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Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury among children. But many injuries can be prevented if children are safely buckled up in the proper child safety seats.

When choosing a child passenger safety seat, there are a number of factors to consider. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a set of guidelines for selecting the right car seat based on your child’s age, weight, and height. Infants and toddlers under age two should ride in rear-facing car seats until they reach the highest weight or height limit set by the car seat manufacturer. Children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats should then move up to a forward-facing or convertible car seat with a harness in the forward-facing position. The next step is a belt-positioning booster seat for children who outgrow the height and weight limits on their convertible car seats. More information – Car Seats: Information for Families for 2013, from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In a 2011 NPCH Report, we asked parents of young children how old their kids were when they switched them from rear-facing to forward-facing car seats. Almost three out of four parents had turned their children to the forward-facing position earlier than the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. Read the full report: Parents turning car seats to face forward too early.

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Even if your child is using the recommended car seat, it’s also important to make sure it is installed correctly. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand important safety features and restrictions. You can also have a certified technician inspect your car seat and make sure it is installed correctly. This service is often free of charge. To find a child safety seat inspection location near you, visit SeatCheck.org.