Car seat rules and recommendations change and vary by place. For current guidance in the United States, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (search "car seats and booster seats") and the American Academy of Pediatrics site for parents, HealthyChildren.org. Outside the US, check your national transport or road safety agency. Last reviewed November 2026.
The right seat for your child
Car seats come in stages: rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats with a harness, and booster seats. Which one a child needs depends on age, height and weight, and on the limits printed on the seat. Official guidance explains when to move between stages. Always follow both the car seat manual and the vehicle manual.
Getting it installed correctly
Many seats are installed with small mistakes. Certified child passenger safety technicians can check your installation and show you how to do it yourself. NHTSA's website has a tool to find a car seat inspection station near you. Book a check well before a big trip.
Rental cars and borrowed seats
- Know the seat's history. A seat that has been in a crash may need to be replaced.
- Check the expiration date, which is usually printed on a label or molded into the plastic.
- Check for recalls using the seat's model number and date of manufacture.
- Make sure the manual is with the seat, or find it online before you install it.
- If you are renting a seat with a car, ask ahead about the model and condition, and inspect it before you drive away.
Car seats on planes
Some car seats are approved for use on aircraft and carry a label that says so. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration has guidance on flying with children and on which child restraints may be used on board. Check that page and your airline's rules before you fly, since policies on seat sizes and lap infants differ.
Toys, coats and add-ons
- Do not add toys, padding or covers to a car seat unless the seat maker approves them.
- Bulky coats can leave the harness too loose. The AAP and NHTSA both explain how to keep kids warm safely.
- Keep toys soft and light, as explained in toy safety on the move.
Car seat questions
Can you tell me which seat to buy?
No. We do not recommend brands or models. Official guidance, your pediatrician and a certified technician are the right sources for that choice.
Do rules differ abroad?
Yes. Car seat standards and laws differ between countries, and a seat approved in one country may not meet the standard in another. Check the official rules for where you are going.