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Infants up to 20 lbs. and up to one year ~
 should use either infant or convertible seat facing rear.
- Carseat should face rear of vehicle
- Seat should be reclined.
- Add blankets over harness and not under it.
- Note:If baby's head is one inch from top of infant seat or baby weighs 20 lbs before one year of age, use a convertible seat that goes to 30 lbs or more in the rear-facing direction.
Children over one year of age (20-40 lbs) ~
 forward facing seat with harness
- Seat faces forward in vehicle.
- Convertible seat should sit upright.
- Use until child is at least 40 lbs or child's shoulders are above top harness strap slots or top part of child's ears are above top of seat.
 Children over 40 lbs should use a booster seat
- Booster seats are used to make the lap and shoulder belt fit properly.
- Use until the child is 4'9" tall or can pass the 5-point test (below).
- Note: Effective June 1, 2007: WA State law requires children to ride in a booster seat until they’re either 8 years old or 80 pounds or 4 feet, 9 inches tall. But they also may stay in the seats longer if they don’t fit in a seat belt properly. The fine is $112.
5-Step Test to determine if child is ready for an adult seatbelt.
- Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
- Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
- Does the lap belt stay on the top part of the thighs?
- Is the shoulder belt centered on the chest and shoulder?
- Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
Note: If you say no to any of these questions, or if your child puts the shoulder part of the seat belt under their arm or behind their back, your child still needs a booster seat.
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