• Rear-facing or forward-facing.
• From birth up to 40 pounds (used rear-facing until the baby is at least 20 pounds and a year old. Many are available with rear-facing weight limits up to 30 to 35 pounds for larger babies).
• Place harness straps at or below your infant's shoulders (in the lower slots) and keep harness straps snug.
• Place the chest clip at your infant's armpit level to keep harness straps in place.
• Do not put your child in heavy clothing or a jacket before strapping into the carseat. The bulky clothing prevents the harness straps from being snug enough.
• If using a convertible seat rear-facing for a newborn, place a rolled towel around the baby's head and neck for support. Never place any extra cushioning under or behind the baby, which will prevent the harness straps from being pulled snug enough.
• When selecting a convertible seat for a newborn, choose one without a t-shield or tray shield in front of the baby. The shield comes up too high on the newborn and may make proper adjustment of the harness difficult.
• Get more convertible car seat use and installation tips from the NHTSA.

Forward-facing-only seats

• Forward-facing only.
• From 20 to 30 pounds up to 40 pounds or more. Child must be at least one year old, up to age 3 to 4.
• Place harness straps at or above child's shoulders. Forward-facing-only seats have several slots; choose the slots closest to your child's shoulders.
• Place chest clip across the chest at armpit level to keep harness straps in place.
• Keep harness straps snug.
• Get more forward-facing car seat use and installation tips from the NHTSA.