Various manufacturers have rear facing limits of 30 33 35 and now 40 pounds. When can a child sit in the front seat in texas. Use a rear facing car seat from birth until ages 24. Lap and shoulder belts should always be worn. The safety seat must be installed according to the manufacturers instructions. The american academy of pediatrics says kids between 8 and 12 years of age should be in booster seats.
Forward facing seats for children above 2 years as long as they are between 40 80 pounds until they are 4 year old. Even if a 13 year old weighs more than 150 pounds they may still need to use a booster seat if theyre under 4 feet 9 inches tall. All rear facing seats are prohibited from use in the front seat of a vehicle if. Children under age 1 should always ride in a rear facing car seat. Use a rear facing infant or rear facing convertible safety seat as long as possible up to the rear facing height or weight limit of the seat. If you need help installing your car seat trust a professional and find a car seat inspection station near you.
Many of the seats designed to be installed forward facing require that the child be at least one year old and 20 22 pounds please read the owners manual for correct information on your particular safety seat system. Texas requires that child safety seats are used based on manufacturer recommendations. Make sure children are properly buckled in a car seat booster seat or seat belt whichever is appropriate for their weight height and age. For the best possible protection infants and toddlers should be buckled in a rear facing car seat in the back seat until they reach the maximum weight and height limits of their car seat. Adult safety belt usually for children between 10 12 years and 49. Properly install according to instructions in owners manual rear facing in the back seat.
Once weight and height requirements for booster seats have been passed children can sit in the car seats designed for adults. Children may sit in the front seat with a seat belt if their height and weight have passed the booster seat limits. Visit our main car seat safety page for additional age weight and height guidelines. Kids should be at least 49 tall and weigh at least 80 pounds before transitioning out of the booster. 8 years old and above. A seat belt may not fit properly at this height.
Nhtsa recommends that booster seats be used in the back seat from ages 4 to 8 and when the child weighs over 40 pounds unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller. Booster seats with adult lap and shoulder belt are preferred to children above 4 years and around 40 pounds. Parents must also check their car seat manufacturers height and weight limits and follow recommendations from health and safety organizations. Texas law states that all children under eight years of age unless taller than 57 inches are required to be in an appropriate child safety seat system whenever they ride in a passenger vehicle. Although not required by law texas recommends rear facing seats for all children until they either turn two years old or reach 35 pounds.