Car seat adjustments as your child grows

Here are some tips for parents and caregivers.

• Read your vehicle's owner's manual for guidance on how to properly install a child car seat.
• Read and review the car seat's owner's manual, noting height and weight limits.
• Position the car seat's harness straps at or below the child's shoulders when rear-facing (see image, below right). When facing forward, the harness straps should be at or above the child's shoulders (see image, below left).

• If adjustable, crotch straps should be positioned as close as possible to the child, but not beneath him.
• In most vehicles, the weight limit for the lower LATCH anchors is met when your child reaches 48 lbs. (check your vehicle owner's manual). When your child reaches the maximum weight for your vehicle, you should reinstall your seat using the seatbelts.
• Vehicle weight limits for top tether anchors can range from 40 to 60 pounds.
• Be aware of both the height and weight limits for your seat. When comparing the height and weight limits of the convertibles we tested to standard growth charts, we found children were equally as likely to reach either limit.