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A forward-facing car seat uses a 5-point harness to spread the force of a sudden stop or crash over the strongest parts of your child’s body. This seat protects a child who has outgrown their larger, rear-facing seat.

Forward-facing car seats include the larger rear-facing seat that you can change to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows. They also include car seats that can change from a forward-facing car seat with a harness into a booster seat.

Who should be in a forward-facing car seat?

• A forward-facing seat protects a child who has outgrown their larger rear-facing seat. Your child is safest in the larger rear-facing car seat until they are 2, 3, or even 4 years old, as long as they are still under the maximum height or weight limit for rear-facing use.
• Keep your child in a 5-point harness until they weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb.) and are able to sit correctly. This may be at 4, 5, or even 6 years old. Some forward-facing seats can be used with a harness for children weighing up to 30 kg (65 lb.).
• If your child outgrows this seat before they are ready, you will need a 5-point harness seat that will hold a taller, heavier child.

How to use your child’s forward-facing car seat

 

See the printable Forward-facing car seat: How to keep your child safe in the car for information about how to use your child’s forward-facing car seat.

Always read your vehicle manual and follow the instructions for your seat.

• Place the car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Attach the seat using the lower anchors (UAS) or the seat belt and tighten. If you use the seat belt, it must be locked.
• Attach the top tether.
• The seat should move less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) where it is attached to the car.

• Make sure the harness straps are in the slot level with or above your child’s shoulders.
• Tighten the harness straps. You should not be able to pinch the harness at the shoulder.
• The harness should be flat with no twists.
• Place the chest clip at your child’s armpit level.

Helpful tips for using your forward-facing car seat

 

• If you are using a seat that can be used in different ways, read the instructions to find out how to set it up for forward facing.
• Always use the top tether. Check your vehicle manual to find out where the tether anchors are.
• It is safest to wait until your child is at least 2 years old before using a forward-facing seat. Some seats cannot be used before 2 years old. Check your instructions.
• Make sure your car seat is safe to use.

When is your child ready for the next seat?

 

• Check the labels on your seat to find out when your child will reach the seat’s height or weight limits.
• Keep your child in a 5-point harness until they weigh at least 18 kg (40 lb.).
• Before moving to a booster seat, your child must be able to sit straight and tall without moving around or unbuckling.
• If your child outgrows the 5-point harness before they are ready for a booster seat, you will need a forward-facing seat that will hold a taller, heavier child.
• Some 5-point harness seats will safely hold a child who is 5, 6, or even 7 years old.