Car seats and booster seats save lives. But only when they fit your child, fit your vehicle, and are used correctly every time. Kids don’t all grow at the same rate, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The safest setup changes as your child’s height, weight, and development change, and it can vary from one vehicle to another. That’s why it’s so important to follow both your vehicle owner’s manual and your car seat instructions, and to check that your child is within the seat’s current height and weight limits. NHTSA allows you to check for recalls on car seats here.

An even safer approach is to have your car seat inspected by a certified technician and remove the guesswork. Safer New Mexico Now offers Car Seat Fitting Stations across the state where technicians educate and assist families in the proper use and installation of their child’s car seat. The events are free and by appointment only. Click here to see their calendar of events.

Many parents and caregivers are surprised to learn how often car seats are used incorrectly or how quickly a child can outgrow a seat that once fit perfectly. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing as long as possible, children should stay in a car seat with a harness until they reach the manufacturer’s limits, and booster seats should be used until an adult seatbelt fits properly. Seatbelts are designed for adults, not growing bodies, and moving a child out of a car seat or booster too early can increase the risk of serious injury. Safer New Mexico Now’s Car Seat Basics resources offer clear guidance to help parents and caretakers understand which seat is appropriate at each stage and how to make sure it’s being used correctly.

And make sure you buckle up, so your kids will, too!