1. Is your child in the back seat?
The backseat is the safest place in case of a crash. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, it is essential that children 12 and under ride in the backseat.

2. Is your child facing the right way?
Infants should always ride facing the back, preferably in the back seat, until about age one or at least 20-22 pounds. Always read your safety seat’s owner manual for instructions on proper usage. Children over age one and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward.

3. Is the safety belt holding the seat tightly in place?
Make sure to put the belt through the right slot. If your safety seat can be used facing either way, use the correct belt slots for each direction. Be sure to check the vehicle owner's manual for tips on using safety belts.

4. Is the harness buckled snugly around your child?
Be sure to keep the straps over your child’s shoulder. The harness should always be adjusted so you can slip only one finger underneath the straps at your child's chest. Always place the chest clip at armpit level.

5. Is your child over 40 pounds?
It is safest to keep your child in a safety seat with a full harness as long as possible - at least until 40 pounds. After your child reaches 40 pounds switch to a belt-positioning booster seat which helps the adult seatbelt fit better.