" tall.
• Lap and shoulder safety belts at age 8 or older and taller than 4' 9".
• All children 12 and younger should ride in the back seat.

Free Car Seat Safety Clinics

Moore Pediatrics hosts car seat clinics on a regular basis. Certified technicians will check that your car seats and booster seats are correctly installed and teach you how to correctly install the seats yourself during a one on one session. These events are free and open to both patients and non-patient families. Visit our Class Offerings page for car seat clinics and other upcoming events