Car Seat Stage Finder: Rear-Facing, Forward-Facing or Booster?
Enter your child's age, weight and height to see which car seat stage fits now — rear-facing, forward-facing with a harness, booster or seat belt — and when to move on.
Enter your child’s age, weight and height to see which car seat stage they’re likely in. The tool follows guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and NHTSA. The rule is to keep your child in each stage as long as possible, until they reach the top weight or height limit of their current seat.
Estimates for general guidance only — every baby is different. Ask your pediatrician about your own child.
The four car seat stages
| Stage | Who | Move on when |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rear-facing | Babies and toddlers. Many children can stay rear-facing to age 3–4. | They reach the seat’s rear-facing weight or height limit (many convertible seats allow 40–50 lb). |
| 2. Forward-facing with harness | Children who have outgrown rear-facing | They reach the harness’s weight or height limit (often 65 lb). |
| 3. Booster seat | Children who have outgrown the harness | The adult belt fits properly, usually at about 4 ft 9 in (145 cm), between ages 8 and 12. |
| 4. Seat belt | Children who pass the 5-step belt fit test | Keep riding in the back seat until age 13. |
The 5-step seat belt test
- Your child’s back is against the vehicle seat.
- Their knees bend at the edge of the seat.
- The lap belt lies low across the upper thighs and hips, not the stomach.
- The shoulder belt crosses the middle of the chest and collarbone, not the neck.
- They can stay seated like this for the whole trip.
If any answer is no, keep using a booster. Ready to shop or install? Read our guides to infant vs convertible car seats, car seat installation and booster seats.