Child Passenger Safety Week: Make Sure Your Child Is in the Right Seat

Child Passenger Safety Week, observed September 20–26, 2026, is an important reminder for parents and caregivers to make sure every child is properly secured on every trip.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 677 children age 14 and younger were killed while riding in passenger vehicles in 2024, and more than 127,000 were injured. Of the children killed, 39% were not properly restrained. Car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers riding in passenger cars.

Choose the Right Seat for Every Stage

A child’s car seat needs change as they grow. Parents and caregivers should select a seat based on the child’s age, height and weight while following the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.

• Rear-facing car seat: Children should remain rear-facing for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the manufacturer.
• Forward-facing car seat: Once a child outgrows the rear-facing seat, use a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether until the seat’s height or weight limit is reached.
• Booster seat: Children who have outgrown a forward-facing seat should use a booster until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly.
• Seat belt: The lap belt should fit snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach, while the shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder without touching the neck or face.

Children should continue riding in the back seat through at least age 12.

Check the Installation

Even the right car seat cannot offer its full protection if it is installed or used incorrectly. NHTSA reports that approximately 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly.

Before your next trip:

• Read both the car seat instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual.
• Make sure the seat is tightly secured and does not move more than one inch from side to side or front to back at the belt path.
• Check that the harness is snug and positioned correctly.
• Use the top tether with a forward-facing car seat when permitted by the car seat and vehicle manufacturers.
• Register the seat with its manufacturer to receive recall and safety notifications.

National Seat Check Saturday is September 26, providing another opportunity to review your child’s car seat and correct any potential problems.

Children grow quickly, and a seat that fit properly several months ago may need to be adjusted or replaced. During Child Passenger Safety Week, take a few minutes to make sure your child is riding in the right seat, that the seat is installed correctly and that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.

Learn more and find helpful car seat resources through NHTSA’s Car Seats and Booster Seats guide.