As parents, we all naturally look forward to our children meeting various milestones. But the graduation to each stage of child safety restraints should be viewed as a demotion in safety, rather than an accomplished milestone. Kyle, Toni, and Belle's parents only have photographs to look at. These precious lives, all age three, were lost in car accidents. And their parents can only look back painfully and wonder if a five point harness could have saved their child.


Kyle's parents began a foundation in his memory, The Kyle David Miller Foundation, to educate the public about child passenger safety and provide higher weight harnessed seats to families who could not otherwise afford them.


Belle and Toni's parents have combined forces in Australia to begin The BellToni Association for Child Passenger Safety.


If you have questions about your child's current carseat, or would like advice on a future purchase, Car-Seat.org is an excellent place to start.

Infant Seats
When to use this type of seat

Infant Seats or "buckets" are typically used from 5-20lbs. The upper weight limit of these seats has increased on many new models, and may allow your child to use the seat up to 22lbs or even 30lbs. They typically come with a base that stays installed in the car. The seat is placed on the base and "clicks" into position. You may purchase additional bases if you frequently use the seat in several vehicles.


The Basics
  • Infant seats must be installed rear facing
  • The harness straps should be at or BELOW the child's shoulders
  • Place your child in the seat, buckle the straps and place the chest clip at armpit level. Tighten the harness snugly using the adjuster such that you cannot pinch the strap together between your fingers at the collarbone.
  • Make sure the harness is buckled properly and snug before adding blankets and avoid using jackets or puffy clothing that would lead to a false sense of harness tightness
  • Avoid using any aftermarket products that did not come with your seat. Common examples include head positioners, body hugs/cushions, and harness covers
  • Child's head does not fall forward. This can restrict the airway. If you baby's head is falling forward, check that you have the child restraint properly reclined.
  • Read both your carseat AND your vehicle manuals before installing your seat. Have your seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician.





Convertible Seats
When to use this type of seat

Convertible seats can be used rear facing and forward facing, depending on your child's weight. You can begin using most convertibles at 5lbs. but most do not fit newborns especially well, and do not offer the portable convenience of a infant bucket seat. See instruction manuals for the weight limits of the seat in each mode.


The Basics
  • Rear facing is five times safer for children under age two. You should keep your children rear facing as long as possible within the weight limitations of the seat (usually 30-35lbs). Please see the video above for more information.
  • When the seat is rear facing, the harness straps should be at or BELOW the child's shoulders
  • When the seat is forward facing, the harness straps should be at or ABOVE the child's shoulders.
  • Place your child in the seat, buckle the straps and place the chest clip at armpit level. Tighten the harness snugly using the adjuster such that you cannot pinch the strap together between your fingers at the collarbone.
  • Make sure the harness is buckled properly and snug before adding blankets and avoid using jackets or puffy clothing that would lead to a false sense of harness tightness
  • It is best to look for a higher weight harness seat (which harnesses above 40lbs.) when shopping for a convertible. Many children will reach 40lbs. long before they are mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat. See video above for more information.
  • Read both your carseat AND your vehicle manuals before installing your seat. Have your seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician.









Booster Seats
When to use this type of seat

Infant Seats or "buckets" are typically used from 5-20lbs. The upper weight limit of these seats has increased on many new models, and may allow your child to use the seat up to 22lbs or even 30lbs. They typically come with a base that stays installed in the car. The seat is placed on the base and "clicks" into position. You may purchase additional bases if you frequently use the seat in several vehicles.


The Basics
  • Infant seats must be installed rear facing
  • The harness straps should be at or BELOW the child's shoulders
  • Place your child in the seat, buckle the straps and place the chest clip at armpit level. Tighten the harness snugly using the adjuster such that you cannot pinch the strap together between your fingers at the collarbone.
  • Make sure the harness is buckled properly and snug before adding blankets and avoid using jackets or puffy clothing that would lead to a false sense of harness tightness
  • Avoid using any aftermarket products that did not come with your seat. Common examples include head positioners, body hugs/cushions, and harness covers
  • Child's head does not fall forward. This can restrict the airway. If you baby's head is falling forward, check that you have the child restraint properly reclined.